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Remains of the Thirteen Levels

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Remains of the Thirteen Levels (Taiwan)

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The Remains of the Thirteen Levels, also known as the Shuinandong Smelter, is a monumental industrial landmark in New Taipei City. Built in 1933 during the Japanese colonial period, the facility was designed to process copper and gold ores extracted from the nearby Jinguashi and Jiufen mines. The terraced structure, built directly into the hillside to facilitate the smelting process, is so vast that it has been nicknamed the 'Pompeii of the North' or the 'Palace of the Mines.' Following the decline of the mining industry in the 1980s, the smelter was decommissioned and left to the elements. In recent years, the site has gained new life through a permanent light installation that illuminates the massive concrete ruins every night, highlighting its historical role in Taiwan's industrial development.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, Nov, Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C171819222527282827242219
Rain mm9992131126228262162263252116115100

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
These massive former copper and gold smelting ruins can be viewed from the outside, as safety restrictions prohibit entering the crumbling structures. The monumental scale is best appreciated from a slight distance.
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Typical hours
Since it is an open-air historical ruin, the site is typically accessible around the clock for exterior viewing, though daylight hours are recommended. Evening visits offer a different perspective when illuminated.
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Photography
Photography enthusiasts will find the dramatic industrial decay set against the lush mountainside and ocean backdrop simply spectacular. Bring a wide-angle lens to capture the full breadth of the cascading levels.
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Time needed
Most visitors spend between thirty minutes to an hour admiring the imposing ruins and taking photographs from the various viewing platforms. You do not need a long time unless you explore surrounding mining trails.
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Combine with
This fascinating industrial site is perfectly combined with a visit to the nearby Golden Waterfall, which gets its distinctive color from heavy metals. The historic mining town of Jiufen is also a short drive away.
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Getting there
The ruins are accessible by taking a local bus from Ruifang Railway Station towards the Northeast Coast, or by driving along the scenic highway. Parking is available nearby, though it gets busy during weekends.
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Insider tip
For the most magical and unobstructed view, head to the nearby Shuiandong parking lot which serves as an excellent natural viewing deck. Arrive in the late afternoon to witness the ruins contrasting with the sunset.

Geography

Coordinates
25.12170, 121.86530

Facts

  • The facility was completed and opened in 1933.
  • It primarily functioned as a copper and gold smelting plant.
  • The structure consists of 13 distinct terraced levels.
  • The massive exhaust pipes on the hill span over 2 kilometers.
  • The smelter was officially shut down in 1987.
  • A major light art project has illuminated the site nightly since 2019.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Jinguashi Gold MineJinguashi Gold Mine1 km · SEExplore →
Jiufen Old StreetJiufen Old Street2 km · SExplore →
ShifenShifen10 km · SEExplore →
Chiufen SandiaojiaoChiufen Sandiaojiao12 km · NEExplore →
Port of KeelungPort of Keelung14 km · SExplore →
Pingxi Coal MinePingxi Coal Mine15 km · SExplore →
YehliuYehliu20 km · SExplore →
JiaoxiJiaoxi21 km · SEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Remains of the Thirteen Levels (7)

Yinyang Sea📍 landmark

The Yinyang Sea is a strikingly bi-colored coastal bay where golden-yellow mineral runoff from old mining areas sharply contrasts with the deep blue ocean.

Dagui Waterfall📍 landmark

Dagui Waterfall is a scenic, cascading flow of water tumbling over rugged stone ledges into a shaded forest pool.

Nanzilinshan🌿 nature

Nanzilinshan features an exposed, grassy summit ridge that provides unobstructed 360-degree views of the dramatically carved Northeast Coast.

Nanya Rock Formation📍 landmark

The Nanya Rock Formation displays a striking coastline of eroded sandstone, characterized by distinct striped patterns and whimsical shapes carved by sea winds.

Nanyashanxifeng🌿 nature

Nanyashanxifeng is the rugged western summit of the Nanya mountain range, challenging hikers with its steep, rocky inclines overlooking the ocean.

Nanyashan🌿 nature

Nanyashan is an impressive coastal peak defined by its wind-sculpted stone formations and sweeping vistas of the northeastern Taiwanese shoreline.

Shuinandong Smelter🏺 historical

The Shuinandong Smelter, often called the "13 Levels," is a colossal abandoned copper refining facility ascending in grand terraces up a steep mountainside.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What are the Thirteen Levels?
The impressive ruins of a former copper smelter.
Can one enter the ruins?
No, entry is prohibited for safety reasons.
Are they illuminated?
Yes, there is atmospheric lighting in the evening.
What is the best time of day?
Late afternoon or at sunset.
What is nearby?
The coastal road has beautiful sea views.
Remains of the Thirteen Levels: where is it located?
Remains of the Thirteen Levels is located in Taiwan.
Remains of the Thirteen Levels: what is there to see?
Highlights include Yinyang Sea, Dagui Waterfall, Nanzilinshan.
Remains of the Thirteen Levels: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, Nov, Dec.
Remains of the Thirteen Levels: why is it worth visiting?
The Remains of the Thirteen Levels, also known as the Shuinandong Smelter, is a monumental industrial landmark in New Taipei City.
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Nearby cities

