Hundreds rush to climb it: Ruifang’s abandoned flue becomes a hotspot, locals worry: It’s toxic!

Reported by Chen Ruizhong, Taipei

Recently, an adventure trend centered around ruins has emerged in the Shuijinjiu area of New Taipei City. Three abandoned flues that witnessed the mining era, with their surreal atmosphere and serpent-like presence coiled around the mountains, have become an alternative popular tourist attraction. However, local residents say these flues are dilapidated and toxic — extremely dangerous!

▲ The Ruifang abandoned flues, recently become a popular tourist attraction. (Photo / Provided by reader Chuang Weiyu, same below)

Located in Ruifang, the abandoned flues were originally used to vent gases from the 13-level ore beneficiation plant. In the past, the 13-level beneficiation plant was the largest of its kind in Asia, dedicated to mining local ores and metals. To discharge the toxic gases produced in the factory, three massive flues with a total length of several kilometers were built. Each flue was wide enough for an adult to walk on, which is how they appear today.

▲ The Ruifang abandoned flues were once used for toxic gas emissions.

With the passage of time, the beneficiation plant has been abandoned and unused for many years, and the flues are no longer in service. Despite being located in a remote area with difficult access, many travelers and photography enthusiasts have recently flocked to the beneficiation plant and the abandoned flues to capture photos, drawn by their uniqueness and distinctive desolate beauty. Some enterprising business owners have even started small ventures nearby.

▲ The Ruifang abandoned flues are spectacular and have become a new northern hot spot for tourism. (Photo / Provided by Self Tsai)

Looking at safety,the flues were originally designed to vent toxic gases and may still contain residual metal toxicity. Moreover, the flues are 30–40 years old, and there's no telling when they might collapse.The office of Lianxin Village Chief stated that although the landowner, Taiwan Power Company, has put up warning signs, hundreds of visitors flock to the abandoned flues every day out of curiosity. In reality, the flues are hazardous and toxic. Locals can’t help but worry about the safety of the visitors, not to mention questions like “What if something happens? Who will take responsibility?” — truly concerning.


▲ The Ruifang abandoned flues are spectacular and have become a new northern hot spot for tourism. (Photo / Provided by Self Tsai)