Taiwan Today

The summer of 1980 has been long, hot and dry for the people of the Republic of China in Taiwan. Beaches in the Taipei metropolitan area of some 4 million people are especially popular. Drought is unusual in the north of the island. This year's is so serious that pools have been closed and water rationed. Northern beaches are from the mouth of the Tamsui river just west of Taipei, across the top of the island and down the east coast to where mountains meet the sea. Sands of the west overlook the Taiwan Straits, those of the north and east the Pacific. This is Fulung at Taiwan's northeastern tip, now reached by scenic highway as well as railway.

 

 

 

From top to bottom, left to right: Fulung, which has been a ranking northern beach for many years; accommodations of all kinds are available and week-long visits are common. View here is out across the Taiwan Straits from Paishawan (White Sand Bay) in the west; tidal pool is seen in foreground. Water fun at Chinshan on the northern coast, center of China Youth Corps activities. Close-up of inner tube surf riding in the gentle seas of Chinshan. The coastal shelf recedes gradually at Fulung, creating a large area for swimming and water sports. Water at Chinshan is noticeably darker than that at Fulung. Beach walking is a scenic pleasure as well as good exercise at Fulung and most other Taiwan beaches because of the proximity of mountains to sea. Surfboard sailing is a new, exciting and economical sport; this is Fulung. Beaches are free and easily reached.

 

 

Opening of the North Coastal Highway from Keelung in the northeast to Suao in the east last year provided views of Taiwan seascapes rarely seen before, gave access to many beaches and was a boon to ocean fishermen. From top to bottom: Fishing area along the scenic new highway. A bridge over the "Island Sea" at Fulung. This tidal pool is reserved for sailboats, leaving surf and sea to the swimmers. One of the spectacular vistas of mountains, rocks and sea opened up by the new road. Taiwan has no private beaches; all are open to the public without charge. Most have overnight accommodations or dressing tents for daily use. Although the food may not be for the gastronome, it is tasty and the seafood is ocean fresh. Prices are low to moderate. The China Youth Corps summer program at Chinshan accommodates thousands of young people annually in tents and a fortress-like hostel. The world has few lovelier or more useful beaches than those of Taiwan.