28 handpicked spots, from the Yin-Yang Sea to the Golden Waterfallevery corner whispers of mountain and sea
Provincial Hwy. 2, 78.5K (Shuinandong Sec.), Ruifang Dist., New Taipei City
This is the starting point for exploring Shuinandong and a key shuttle stop during the weekend traffic control periods for Jinguashi and Jiufen. Once you park, the main attractions are right nearby. * Yin-Yang Sea Observation Deck: Located right next to the parking lot. * Remains of the 13 Levels: Visible directly overhead. * Golden Waterfall & Shuinandong Settlement: About a 10-minute walk away (an uphill route). Plenty of parking spaces, with public restrooms on site.
Provincial Hwy. 2 (Northern Coastal Hwy.), Yin-Yang Sea, Ruifang Dist., New Taipei City
The best vantage point for the Yin-Yang Sea, where half the bay runs golden and half a brilliant blue. The phenomenon comes from pyrite-rich streamwater flowing down from the Jinguashi mountains into the sea. Facing the ocean you look out over the two-toned bay; turn around and you see the Remains of the 13 Levels and Keelung Mountain, whose silhouette resembles a giant gorilla.
Provincial Hwy. 2 (Northern Coastal Hwy.), 78.5K, Ruifang Dist., New Taipei City
A straight road running directly toward the blue sea, evoking the seaside atmosphere of Kamakura, Japan — Shuinandong's most popular Instagram spot. It sits at the T-junction where the Jinshui Highway meets Provincial Highway 2 Coastal Road, and has become a favorite backdrop for wedding photos in recent years.
Dongding Rd., Ruifang Dist., New Taipei City
Both sides of the bridge offer the best views of the Golden Stream — a stream bed full of golden hues and gently murmuring water, a regular haunt for photographers. It is also a transport node for the mountain settlements: take bus 788 or 886 and get off here, and the Golden Waterfall and Remains of the 13 Levels are within walking distance.
Jinshui Hwy., Ruifang Dist., New Taipei City
Due to the abundance of minerals such as pyrite in the Jinguashi and Shuinandong areas, chemical reactions between groundwater and the minerals have caused the rocks along the waterfall's path to oxidize, creating distinctive golden-yellow and orange-red hues. The water here is not typical mountain stream runoff; rather, it originates from groundwater gushing out of abandoned mining tunnels. On 23 December 2025 the waterfall was formally designated a New Taipei City terrestrial natural landscape and listed as a core site of the Jiufen–Jinguashi–Shuinandong Geopark. Following the "Light Up the Remains of the 13 Levels" project, the "Light Up Golden Waterfall" initiative was launched in July 2026, ensuring the waterfall remains a spectacular sight by both day and night. Parking: paid and free parking lots are available nearby, along with free roadside spaces.
No. 80, Ln. 101, Dongding Rd., Ruifang Dist., New Taipei City
A "3D Ocean View Slide" two stories tall and nearly 10 meters long — sliding down feels like passing through an undersea tunnel. Whales, dolphins and other sea creatures are painted across both walls and the ceiling, with color-changing lights that make photos pop. The slide began as a school project combining disaster-evacuation routes with a drainage renovation, and has since become northern Taiwan's most iconic school attraction.
No. 361, Dongding Rd., Ruifang Dist., New Taipei City
Once dormitories for the Taiwan Metal Mining Corporation, restored and converted by Taipower into a venue where historic architecture meets contemporary art. Japanese artist Yoshitomo Nara's exhibition "Follow a Hazy, Damp Day to Jinguashi" was held here. For current exhibitions and events, see the venue's official Facebook and Instagram (@elec.city).
No. 6, Ln. 101, Dongding Rd., Ruifang Dist., New Taipei City
A long staircase built into the hillside with a distinctly Japanese lane-like feel — look straight down it and it seems to run all the way into the sea. Beside Liandong Elementary School; climb it for views over the dreamlike Yin-Yang Sea and the Remains of the 13 Levels.
No. 155-8, Dongding Rd., Ruifang Dist., New Taipei City
A lifestyle and design space converted from the Taiwan Metal Mining Corporation's old assembly hall, where imported European furniture and artists' sculptures sit inside a red-brick building full of old-world character. Furniture, artworks and crafts coexist here — a rare cultural gathering place in Shuinandong.
