Waisanding Island Beach Introduction
Waisanding Islet is located about 10 kilometers off the coast of Yunlin and Chiayi, covering an area of over 1,000 hectares. It is named for its umbrella-like shape and is the largest sandbar in Taiwan. Waisanding Islet is influenced by waves, coastal currents, and the northeast monsoon, and it drifts southwest at an average of 60 to 70 meters each year, earning it the nickname "moving territory." It is primarily formed by the accumulation of large amounts of sediment carried by the Zengwen River as it flows into the sea. The presence of Waisanding Islet has created a calm and expansive sea area between the islet and Dongshi Lagoon in Chiayi County, which has allowed the oyster farming industry to thrive. In recent years, due to a decrease in sand sources, its area has gradually diminished, and relevant authorities are making efforts to rescue the gradually disappearing Waisanding Islet, attracting many tourists to witness its beauty. The Wangang Dune Lighthouse is the only lighthouse on Waisanding Islet, built as a steel frame tower. It was constructed because the floating sand dune, approximately 5 kilometers long and 1.2 kilometers wide, often appears and disappears with the tides, affecting the navigation of vessels in nearby waterways. For safety reasons, this lighthouse was established. However, since the Wangang Dune Lighthouse is built on the sandbar, it constantly drifts and faces the risk of its foundation being washed away. The lighthouse has been rebuilt seven times, setting a record for the highest number of reconstructions in Taiwan and world lighthouse history.
