Wai'an Beach Introduction
Wai'anshanting Island is located about 10 kilometers off the coast of Yunlin and Chiayi. Covering an area of over 1,000 hectares, it is the largest sandbar in Taiwan and is named for its umbrella-like shape. Wai'anshanting Island is influenced by waves, coastal currents, and the northeast monsoon, drifting approximately 60 to 70 meters southwest each year, earning it the nickname "moving territory." It was formed primarily by the sediment carried by the Zhuoshui River when it flows into the sea. The barrier created by Wai'anshanting Island has resulted in the formation of a calm and expansive sea area between Wai'anshanting Island and the Dongshi Wetland in Chiayi County, which has allowed for the thriving oyster farming industry. In recent years, due to a decrease in sediment supply, the area of the sandbar has gradually diminished, and relevant authorities are making efforts to rescue the gradually disappearing Wai'anshanting Island, attracting many visitors to witness its beauty. The Wangangdui Lighthouse is the only lighthouse present on Wai'anshanting Island, featuring a steel framework. The construction of the Wangangdui Lighthouse was prompted by the floating sand dunes, which are approximately 5 kilometers long and 1.2 kilometers wide, frequently disappearing and reappearing with the tides, affecting the navigation for nearby vessels. For safety reasons, this lighthouse was built. However, as the Wangangdui Lighthouse is located on a sandbar, it continually drifts and faces the risk of its foundation being washed away. The lighthouse has been rebuilt seven times, marking the highest number of reconstructions in Taiwan's and the world's lighthouse history.
