Xinyu Century-Old Stone Weir Group Introduction
In addition to wading and ocean-viewing, how else can you enjoy Xinwu in a unique way? Come listen to the legendary stories of the century-old stone weirs, and you will discover how harmoniously nature and humanity can coexist. You will also be amazed to find that what seems like a pile of stones actually conceals the wisdom of our ancestors, still breathtaking even a hundred years later. It's time to explore the largest group of stone weirs in Taiwan. The establishment of the Xinwu stone weirs dates back to the Qing Dynasty when Han settlers came to Taiwan to cultivate the land, stacking pebbles sourced directly from the coast into stone dams that extend hundreds or even thousands of meters. In an era without transportation equipment, completing a stone weir often required the mobilization of the entire village, which in turn fostered the bonds among people. The principle of fishing with these stone weirs relies on using the tide to bring fish schools to the shore, allowing fishermen to catch the trapped fish when the tide recedes. Currently, there are a total of 11 stone weirs along the northern coast of Shenzhen to the area near Kuo-Jien, with 2 in Shenzhen and 9 in Kuo-Jien. The ones best preserved are Kuo-Jien Weirs No. 2, 3, and 6, all of which still hold fishing functionality; among them, Weir No. 3 is 322 meters long and has caught up to 1,000 catties (approximately 600 kilograms) of fish. The century-old stone weir group, this "Great Wall at Sea" extending along Taiwan's west coast, not only embodies cultural charm but also serves as a great spot for observing coastal ecology. On the stone dam, you can see intertidal creatures like oyster shells, conchs, shrimps, and crabs, while during high tide, sea anemones bloom like flowers, showcasing a rich and diverse ecosystem, with highlights everywhere. Although today's stone weirs no longer play a role in sustaining fishermen's livelihoods, they stand as historical relics witnessing the wisdom of our ancestors. (Photo source: Taoyuan Stone Weir Association)
