Waisanding Sandbar Beach Introduction
Waisanding Island is located about 10 kilometers off the coast of Yunlin and Chiayi, with an existing area of over 1,000 hectares. Named for its umbrella-like shape, it is the largest sandbar in Taiwan. Waisanding Island is influenced by waves, coastal currents, and the northeast monsoon, drifting an average of 60 to 70 meters southwest each year, earning the title "moving territory." It is primarily formed by the sediment carried out by the Zhuoshui River. The presence of Waisanding Island provides a barrier, creating a calm and vast sea area, which has led to the flourishing of oyster farming in the Dongshi lagoon between Waisanding Island and Chiayi County. In recent years, due to a reduction in sand sources, its area has gradually diminished, and related agencies are working hard to save the disappearing Waisanding Island, attracting many visitors to witness its beauty. The Wangang Dui Lighthouse is the only lighthouse on Waisanding Island and is a steel framework tower. The construction of the Wangang Dui Lighthouse was due to the floating sand dunes, approximately 5 kilometers long and 1.2 kilometers wide, that frequently appear and disappear with the tides, affecting the navigation of ships in the nearby waterways. To ensure safety, the lighthouse was built. However, because the Wangang Dui Lighthouse is situated on the sandbar, it continuously drifts and faces the risk of foundation erosion. The lighthouse has been rebuilt seven times, setting the record for the highest number of reconstructions in the history of lighthouses in Taiwan and worldwide.
