Located in Gongliao, on the easternmost tip of Taiwan’s main island, lies a stunning 30-kilometer stretch of winding coastline. With its rugged terrain and diverse natural scenery, the area is home to popular attractions such as Fulong Beach, Sandiaojiao Lighthouse, and the Old Caoling Tunnel. Each summer, families flock here for the annual Fulong International Sand Sculpture Art Festival, making it a favorite seasonal event for both locals and tourists.
This year’s festival is themed “Disney’s Midsummer Celebration”, featuring beloved characters like Mickey Mouse, Minnie, and Donald Duck. Iconic movies such as The Lion King and Toy Story brought back childhood memories and had me completely starstruck! The festival runs until September 30, so Disney fans—don’t miss your chance to experience the magic!
Contents
◦ New Taipei City Travel Guide
01｜Transportation in New Taipei City
🚄 Taiwan High Speed Rail
🚄 Taipei Metro (MRT) Unlimited Travel Pass
🚗 Cross-city Chartered One-day Tour from Taipei
🚇 Taiwan Railway Pingxi One-Day Pass + Pingxi Sky Lantern Experience
🚇 Wulai Scenic Train Ticket
02｜Popular Attractions in New Taipei City
🎫 Taipei Fun Pass
🎫 Fulong International Sand Sculpture Art Festival
🎫 Yehliu Ocean World Ticket in New Taipei
🎫 New Taipei Gold Museum E-Ticket
🎫 Wulai Yun Hsien Resort Ticket
🎫 Austin Land Admission Ticket
🎫 Build Dream Kids HIGH 5 Ticket
🎫 Neidong Forest Recreation Area Ticke
03｜Things To Do in New Taipei City
🚐 Yehliu & Jiufen & Shifen Day Tour from Taipei
🚐 Jiufen Old Street & Yinyang Sea Half-day Historical & Nature Tour
♨️ Volando Urai Spring Spa & Resort
🙌 Hand-made Noodles & Scallion Pancake DIY & Nagashi Sōmen Parent-child Experience
◦ History of Gongliao
The name Gongliao, originally called “Kòng-á-liâu” in Taiwanese Hokkien, has an interesting origin. “Kòng-á” is a transliteration of “Kona,” a word from the language of the indigenous Ketagalan people in northern Taiwan. It means “trap” and refers to hunting pits used to catch wild animals. The early inhabitants built thatched huts next to these traps to wait for prey—these huts were called “Kòng-á-liâu,” which eventually evolved into today’s place name.
The nearby Sandiaojiao (Cape Santiago) also has historical significance. In 1626, a Spanish fleet landed in the area and named the cape after Saint James (Spanish: Santiago), one of the twelve apostles of Jesus. Over time, the name Santiago was phonetically adapted into Chinese as Sandiao, giving rise to the modern name Sandiaojiao.
◦ Fulong International Sand Sculpture Art Festival
Located in Gongliao, Fulong Beach is renowned for its 3-kilometer stretch of golden quartz sand. The sand is exceptionally fine and moisture-retentive—so much so that it has been certified by the World Sand Sculpting Association as an ideal medium for sand sculpture art. To promote local tourism, the Tourism Administration and New Taipei City Government jointly launched the first Fulong International Sand Sculpture Art Festival in 2008, right on this uniquely gifted beach. In recent years, the festival has often partnered with well-known intellectual properties (IPs), and this year, it once again teams up with Disney—a real treat for animation lovers like me!
🎫 Fulong International Sand Sculpture Art Festival
Getting to the Sand Sculpture Festival is easy and convenient. Take the train to Fulong Station, exit and turn left onto the main road. Then turn right onto Zongtong Road and walk straight for about 5 minutes—you’ll arrive at the festival site in no time.
◦ Attractions in Gongliao
01｜Taiwan’s Easternmost Point
Located in Sandiaojiao, Gongliao, the easternmost point of Taiwan’s main island is one of the four extreme points for round-island travelers—and it holds the special distinction of being the first place in Taiwan to welcome the sunrise. Unlike the southernmost point of Taiwan, which features a prominent landmark, the eastern tip of Sandiaojiao has no specific monument. Instead, it’s defined by the surrounding area of the Sandiaojiao Lighthouse and Magang Fishing Harbor. Seen from a drone’s perspective, the expansive coastal view is breathtaking. The contrast between crisp white structures and the deep ocean blue fills me with peace—and stirs even more excitement for the journey ahead.
Taiwan’s Easternmost Point 25°00'31"N, 122°01'05"E
02｜Sandiaojiao Lighthouse
Perched at the easternmost tip of Taiwan’s main island, Sandiaojiao Lighthouse is the very place where the first light of dawn touches the land. From this vantage point, you can look out over Magang Fishing Harbor and the Lailai Geopark. On clear days, you can even spot Guishan Island in the distance and take in the full majesty of Taiwan’s northeastern coastline. The lighthouse’s brilliant white structure isn’t just a scenic icon—it also plays a vital role in guiding ships along the Pacific route. For this reason, it has earned the nickname “The Eye of Taiwan.”
