{"id":7816,"date":"2025-09-10T17:00:49","date_gmt":"2025-09-10T09:00:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/yuartheworld.com\/?p=7816"},"modified":"2025-09-06T19:39:45","modified_gmt":"2025-09-06T11:39:45","slug":"gongliao","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/yuartheworld.com\/en\/gongliao\/","title":{"rendered":"TAIWAN 368-47 | New Taipei City \u25e6 Gongliao | Fulong International Sand Sculpture Art Festival"},"content":{"rendered":"

Located in Gongliao, on the easternmost tip of Taiwan\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

This year\u2019s festival is themed \u201cDisney\u2019s Midsummer Celebration\u201d, 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\u2014don\u2019t miss your chance to experience the magic!<\/p>\n

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\u25e6 New Taipei City Travel Guide<\/span><\/h6>\n

01\uff5cTransportation in New Taipei City<\/strong><\/p>\n

\ud83d\ude84 Taiwan High Speed Rail<\/a>
\n\ud83d\ude84 Taipei Metro (MRT) Unlimited Travel Pass<\/a>
\n\ud83d\ude97 Cross-city Chartered One-day Tour from Taipei<\/a>
\n\ud83d\ude87 Taiwan Railway Pingxi One-Day Pass + Pingxi Sky Lantern Experience<\/a>
\n\ud83d\ude87 Wulai Scenic Train Ticket<\/a><\/p>\n

02\uff5cPopular Attractions in New Taipei City
\n<\/strong>\ud83c\udfab Taipei Fun Pass<\/a>
\n\ud83c\udfab Fulong International Sand Sculpture Art Festival<\/a>
\n\ud83c\udfab Yehliu Ocean World Ticket in New Taipei<\/a>
\n\ud83c\udfab New Taipei Gold Museum E-Ticket<\/a>
\n\ud83c\udfab Wulai Yun Hsien Resort Ticket<\/a>
\n\ud83c\udfab Austin Land Admission Ticket<\/a>
\n\ud83c\udfab Build Dream Kids HIGH 5 Ticket<\/a>
\n\ud83c\udfab Neidong Forest Recreation Area Ticke<\/a><\/p>\n

03\uff5cThings To Do in New Taipei City<\/strong><\/p>\n

\ud83d\ude90 Yehliu & Jiufen & Shifen Day Tour from Taipei<\/a>
\n\ud83d\ude90 Jiufen Old Street & Yinyang Sea Half-day Historical & Nature Tour<\/a>
\n\u2668\ufe0f Volando Urai Spring Spa & Resort<\/a>
\n\ud83d\ude4c Hand-made Noodles & Scallion Pancake DIY & Nagashi S\u014dmen Parent-child Experience<\/a><\/p>\n

\u25e6 History of Gongliao<\/span><\/h6>\n

The name Gongliao, originally called \u201cK\u00f2ng-\u00e1-li\u00e2u\u201d in Taiwanese Hokkien, has an interesting origin. \u201cK\u00f2ng-\u00e1\u201d is a transliteration of \u201cKona,\u201d a word from the language of the indigenous Ketagalan people in northern Taiwan. It means \u201ctrap\u201d and refers to hunting pits used to catch wild animals. The early inhabitants built thatched huts next to these traps to wait for prey\u2014these huts were called \u201cK\u00f2ng-\u00e1-li\u00e2u,\u201d which eventually evolved into today\u2019s place name.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\u25e6 Fulong International Sand Sculpture Art Festival<\/span><\/h6>\n

Located in Gongliao, Fulong Beach is renowned for its 3-kilometer stretch of golden quartz sand. The sand is exceptionally fine and moisture-retentive\u2014so 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\u2014a real treat for animation lovers like me!<\/p>\n

\ud83c\udfab Fulong International Sand Sculpture Art Festival<\/a><\/p>\n

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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\u2014you\u2019ll arrive at the festival site in no time.<\/p>\n

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\u25e6 Attractions in Gongliao<\/span><\/h6>\n
01\uff5cTaiwan\u2019s Easternmost Point<\/h6>\n

