Taiwan International Sand Sculpture Festival

One of the best kept secrets of Taiwan is the Fulong Beach, a golden sandy stretch, located in the north-eastern part of the country. But did you know that the three kilometre-long beach between Yanliao and Fulong has been acknowledged by the World Sand Sculpting Association to be the best for making sand sculptures in Taiwan

Since 2008, sand sculptors have been using this soft, highly cohesive white quartz sand to carve beautiful sculptures. Known as the Fulong International Sand Sculpture Festival, the 2017 edition has already began and will continue until July 9.

Jointly held by the Administration and the Fullon Hotels & Resorts the festival is seeing a gradual increase in the number of visitors.

This year's festival theme is Celebrating the 10th Anniversary A Castle of Golden Sands in Fulong. Skilled sand sculptors will work to build a magical castle of golden quartz sands, a castle that is said to come from a 10-year-old girl's dreams. The reception fountains, the garden, happy angels and naughty devils will add to the attraction.

And while at Fulong, do not miss the Shuangsi River beach which runs parallel to the sea beach and is connected to it with a bridge. Locals go canoeing and windsurfing in the water channel that separates the two beaches.

Do remember, Fulong is a popular local attraction, especially in summer. So it can be crowded.

Taiwan is located in the western Pacific Ocean 160 km (100 miles) off the south-eastern coast of the Chinese mainland and is a convenient gateway to Asia for the Indian traveller. China Airlines, Cathay Pacific, China Southern and Thai Airways fly directly or with a stopover between Taipeis international airport and New Delhi/Mumbai. The average flight time between India and Taiwan is around 6.5 hours and Taiwan is 2.30 hours ahead of India. Daily trains run from Taipei to Fulong.

www.taiwan.net.tw