Shuinandong

十三層遺址

Golden Fall, Shuinandong Smelter, and Yinyang Sea

Between the large mining villages of Jiufen and Jinguashi is Keelung Mountain, nicknamed the "beauty with the large stomach." Driving from Shuinandong onto Jinshui Highway, the many ancient treasures hidden by this meandering mountain terrain are soon revealed. One of the best becomes visible as drivers enter Shuinandong's scenic area. In the distance is a smelter built up 13 levels to fit the mountainous terrain, complete with a 2-kilometer flue pipe that goes around the mountain. Today this abandoned mineral processing plant is overgrown and partially buried, much like the ancient Roman city of Pompeii. Nearby there is also Taiwan's only "Golden" waterfall. Years of heavy metal accumulation has turned the waterfall face a golden color, which is enhanced by the mist glowing in the sunlight. More minerals concentrated in the creeks of the Jinguashi mountainous region reach the river mouth and form a half gold, half dark blue color. This is the Yinyang Sea, a section of the coast known for its contrasting dark and light colors.