Besides riding the waves and enjoying sea views, how else can you experience Hsinwu differently? Listen to the legendary tales of the century-old stone fish weirs, and you'll discover how harmoniously humans and nature once coexisted. You'll also marvel at how these seemingly plain stone stacks conceal the wisdom of our ancestors—still astonishing people centuries later. The largest cluster of stone fish weirs on Taiwan's main island awaits your exploration.
The origins of Hsinwu's stone fish weirs trace back to the Qing Dynasty, when early Han settlers arrived to develop the land. Using locally sourced river stones by hand, they built stone embankments spanning hundreds and even thousands of meters along the coastline. In an era without heavy machinery, completing one stone weir required the entire village's collective effort, subtly reinforcing bonds among villagers. The principle of these weirs relies on trapping fish: rising tides bring fish into the stone structures, while falling tides leave the fish caught and easily harvested by fishermen.
Today, there are nine stone weirs from Hsinwu's Northern coast near Shenzhen to Hawkland (Hawkland). Among them, the nine at Hawkland are best preserved, still functioning for fishing. The century-old clusters of stone weirs along Taiwan's western sea, often described as a "Maritime Great Wall," not only reflect human culture but also serve as a prime spot to observe coastal ecological diversity. Tidal organisms like oysters, helmet snail, shrimp, crabs, and even anemones blooming like flowers during high tides can be spotted on the stone walls, creating vibrant ecological highlights. Though the weirs no longer sustain fishermen's livelihoods, they now stand as historical monuments honoring the wisdom of our ancestors.
(Photo source: Taoyuan Shihhu Association)