Zhuangwei Sand Dunes Ecological Park Introduction
Zhuangwei Sand Dune Ecological Park is located next to the Taiwan Highway 2 Coastal Road at 149.3K, covering an area of approximately 4.8 hectares. It is a representative new international attraction in Yilan. The park was designed by renowned architect Huang Shengyuan with the core concept of "emptying the valley to see the sand dunes," integrating local natural elements to showcase the landscape of the sand dunes and creating sand cave architectural spaces. Walking alongside the park is a tranquil rural field, with a pond reflecting changes in the sky and the tips of the lush trees, enhancing the beauty of the Zhuangwei Sand Dune Tourist Service Park. The expansive undulating sand dune scenery encourages visitors to slow down. The park was inaugurated in 2018 and features tourist facilities such as a visitor center and a sand dune exhibition hall (curated by director Tsai Ming-liang). Furthermore, nearby attractions include Zhuangwei beachfront, bike paths, the Houbi and Luhou characteristic communities, and the Lanyang River estuary bird-watching protected area. Whether during sunrise, sunset, or moonrise, strolling through the park, listening to the waves, and enjoying the scenery are all wonderful experiences. Visitors can take their time here to savor the tranquil nature and cultural ambiance evoked by the sand dune architecture. The Sand Dune Exhibition Hall: Curated by director Tsai Ming-liang with the core imagery of "sand dunes," the hall features six major thematic exhibition areas (Dust, Sea, Moonlight, Wind, Tides, and Rain). The overall presentation primarily involves large-scale image projections, integrating elements of Zhuangwei’s natural environment such as sand, windbreak forests, and water as scenic installations, allowing visitors to tangibly experience nature. The projected walls of different thematic exhibition halls not only utilize the originally irregular curved sand cave space and sandy textured walls but also feature large-scale hand-painted designs affixed to glass curtains, all created by director Tsai Ming-liang. For example, the "Dust" hall uses charcoal lines and irregular paper tearing techniques to depict the natural imagery of Zhuangwei sand dunes and the LinTou trees. Additionally, each exhibition hall screens various films from Tsai Ming-liang's "Slow Walk Long March" series, including eight works such as Colorless, Traveler, Journey to the West, and Sand. The short film "Sand" is the latest creation dedicated by Tsai Ming-liang and actor Lee Kang-sheng to Zhuangwei and the park. Entering the exhibition hall, visitors can simultaneously experience the interactive visual and sensory effects created by the space and immerse themselves in the "slowness" conveyed by the works. Visitor Center: Equipped with parking areas for large and small vehicles, a bike station, a travel consultation service desk, and a multimedia audiovisual room that can accommodate 50 people. It screens digital multimedia films such as "Mountain and Sea Love Scenery" or behind-the-scenes clips of Tsai Ming-liang's "Slow Walk Long March" series film "Sand." Additionally, brochures introducing tourism attractions in the Northeast Coast are available for visitors to take.