Sandiaojiao Lighthouse Opening Hours: 0900-1700, closed on Monday. No. 38, Magang St., Gongliao Dist., New Taipei City
03｜Magang Fishing Harbor
Located at the easternmost edge of Taiwan’s main island, Magang Fishing Harbor faces the vast Pacific Ocean and sits near Sandiaojiao Lighthouse, giving it a prime coastal location.
Along the wave-cut platforms lining the shore, you’ll often spot locals busy gathering marine delicacies—everything from abalone and turban snails to gelidium (a type of red algae used to make jelly). These gifts from the sea enrich their daily meals and reflect a deep, time-honored wisdom of living in harmony with the ocean. If you visit Magang, don’t miss the chance to try its local specialty: seaweed jelly (石花凍). When I came during the summer, this refreshing treat was the perfect way to beat the heat.
Magang Fishing Harbor Fulian St., Gongliao Dist., New Taipei City
04｜Old Caoling Tunnel
Opened in 1924, the Old Caoling Tunnel stretches 2,167 meters, connecting Fulong in New Taipei with Shicheng in Yilan. It was one of the most iconic infrastructure projects of the early Taiwan Railway Yilan Line, and at the time of completion, it held the title of the longest railway tunnel in Southeast Asia—a feat of engineering with significant historical value. With the later development of double-tracking and electrification of Taiwan's railways, the Old Caoling Tunnel was gradually phased out of service. However, in 2008, it was reborn as a bike path, transforming into a nostalgic yet modern destination that blends heritage with outdoor adventure.
Old Caoling Tunnel Opening Hours: 6/1-9/30: 0830-1730 10/1-5/31: 0830-1700 Former Yilan Line Railway
05｜Blue Bay Coastal Recreation Area
The Blue Bay Coastal Recreation Area is one of the largest seaside leisure zones along Taiwan’s northeast coast. Its golden quartz sand stretches about 3 kilometers, from Fulong all the way to Yenliao, earning it a reputation as one of Taiwan’s finest beaches. The entrance is quite unique—it's located next to Blue Bay Café, and with a minimum purchase of NT$150, visitors can enjoy free access to the park. While the traditional Minnan-style architecture might seem at odds with the coastal scenery, this unexpected contrast creates a striking and memorable aesthetic.
The park is well designed and thoughtfully equipped, featuring not just a beach area, but also ecological trails, a seaside bike path, and even a foot-washing station. If you're looking to avoid the crowds at Fulong Beach, Blue Bay offers a quieter and more relaxing alternative.
Blue Bay Coastal Recreation Area Opening Hours: 0800-1700 No. 45, Yanhai St., Gongliao Dist., New Taipei City
◦ Restaurants and Snacks in Gongliao
01｜Magang Zouzou Seafood Eatery
Located right by Magang Fishing Harbor, Magang Zouzou Seafood Eatery is a hugely popular local spot. I arrived not long after it opened, and the place was already half full. By lunchtime, a line had formed outside—proof of its well-earned reputation. The house specialties are the seafood noodles and seafood rice vermicelli, made with a light, flavorful broth simmered from fresh shrimp and squid. The ingredients are generous and fresh, showcasing the ocean bounty unique to Magang’s coastal waters.
Magang Zouzou Seafood Eatery Opening Hours: 1000-1800, closed on Tuesday. No. 2-3, Magang St., Gongliao Dist., New Taipei City
02｜A-Wan’s Grocery Store
In Magang, where there are no convenience stores, A-Wan’s Grocery Store serves as a vital local stop for both residents and visitors. But this isn’t just a place to grab snacks and candy—you’ll also find braised abalone and seaweed jelly! With its strong ocean flavors and outdoor seating facing the sea, it has become a must-visit rest stop for anyone exploring Magang.
Eating braised abalone at a traditional corner store was a new experience for me. The abalone was delightfully chewy, and the savory soy-based sauce had just a hint of sweetness. At nearly NT$100 per piece, it wasn’t cheap—but absolutely worth it. That day was incredibly hot, and I ended up drinking three cups of seaweed jelly from different places. A-Wan’s homemade version was by far my favorite—naturally sweet, refreshingly cool, and the perfect thirst-quencher for a sweltering summer day.
A-Wan’s Grocery Store Opening Hours: 0600-2000 No. 15, Magang St., Gongliao Dist., New Taipei City
◦ Flying Over Taiwan
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◦ Other Areas in New Taipei City
➤ Pingxi | Pingxi Lantern Festival
➤ Banqiao | Christmasland in New Taipei City
➤ Ruifang | A New Look for the Old Mining Town