Taiwan: Shuinandong Smelter 水湳洞精鍊廠, Golden Waterfall 黃金瀑布, Yin-Yang Sea 陰陽海, Nanya & Keelung

A brand new month! Celebrated Leecher's birthday last friday and will blog about it (soon) once I've the pictures sorted out :) Been diligently blogging about our TW journey, and I think it should be finished soon in another 2-3 entries, lol! The longest time I've ever taken to blog about a trip, but nevertheless, it's another milestone in my life. For the new readers on this blog, you can click on the link here to read all about our Taiwan adventures :) 

A visit to Jinguashi is never complete without making a trip to the other attractions in the region.  

The winding roads leading down to the bottom of the hill. Growing up in a cosmopolitan city, this is a sight that we seldom see in our lives. Situated between the mountains and coastline, the scenery is certainly beautiful!

Shuinandong Smelter ~ this was the ore sorting and melting plant for Taiwan Metals Mining Corp. Due to its construction appearance, local people mostly call it "Remains of the thirteen levels” (十三層遺址).Built in 1933, the smelter has witnessed the rise and fall of the mining industry.

Shuinandong Smelter 水湳洞精鍊廠
Shuinandong, Ruifang District, 
New Taipei City 224
Taiwan (ROC)

The Golden Waterfall ~ As it rained a lot in the mining area, coupled with the abundant heavy metals elements deposited in the riverbed, this waterfall looked "gold" which earned its name of "Golden Waterfall" 黃金瀑布

This is a popular spot for wedding photography, as we spotted several couples taking their wedding pics at a corner.

Golden Waterfall 黃金瀑布
Ruifang District, New Taipei City 224
Taiwan (ROC)

As you travel along the coastal road, you will witness a strange sight, a bay where the sea is a mixture of yellow and blue. This is known as Yin-Yang Sea (陰陽海). It was initially believed that the sea colour was a result of pollution (due to mining activities), but over 10 years after mining activities stopped, Yin-Yang sea still exits. Now, it is believed that the strange colour comes from the insoluble iron ion floating particles which are gradually formed from plenty of pyrite in Jinguashi area. Because of the highly concentrated heavy metal ion presence, it is strongly recommended not to go into the water.

Yin-Yang Sea 陰陽海

Ruifang District, New Taipei City 226,

Taiwan ROC

 Nanya, the northernmost scenic spot of the Northeast Coast. This place is renowned for the wind & sea sculpted rock formations scattered along its shores.

 Nanya is the gateway to the Northeast & Yilan Coast National Scenic Area. Here, you can take in miles and miles of sea and wind-eroded rocks formation and outcroppings dotting the vibrant and pristine coastline. Drivers should take their time traveling through here in order to enjoy the spectacular sights.

 Nanya 

Ruifang District, New Taipei City

Our day trip is almost coming to an end, so our last stop is Keelung for dinner before heading back to our hotel. The hollywood rendition of "KEELUNG" can be seen from afar. Keelung is actually a major port city, nicknamed the Rainy Port for its frequent rain and maritime role.

A look @ their night market. It was extremely crowded even though it was a weekday night. Miaokou Night Market is famous for its large selection of food & its easily accessible by foot.

All kinds of seafood available for your feasting.

So, we ended the night with a big seafood feast. Prices don't come cheap though, maybe they know that we are tourist, hence the hefty price tag?