No. 90-1, Mingli Rd., Ruifang Dist., New Taipei City
A tucked-away little fishing harbor with a handful of boats moored, facing the Remains of the 13 Levels head-on; the high ground beside it is one of the best spots for a full view of the Yin-Yang Sea. There is none of the bustle of a tourist fish market here — just open scenery and quiet. At sunset, when the sky fills with color, it becomes a favorite haunt of photographers and anglers.
No. 7-1, Mingli Rd., Lianxin Vil., Ruifang Dist., New Taipei City
Northern Taiwan's most classic photo spot, capturing the romantic Yin-Yang Sea and the perfect C-shaped coastline in a single frame. At dusk you can also catch the two-way light trails along the Shuinandong stretch of the coastal highway against the sunset — widely regarded by photographers as the finest vantage point here.
No climbing required to see the Yin-Yang Sea, the Remains of the 13 Levels and Keelung Mountain all at once — a popular spot on the Northeast Coast for families and photographers. The temple sits high on the hillside in Lianxin Village and is Shuinandong's most important place of worship. The principal deity is Kaitai Shengwang (Koxinga, Zheng Chenggong), with Tianshang Shengmu (Mazu), Guanyin, Guan Sheng Dijun, Tudi Gong and Nezha among the attendant deities. The liveliest days are the Mazu procession on the 23rd day of the third lunar month and Koxinga's birthday on the 14th day of the seventh lunar month.
Jinshui Rd., Ruifang Dist., New Taipei City
Known as "Taiwan's Castle in the Sky" and "the Potala Palace of the mining mountain," the Remains of the 13 Levels (Shuinandong Smelter) is a gold and copper ore processing plant built during the Japanese colonial era. Its workshops rise in thirteen tiers up the hillside — hence the name. On 14 March 2007 it was registered as a historic building by the then Taipei County Government (now New Taipei City), and it is a candidate site for Taiwan's World Heritage list. Night illumination: daily 18:00–21:00, in place since 2019. Organized by Taipower and led by international lighting master Chou Lien, the soft amber light restores the historic grandeur of the golden mountain town, dreamlike after dark. Best photo spots: the low-angle view from the Shuinandong parking lot, and the eye-level view from Changren Pavilion.
Changren Rd., Ruifang Dist., New Taipei City, Changren Pavilion summit
A traditional pavilion at the highest point of the Shuinandong mountain town. From here the entire bay opens up — the gold-and-blue divide of the Yin-Yang Sea, the imposing outline of the Remains of the 13 Levels, and Keelung Mountain in the distance — one of the most complete panoramas in Shuinandong.
sea-eroded reef area, Ruifang Dist., New Taipei City
Two sea-eroded rocks: an open-mouthed "wolf" facing a meek, head-lowered "sheep" — hence the name. Beside Shuinandong Fishing Port. From certain angles you can see Keelung Mountain framed between the two rocks, making it a hugely popular Instagram spot on the Northeast Coast.
A boulder worn by years of sea wind and waves into the shape of a Shar Pei fast asleep, right down to the lazy pose of short front paws propping up its head. Beside Shuinandong Fishing Port, also known as Big-Head Dog Rock or Chow Chow Rock. From another angle it looks like the dog is drinking with its head down — an endearing sight.
Jinshui Hwy., Ruifang Dist., New Taipei City, next to the Golden Waterfall
Liandong Stream (also known as Golden Stream or Jiufen Stream) is a mysterious waterway distinguished by a unique golden-yellow hue resulting from its high mineral content. The stream's characteristics and origins stem from surface water and abundant rainfall seeping into underground mining areas, where the water comes into contact with pyrite and enargite in the rock strata. Through redox reactions and catalysis by iron-oxidizing bacteria, highly acidic, mineral-rich water is formed. As the iron-rich water flows, it deposits a thick layer of yellowish-brown iron hydroxide onto the streambed rocks, giving the entire stream the appearance of a flowing "Golden Stream." The glittering golden hues—ranging from small flecks to larger patches—make it a favorite subject for photographers.
