Hakka Tour

n the coastal towns of Xinwu and Guanyin in Taoyuan, you'll discover numerous Hakka settlements. Nestled along the coastline, these communities seamlessly blend agriculture and fishing, crafting a lifestyle distinct from other Hakka communities in Taiwan. With century-old fishing traditions like khan-koo fishing (literally referred to as "seine-fishing technique"), stone weirs, and the resonant call of conch shells, they epitomize a unique marine Hakka culture in Taiwan. Join us on a journey along the Taoyuan coastline, where we'll explore the coastal scenery of Guanyin and Xinwu, discover windbreak forests, experience century-old stone weir fishing, taste handmade salted rice, marvel at the giant water lilies Victoria amazonica, and witness the breathtaking sunset at the Caota Sand Dunes. Immerse yourself in the daily fishing life of the Hakka fishermen in Taoyuan.

In days gone by, when fishing methods were less varied and sophisticated, our ancestors relied on their ingenuity to cultivate a distinctive culture of stone weir fishing, harnessing the power of the landscape and tides. They utilized natural geographic features and stacked cobblestones to construct sea barriers, guiding fish into the weirs as the tide rose. As the tide receded, smaller fish would escape through crevices, while larger ones remained ensnared within the weirs. However, due to unpredictable yields, extended waits for tidal changes, and the constant need for repairs due to damage from wind and waves, stone weirs are seldom utilized for fishing in modern times.

The Xinwu Shenzhen Stone Weirs, meticulously maintained and repaired by the Xinwu People's Association and local residents, stand as Taiwan's most well-preserved site of these structures and a premier destination for tourists seeking to experience this traditional fishing technique. Since weir fishing relies on the tides, participants don waders onshore and undergo "pre-employment training" guided by the instructor. This training encompasses mastering the use of fishing nets and learning cooperative techniques for harvesting fish in the open sea. Though the actions may seem simple, they prove quite challenging to perform!

Once abundant along Taiwan's coastlines, stone weirs have gradually vanished due to the passing of older generations without successors and the lack of profitability. The Xinwu Stone Weirs Story House, originally a police outpost, underwent renovations and is now managed by the Xinwu People’s Association. Apart from promoting coastal environmental education and Xinwu's ecological preservation, it serves as a pit stop for cyclists traveling through the Xinwu Green Tunnel, featuring static exhibitions of Xinwu stone weirs and classroom facilities.

The Oceanhakka Leisure Agricultural Region Tourist Center is Taiwan's first khan-koo fishing cultural museum showcasing marine Hakka culture. Originally a military coastal defense base, the site was left unused after the military withdrew until the local government transformed it into a resting station for cyclists along the Xinwu Green Tunnel. In addition to providing coffee and light snacks for travelers to rest, the center also showcases historical photos of khan-koo fishing, fishing equipment, and other precious agricultural and fishing artifacts. It is dedicated to preserving and passing down Hakka fishermen's skills through words, pictures, and various activities like the thousand-person khan-koo fishing, stone fishpond building, and net weaving, held irregularly throughout the year. Adjacent to the museum lies a hidden gem - the windbreak forest trail. The forest not only stabilizes sand and blocks wind but also nurtures a natural ecosystem. Follow the guide into the windbreak forest trail to learn about various coastal plants and understand the importance of environmental conservation through plant observation.

The Yong'an Conch Culture Experience Park is one of four key Taoyuan venues subsidized by the Executive Yuan's Forward-looking Infrastructure Development Program, alongside the 1895 War Memorial Park, the North Taoyuan Hakka Cultural Hall, and the Taiwan Hakka Tea Culture Museum. With the opening of the Yong'an Conch Culture Experience Park, it will become the hub of the Taoyuan coastline, extending from Yong'an Fishing Port north to south, connecting coastal attractions like Zhuwei Fishing Harbor, Xucuogang Wetland, Caota Sand Dunes, Baisha Cape Lighthouse, Xinwu Stone Weirs, Guanxin Algal Reefs, Green Tunnel, and Xinwu Agricultural Expo Environmental Education Park. Visitors will learn about coastal ecology, the environment, and Xinwu's marine Hakka culture through on-site introductions, gaining a comprehensive, in-depth understanding of Taoyuan.

