Cars parked haphazardly and litter everywhere — distressed residents suffer due to reckless travelers at abandoned flue: some even yell at police

Reported by Chen Ruizhong / Taipei

Recently, the abandoned flue in Ruifang has become an offbeat must-visit attraction for travelers. But for local residents, the massive influx of tourists has brought unbearable disturbances. Locals say it’s not just the litter and beverage cans strewn everywhere, but some visitors have even shouted at “police,” declaring, “I’m calling 110!”

▲ The abandoned flue in Ruifang has been left covered in litter due to the recent surge in visitors. (Photo / Reporter Chen Ruizhong, the same below)

Originally used to vent exhaust gases from the 13-level ore processing plant, the abandoned flue stretches over a thousand meters across the hills of Ruifang. With the decline of the mining industry, the flue has turned into ruins. Yet many tourists and photographers are drawn to its unique and spectacular beauty, flocking to visit.

▲ Cigarette butts can also be seen discarded carelessly along the access road to the abandoned flue.

The flue is located in Lianxinli, Ruifang. Local resident Mrs. Zhang says that there used to be few visitors to the flue, but in the past month, it has been packed every day.Even at 2 p.m. on a Wednesday, it’s estimated that there were over 200 tourists on the flue.

▲ The abandoned flue in Ruifang coils around the hillside like a giant dragon. (Photo / Provided by reader Zhuang Weiyu)

While the flue attracts many visitors, they often ignore traffic rules and park their vehicles indiscriminately. Due to the narrow local roads and the need to walk to the site,local police officers come on holidays to help direct traffic, yet some drivers have yelled at them: “Why won’t you let me drive in? I’m calling 110!”Locals remind drivers to stay close to the roadside, but some rude motorists retort, “If you park like this, then don’t drive!” leaving residents feeling deeply wronged.

▲ Some visitors simply park along the roadside, and when visitor numbers surge on holidays, this leads to traffic congestion.

Additionally, since reaching the flue involves traversing muddy terrain, it’s inevitable that shoes get dirty. Many tourists wipe their shoes with tissue paper and then discard it carelessly, along with empty drink containers, leaving the area littered with trash. Mrs. Zhang said:“In the past, we locals would voluntarily go up the mountain to clean up regularly, but now no matter how much we sweep, the garbage never seems to end, so people have gradually lost the motivation to clean... ”

▲ Warning signs have been put up, but they haven’t dampened visitors’ enthusiasm.

Beyond the issues of litter and traffic, Mrs. Zhang is also worried that “the flue hasn’t been maintained in years and is toxic — what if something happens?”

Originally designed to vent waste fumes from metal processing, the tunnel likely still contains toxic residues, and with the flue being 30–40 years old, its structural safety is a concern.Although Taipower has put up warning signs at the entrance advising against entry, many visitors still fearlessly climb up. To local residents, it’s alarming to watch.

Mrs. Zhang said that although locals have asked government agencies to re-plan the area and mark boundaries, nothing has been done. Faced with the damage caused by the tourist crowds, when visitors now ask “how to get to the flue,” she can only reply helplessly, “I don’t know,” feeling utterly helpless.