Dongding Rd., Ruifang Dist., New Taipei City, Shuinandong Lookout
A viewing platform on Dongding Road overlooking the Yin-Yang Sea, the Remains of the 13 Levels and the whole Shuinandong settlement in one sweep — an excellent spot for panoramic shots.
Dongding Rd., Ruifang Dist., New Taipei City, west of Liandong Tunnel
The Shen'ao rail line once ran all the way to Shuinandong, ending at Liandong Station — and this tunnel is what remains of that coastal stretch. Passenger and freight services were suspended in December 1975 and the line was gradually abandoned; once the Northeast Coastal Highway opened, it never reopened. Today only this roadside tunnel and two bridge piers survive, among the few physical traces left from the era when ore travelled by rail. Please note: the tunnel interior is unmaintained and untidy, and the entrance opens directly onto a road junction with passing traffic. Not recommended for families with young children.
Mingli Rd., Ruifang Dist., New Taipei City, trailhead
The entrance to the Mingli Road trail, with mountain and sea views along the way, linking the fishing port and the settlement. Good for an easy walk.
multi-purpose performance platform, Ruifang Dist., New Taipei City
Shuinandong's multi-functional performance platform, used for community events and performances, and also a fine place to take in the mountain and sea scenery.
Dongding Rd., Ruifang Dist., New Taipei City, Liandong Trail entrance
The Liandong boardwalk connects the various levels of the Shuinandong settlement, passing sea views and mining relics along the way — a walking route for exploring Shuinandong in depth.
near the Shuinandong north tunnel mouth, Ruifang Dist., New Taipei City
Between the north tunnel entrance and the Wuji cable car, this spot brings you close to the century-old ore storage bins and the sweat and bustle of the mining families who once worked here; look back and you will see the lifelike guardian known as the "Sea-Gazing King Kong."
Changren Rd., Ruifang Dist., New Taipei City
A quiet mountain settlement in Lianxin Village, Ruifang District, close to Shuinandong, the Golden Waterfall and the Yin-Yang Sea. It was an important mining village during the Japanese colonial era and bears witness to the rise and fall of Taiwan's mining history.
east of the small fishing harbor, Ruifang Dist., New Taipei City
Head east from the parking lot and a natural sea cave lies hidden in the overgrowth not far away — the starting point for tracing how the place names Shuiliandong and Shuinandong changed over time, and the stories behind them.
Mingli Rd., Ruifang Dist., New Taipei City, in front of Weiyuan Temple
A sculpted gateway forged in stainless steel: General Gan Hui holding an official seal on the right, General Zhang Wanli holding a sword on the left. Both served under the Prince of Yanping and stand guard over the temple gate. The work of local metal sculptor Lin Jinlong, it is arguably the most distinctive temple gateway in Taiwan.
The only surviving Huang family courtyard residence in Shuinandong, known locally as the "Big House," tucked away in a hollow above Weiyuan Temple. The Huang family's founding ancestor dates back to the Qing dynasty. Before the gold and copper industry took off in the Japanese colonial era, they farmed terraced fields on the hillside and fished these waters, living self-sufficiently; at their peak they made up nearly half of Shuinandong's population, making them the area's leading family. On the 23rd day of the third lunar month, Mazu's birthday, the procession organized by Weiyuan Temple for the Changren community always passes by the Huang family residence. Jiangxia Hall is private property belonging to the Huang family. To keep its traditional character it has not been designated a heritage site, and the family maintains it themselves. Please view quietly from outside — do not enter or make noise, as people still live here.
Mingli Rd., Lianxin Vil., Ruifang Dist., New Taipei City
Shuinandong's founding Earth God temple. Its most unusual feature is the "temple within a temple" — an inner shrine carved from solid rock, rich with age. Set on a quiet path between Weiyuan Temple and Jiangxia Hall, the temple is finely built and long-established, and has watched over the wellbeing of Shuinandong residents for generations. Getting there: from the Shuinandong parking lot, follow the Liandong village trail uphill and keep to the signs for Weiyuan Temple or the Changren community. It sits on the hillside just above the "Chuanwu" bus stop, slightly to the left.