Sun & Green Farm has been a popular filming location for many idol dramas, earning renown as a renowned flower farm in Taoyuan. Not only is it the largest sunflower-themed farm in northern Taiwan, but it's also well-established in Taoyuan. I still remember during high school, my favorite activity on weekends was taking the bus from Zhongli Station to Sun & Green Farm with friends to barbecue and take photos. The park boasts vast expanses of sunflowers and seasonal blooms like zinnias, lilies, and lavender, ensuring a stunning floral spectacle whenever you visit. Upon returning with my family after several years, I was pleasantly surprised by the farm's significant expansion, now featuring picnic and barbecue areas, wedding banquet halls, and indoor and outdoor activity zones. On weekends, many parents bring their children here for outdoor fun, indulging in delicacies crafted from sunflowers and lotus flowers, such as sunflower seeds, pudding, lotus seed pastries, and lotus flower crisps. However, while the park still boasts a variety of sunflowers, the overall scale of the floral display isn't as extensive as before. 

Constructed in 1901, the Baisha Cape Lighthouse has watched over Taoyuan's outer sea for over a century. Rising approximately 37 meters high, this circular lighthouse is Taiwan's only one built from red bricks and stones. The lighthouse compound encompasses a guided tour room, integrated with trails and parks that visitors can freely explore. Though not as renowned as other lighthouses in Taiwan, it stands as one of Taoyuan's few and can be conveniently visited alongside the nearby Guanyin Coastal Recreation Area.

Lotus Farm Ranch is renowned for cultivating the Victoria amazonica, also known as the giant water lily. Besides offering the chance to sit on the giant water lily for photos, the farm also grows various species of lotus and water lilies, including many rare varieties. For lotus and water lily lovers, it feels like stepping into an encyclopedia that broadens horizons. During the blooming season, visitors can’t resist capturing photos. Apart from admiring the flowers, the farm features numerous art installations for photo ops. It also offers specialty dishes based on lotus, lotus seeds, and lotus roots, including refreshing lotus seed tofu pudding, lotus seed ice cream, shaved ice, lotus leaf noodles, lotus leaf rice, and the unique “roselle stinky tofu” - crispy outside and soft inside. The variety of dishes offered is truly abundant.

The Caota Redevelopment Zone was once farmland. Through government initiatives, the entire area underwent redevelopment, incorporating shared drainage management, LED smart streetlights, and disaster prevention designs while preserving local ecology and cultural characteristics. By integrating pond and river ecologies, it evolved into a new town, with two theme parks created - Shuizhiqiu (Hill of Water) and Fengzhigu (Valley of Wind). Inaugurated in November 2021, Shuizhiqiu Theme Park is a new family-friendly attraction in Taoyuan. Beyond its recreational aspect, it also serves flood detention and disaster prevention purposes. However, the most talked-about feature is the slide built using the unique feed barrels found in the ponds. The slide has three different heights for children to choose from, with the highest section reaching three floors, offering the fastest speed and highest level of excitement.

While Japan's Tottori Sand Dunes draw many tourists, Taiwan also boasts a small yet exquisite sand dune landscape right in Taoyuan's Guanyin District - the Caota Sand Dunes. Previously an unofficial attraction, it received little mention in Taoyuan's introductions. However, with the surge of social media, photographers and influencers began capturing stunning photos reminiscent of desert scenes, gradually elevating the fame of the Caota Sand Dunes. It has evolved from a hidden gem of Taoyuan to a sought-after spot for photo enthusiasts.

In 2020, the area was planned and established as the Caota Sand Dunes Geopark, Taoyuan's first geological park. Walking on the sand dunes, visitors encounter endless stretches of golden sand forming charming little hills, set against the backdrop of the azure sea and rows of rotating windmills. Future plans include constructing complete trails and facilities, integrating surrounding areas like the Xucuogang Wetland, Caota Sand Dunes, Guanxin Algal Reefs, and Xinwu Stone Weirs. This holistic plan will allow visitors to gain a deeper understanding of Taoyuan's coastal areas and ecology, beyond merely taking photos on the sand dunes.

There's an old saying that goes, "Live by the sea, dine from the sea; live by the mountain, dine from the mountain." It highlights the importance of adapting to local resources for survival. In today’s world where everything can be delivered to our doorstep with just a few clicks, it's easy to forget the challenges our ancestors faced. Exploring the marine Hakka culture has given me a glimpse into the past, reminding me of the effort it took to procure every ingredient. It wasn't just about nature's bounty but also about luck and resilience in life.