New Taipei City — Remains of the Thirteen Levels (Taiwan)
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The most populous city in Taiwan, completely enclosing the capital Taipei.
Wulai — Remains of the Thirteen Levels (Taiwan)
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A mountainous village famous for its natural hot springs, towering waterfalls, and indigenous Atayal culture.
Beitou — Remains of the Thirteen Levels (Taiwan)
Beitou
Taipei's famous hot spring district, known for its sulfurous steam and historical Japanese influences.
Hutoushan / Lalashan — Remains of the Thirteen Levels (Taiwan)
Hutoushan / Lalashan
A high-altitude mountain retreat famous for its millennia-old giant cypress trees and refreshing air.
Chiufen Sandiaojiao — Remains of the Thirteen Levels (Taiwan)
Chiufen Sandiaojiao
A magical mountain village and the easternmost point of Taiwan, offering breathtaking Pacific views.
Yehliu — Remains of the Thirteen Levels (Taiwan)
Yehliu
Yehliu is famous for its geological park featuring bizarre rock formations shaped by erosion along the northern coast.
Jiaoxi — Remains of the Thirteen Levels (Taiwan)
Jiaoxi
A modern hot spring town in Yilan, famous for its rare flatland thermal springs and local 'hot spring' agricultural products.
Yilan — Remains of the Thirteen Levels (Taiwan)
Yilan
A picturesque city in the Lanyang Plain, famous for hot springs and untouched nature.
Zhongjiao — Remains of the Thirteen Levels (Taiwan)
Zhongjiao
A prominent surfing paradise on Taiwan's north coast, famous for its consistent waves and wide sandy beaches.
Luodong — Remains of the Thirteen Levels (Taiwan)
Luodong
Taiwan's smallest urban township, which is nevertheless the busiest business center in Yilan County.
Taipei — Remains of the Thirteen Levels (Taiwan)
Taipei
The bustling capital of Taiwan, known for the 508-meter-tall Taipei 101 skyscraper and lively night markets.
Baishawan — Remains of the Thirteen Levels (Taiwan)
Baishawan
A stunning white sand beach on the north coast, perfect for water sports and seaside relaxation.
Chongde — Remains of the Thirteen Levels (Taiwan)
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A spectacular village at the foot of the Qingshui Cliffs, ideal for kayakers and nature lovers.
Taoyuan — Remains of the Thirteen Levels (Taiwan)
Taoyuan
A major industrial city in the northwest, home to Taiwan's main international airport.

History & landmarks

Jiufen Old Street — Remains of the Thirteen Levels (Taiwan)
Jiufen Old Street
A charming mountain town that was once a center for gold mining, now famous for its narrow alleys and traditional teahouses.
Yehliu Geopark — Remains of the Thirteen Levels (Taiwan)
Yehliu Geopark
A geological park on the north coast, famous for its unusual rock formations.
Shifen — Remains of the Thirteen Levels (Taiwan)
Shifen
Famous for its wide waterfall and a historic railway track that runs directly through the town's market street.
Maokong Gondola — Remains of the Thirteen Levels (Taiwan)
Maokong Gondola
A cable car system in Taipei that takes visitors up to the tea-growing areas of Maokong, home to many traditional teahouses.
Raohe Street Night Market — Remains of the Thirteen Levels (Taiwan)
Raohe Street Night Market
One of the oldest night markets in Taipei, known for its traditional dishes and the imposing gate at its entrance.
Yangmingshan National Park — Remains of the Thirteen Levels (Taiwan)
Yangmingshan National Park
A volcanic national park right outside Taipei, known for its hot springs, fumaroles, and cherry blossoms blooming in spring.
National Palace Museum — Remains of the Thirteen Levels (Taiwan)
National Palace Museum
A world-renowned museum housing one of the largest collections of ancient Chinese imperial artifacts and artworks.

Nature

Laomei Green Reef — Remains of the Thirteen Levels (Taiwan)
Laomei Green Reef
A coastal formation with volcanic trenches covered in green algae during spring.
Tamsui River — Remains of the Thirteen Levels (Taiwan)
Tamsui River
The Tamsui River flows through the Taipei metropolitan area and empties into the Taiwan Strait in the northwest of the island.
Qingshui Cliff — Remains of the Thirteen Levels (Taiwan)
Qingshui Cliff
Spectacular cliffs that drop almost vertically into the Pacific Ocean.

More places

Jinguashi Gold Mine — Remains of the Thirteen Levels (Taiwan)
Jinguashi Gold Mine
One of the largest gold and copper mines in Asia during the Japanese colonial era.
Pingxi Coal Mine — Remains of the Thirteen Levels (Taiwan)
Pingxi Coal Mine
Formerly Taiwan's largest coal mine, which shaped the industrial development of the region.
Lin Family Mansion and Garden — Remains of the Thirteen Levels (Taiwan)
Lin Family Mansion and Garden
One of the best-preserved examples of traditional Chinese architecture and gardening in Taiwan.
Fort San Domingo — Remains of the Thirteen Levels (Taiwan)
Fort San Domingo
Originally built by the Spanish and later used by various colonial powers, it reflects Taiwan's complex history.
Hobe Fort — Remains of the Thirteen Levels (Taiwan)
Hobe Fort
A late 19th-century fort in Tamsui that defended the mouth of the Tamsui River.
Port of Taipei — Remains of the Thirteen Levels (Taiwan)
Port of Taipei
A modern seaport in Bali District designed to relieve congestion at the Port of Keelung.
Port of Keelung — Remains of the Thirteen Levels (Taiwan)
Port of Keelung
A major seaport in northern Taiwan closely connected to Taipei.
Nangang Software Park — Remains of the Thirteen Levels (Taiwan)
Nangang Software Park
A major technology park in Taipei focused on biotechnology and software development.