By MOOK Scenic Spots Family, compiled report
On the hills of Ruifang in New Taipei City lies an abandoned architectural ruin nestled in the mountains—the Shuǐkuàng Dòng “13-story Ruins.” From afar, it resembles a forgotten lost kingdom and is often dubbed the “Potala Palace on the mining mountain.” Its mysterious atmosphere always attracts many people to stop and admire it. When this beautiful scenery is illuminated at night, it’s sure to be a breathtaking visual experience.
This Mid-Autumn Festival, there will be a lighting ceremony at the 13-story ruins. (Photo / Keelung City -)
On September 13 this year, during the Mid-Autumn Festival, Taipower and the Cultural Association will hold a lighting ceremony at the 13-story ruins. From then on, the lights will be turned on regularly every evening from 6 to 9 PM, using light to evoke the memories of the mountain town’s past. The event invites international lighting art master Chu Lien and emerging artist Ho Tsai-jou to collaborate on the public art project “Lighting Up the 13 Stories,” using soft amber lights of varying brightness to connect the architecture, history, and the timeless emotions of people.
The 13-story ruins are filled with historical charm and an ethereal atmosphere, making them a hidden gem for many photographers. (Photo / bb211019)
This “Shuǐkuàng Dòng Smelting Plant Ruins” was built during the Japanese colonial period to accommodate copper mining. The main structure was planned by the then plant manager, Samaji Kikujirō, and constructed layer by layer along the mountain slope. With a total of thirteen visible levels above ground, it was called the “13 Stories” by the miners and residents of the time.
The 13-story ruins are buildings left behind from copper mining during the Japanese colonial period. (Image source / Tourism Bureau, Ministry of Transportation and Communications)
To this day, the 13-story ruins preserve their foundational structures as precious historical relics. Centuries of mining remains are scattered throughout the settlement and surrounding mining areas, forming a unique mining landscape. It serves as a natural museum of mining development, documenting Taiwan’s mining history, and was selected in 2003 as one of the Ministry of Culture’s “Potential World Heritage Sites in Taiwan.”
Jinguashi Shrine is also a popular spot on the “Shuǐjīnjiǔ (Water-Gold-Nine)” tour. Jiufen, Jinguashi, and Shuǐkuàng Dòng are all nostalgic scenes left behind as Ruifang District transitioned from a booming to a declining mining area, rich in cultural and historical atmosphere. (Image source / Xixi ccccc.b)
The scenic beauty of Shuǐkuàng Dòng in Jinguashi, New Taipei City, combines local culture, dining, and accommodation services while preserving the original appearance without affecting the local landscape. To recreate the golden historical charm of the Shuǐkuàng Dòng ruins and allow the public to rediscover the beauty of this mountain city of gold, understand its historical context, and create a nighttime light sculpture art installation, the goal is to offer a new experience of Shuǐkuàng Dòng and attract both domestic and international travelers to enjoy the nighttime beauty of Shuǐjīnjiǔ.
[Info]
“Lighting Up the 13 Stories” Lighting Ceremony
Event Date: 2019/9/13
Event Time: 19:00
Event Location: Shuǐkuàng Dòng Parking Lot, Ruifang District, New Taipei City
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》https://www.mook.com.tw/article.php?op=articleinfo&articleid=16542