Xinyu Century-Old Stone Weir Cluster Introduction
In addition to wading and sea-viewing, how else can you play in Xinxu differently? Come listen to the legendary stories of the century-old stone weirs, and you will discover that the relationship between nature and humanity can be so harmonious. You will also be amazed that what appears to be ordinary stone piles actually hide the wisdom of our ancestors, still astonishing after a hundred years. The largest stone weir group in Taiwan is waiting for you to explore. The establishment of the Xinxu stone weirs dates back to the Qing Dynasty when Han settlers came to Taiwan, using cobblestones sourced from the coast to manually stack them into stone dikes that extend hundreds to even thousands of meters. In an era without transportation equipment, completing a stone weir often required the mobilization of an entire village, thereby fostering connections among people. The principle of stone weir fishing utilizes rising tides to bring fish close to the shore, allowing fishermen to catch the trapped fish when the tide recedes. Currently, there are nine stone weirs around the northern coast of Xinxu, with the better-preserved ones being the nine at Kejian, all of which still have fishing functionality. The century-old stone weir group, an extension of the "Great Wall of the Sea" along Taiwan’s west coast, contains rich cultural significance and serves as a great place to observe coastal ecology. In addition to seeing intertidal creatures like stone oysters, chiton, shrimp, and crabs on the stone dikes, you can also witness the spectacle of sea anemones blooming like flowers during high tide, highlighting the diverse ecological community. Today, while the 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)