Located in Sandiaojiao, Gongliao, the easternmost point of Taiwan\u2019s main island is one of the four extreme points for round-island travelers\u2014and 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\u2019s defined by the surrounding area of the Sandiaojiao Lighthouse and Magang Fishing Harbor. Seen from a drone\u2019s perspective, the expansive coastal view is breathtaking. The contrast between crisp white structures and the deep ocean blue fills me with peace\u2014and stirs even more excitement for the journey ahead.<\/p>\n

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Taiwan\u2019s Easternmost Point<\/strong>\r\n\r\n25\u00b000'31\"N, 122\u00b001'05\"E<\/pre>\n
02\uff5cSandiaojiao Lighthouse<\/h6>\n
Perched at the easternmost tip of Taiwan\u2019s 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\u2019s northeastern coastline. The lighthouse\u2019s brilliant white structure isn\u2019t just a scenic icon\u2014it also plays a vital role in guiding ships along the Pacific route. For this reason, it has earned the nickname \u201cThe Eye of Taiwan.\u201d<\/p>\n
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Sandiaojiao Lighthouse<\/strong>\r\n\r\nOpening Hours: 0900-1700, closed on Monday.\nNo. 38, Magang St., Gongliao Dist., New Taipei City<\/pre>\n
03\uff5cMagang Fishing Harbor<\/h6>\n
Located at the easternmost edge of Taiwan\u2019s main island, Magang Fishing Harbor faces the vast Pacific Ocean and sits near Sandiaojiao Lighthouse, giving it a prime coastal location.<\/p>\n
Along the wave-cut platforms lining the shore, you\u2019ll often spot locals busy gathering marine delicacies\u2014everything 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\u2019t miss the chance to try its local specialty: seaweed jelly (\u77f3\u82b1\u51cd). When I came during the summer, this refreshing treat was the perfect way to beat the heat.<\/p>\n
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Magang Fishing Harbor<\/strong>\r\n\r\nFulian St., Gongliao Dist., New Taipei City<\/pre>\n
04\uff5cOld Caoling Tunnel<\/h6>\n
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\u2014a 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.<\/p>\n
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Old Caoling Tunnel<\/strong>\r\n\r\nOpening Hours:\n6\/1-9\/30: 0830-1730\n10\/1-5\/31: 0830-1700\nFormer Yilan Line Railway<\/pre>\n
05\uff5cBlue Bay Coastal Recreation Area<\/h6>\n
The Blue Bay Coastal Recreation Area is one of the largest seaside leisure zones along Taiwan\u2019s 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\u2019s finest beaches. The entrance is quite unique\u2014it's located next to Blue Bay Caf\u00e9, 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.<\/p>\n
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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.<\/p>\n
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Blue Bay Coastal Recreation Area<\/strong>\r\n\r\nOpening Hours: 0800-1700\nNo. 45, Yanhai St., Gongliao Dist., New Taipei City<\/pre>\n
\u25e6 Restaurants and Snacks in Gongliao<\/span><\/h6>\n
01\uff5cMagang Zouzou Seafood Eatery<\/h6>\n
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\u2014proof 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\u2019s coastal waters.<\/p>\n
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Magang Zouzou Seafood Eatery<\/strong>\r\n\r\nOpening Hours: 1000-1800, closed on Tuesday.\nNo. 2-3, Magang St., Gongliao Dist., New Taipei City<\/pre>\n
02\uff5cA-Wan\u2019s Grocery Store<\/h6>\n
In Magang, where there are no convenience stores, A-Wan\u2019s Grocery Store serves as a vital local stop for both residents and visitors. But this isn\u2019t just a place to grab snacks and candy\u2014you\u2019ll 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.<\/p>\n
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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\u2019t cheap\u2014but absolutely worth it. That day was incredibly hot, and I ended up drinking three cups of seaweed jelly from different places. A-Wan\u2019s homemade version was by far my favorite\u2014naturally sweet, refreshingly cool, and the perfect thirst-quencher for a sweltering summer day.<\/p>\n
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A-Wan\u2019s Grocery Store<\/strong>\r\n\r\nOpening Hours: 0600-2000\nNo. 15, Magang St., Gongliao Dist., New Taipei City<\/pre>\n
\u25e6 Flying Over Taiwan<\/span><\/h6>\n