🌊 Mountain-Sea Classic · Castle in the Sky

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Explore the andesite geology and follow a quiet trail, feeling the stillness of the mountain town.

A stunning spot where sea meets sky; on weekends kids can enjoy the slide at Liandong Elementary School.

Stroll down the long staircase, immersed in Japanese-era houses and quiet alleys.

Pick a local restaurant or a view café and enjoy good food and a relaxed break.

Walk downhill back to the main parking lot, ending the half-day trip with memories of mountain and sea.