Fulong Beach in New Taipei City is a wonderland of creativity throughout the summer.
this year’s Fulong International Sand Sculpture Art Festival lives up to its tagline: Summer Star Party! Beloved cartoon characters including LINE Friends, BT21, Dinotaeng, Joguman and Minini grace the popular beach in New Taipei City’s Gongliao District during the festival that lasts until Oct. 13. Organized by Fullon Hotel Fulong and overseen by the Northeast and Yilan Coast National Scenic Area Headquarters under the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, the festival showcases 45 works by 15 artists from around Taiwan and the world.
The quartz sand at Fulong Beach is soft to the touch and easy to manipulate when mixed with water, leading the Netherlands-based World Sand Sculpting Academy to recognize the three-kilometer golden coastline as the most suitable place for the activity in Taiwan. In addition to the exhibition of high-level sand artistry, the festival offers an exciting program of events with something to appeal to all ages, ranging from markets and DIY activities to guided tours, concerts and movies. The festival site is also a paradise for lovers of water sports, offering canoeing, sailing and paddleboarding.
Sand sculptures are more than just beachside novelties; they are eco-friendly creations that represent a harmonious blend of art, culture, architecture and entertainment. Active promotion from the public and private sectors has seen the annual event—now in its 17th year—attract growing numbers of sand sculptors and visitors from home and abroad to become one of Taiwan’s top summertime tourist attractions.
—by Kelly Her
Japanese artists Toshihiko Hosaka and Mari Hayashi convey support and solidarity with those affected by the April 3 earthquake in eastern Taiwan’s Hualien County with a delicate sculpture that cheers Taiwan on in Chinese and Japanese.
Taipei Zoo celebrates its 110th anniversary with a koala family.
The tranquil sandy beach is an ideal getaway on a sunny day.
The festival site is also a great place for paddleboarders and other active types to hit the water and show off their skills.