Waihan-ding Island Beach Introduction
Waisanding Island is located about 10 kilometers off the coast of Yunlin and Chiayi, with a current 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 northeastern monsoon, drifting an average of 60 to 70 meters southwest each year, earning it the nickname "moving territory." It is primarily formed by the sediment carried by the Zhuoshui River into the sea. The presence of Waisanding Island serves as a barrier, resulting in the formation of a vast calm sea in the Dongshi Lagoon between Waisanding Island and Chiayi County, which has promoted the prosperity of oyster farming. In recent years, due to a reduction in sand sources, its area has gradually shrunk, and relevant authorities are working hard to rescue the gradually disappearing Waisanding Island, attracting many tourists to witness its beauty. The Wangang Dui Lighthouse is the only lighthouse on Waisanding Island, constructed as a steel frame tower. The construction of the Wangang Dui Lighthouse was due to the nearby floating sand dune, approximately 5 kilometers long and 1.2 kilometers wide, which often appears and disappears with the tides, affecting the navigation of vessels in the adjacent waterways. To ensure safety, this lighthouse was built. However, since the Wangang Dui Lighthouse is located on the sandbar, it is constantly drifting and facing the risk of its foundation being eroded. The lighthouse has been rebuilt seven times, setting the record for the highest number of reconstructions in the history of lighthouses in Taiwan and the world.
