Taiwan Food Atlas

Xinwu Centennial Stone Fish Traps

A coastal traditional fishing heritage built by Qing dynasty settlers stacking cobblestones by hand
📍 Taoyuan · Xinwu District · Guanhai Road🏞️ Nature🔖 300-year-old stone fishing structures · most intact stone fish trap settlement in northern Taiwan

Xinwu Centennial Stone Fish Traps is a traditional fishing heritage site along the Guanhai Road coastline in Xinwu District, Taoyuan, made of cobblestones stacked by hand by Hakka settlers during the Qing dynasty, with a history of more than 300 years. Eleven stone fish traps survive today, distributed along the Shenzhen (2 traps) and Kejian (9 traps) coastal areas; since April 2019 the Taoyuan City Government has progressively registered the better-preserved traps as cultural landscapes, making this the most numerous and most completely preserved stone fish trap settlement in northern Taiwan.

The Xinwu stone fish traps have a history of more than 300 years, hand-built from coastal cobblestones by Hakka settlers during the Qing dynasty. Eleven traps survive today — two in Shenzhen and nine in Kejian — of which traps No. 2, 3, and 6 at Kejian were the first to be registered as a cultural landscape on April 8, 2019; the remaining traps were subsequently restored and registered. In 2022 the Taoyuan City Government additionally registered "stone fish trap construction technique" as an intangible cultural heritage preservation skill.

Highlights of Xinwu Stone Fish Traps

The Xinwu stone fish traps were built by Hakka settlers from the Qing dynasty using local coastal cobblestones stacked without mortar, relying on the interlocking of stones and natural wave action to reinforce the structure. The entire cluster extends several kilometers along the coast, with individual fish traps ranging from tens of meters to over a hundred meters in diameter. Listed as the most intact stone fish trap settlement in northern Taiwan, they are also an important on-site case study for researching traditional coastal fishing culture.

Low tide is the clearest time to observe the fish trap structures, revealing the layout relationship between the arc-shaped guide walls and the central holding chamber. Algae and barnacles grow on the trap walls, forming a unique intertidal microecology. The view along Guanhai Road is wide open, and on clear days you can see across the Taiwan Strait — it is also a coastal spot for watching the sunset (arriving about one hour before sunset is recommended).

How to Make the Most of Your Visit

🌊
Visit at low tideCheck the day's tidal schedule — after the tide recedes, the fish trap structures are fully exposed, making them ideal for observation and photography. At high tide, parts of the walls may be submerged.
👟
Wear non-slip footwearCoastal gravel can be slippery when wet; wear sports shoes or water shoes with good grip, not sandals or leather shoes. Avoid stepping on the fish trap walls.
🌅
Combine with a coastal sunsetXinwu faces the Taiwan Strait with an unobstructed view in the direction of sunset. In the evening, low-angle light creates a striking visual effect with the fish trap textures and sea reflections.
🦀
Observe the intertidal ecologyFiddler crabs, small fish, and seaweed can be found in the gaps between the stones. Do not disturb the rocks or collect any organisms — leave the ecology as you find it.

Practical Information

Getting There & Timing

  • Driving or riding a scooter is the most convenient option. The fish traps can be found along Guanhai Road in Xinwu District, Taoyuan. Using satellite maps to search for "Xinwu Shihhu" (石滬) is recommended to confirm the entrance location.
  • There are no fixed opening hours — the site is accessible at all times — but lighting is poor at night, so daytime or pre-sunset visits are recommended. Be aware of tidal times.
  • Public transport services are infrequent; driving or renting a scooter is advised. Roadside parking on nearby open ground is available; there is no large car park.

Nearby Connections

  • Yong'an Fishing Harbor (sp-ty-30) is also along the Xinwu coastal strip — the two sites can be combined into a half-day coastal route.
  • Xinwu Old Street and the Lotus Festival (held approximately June–September each year) are additional tourism resources in the district; check local tourism information to confirm event dates.

Sources: Taoyuan City Government Tourism Bureau, on-site survey records. Hero image pending Dio's original photography.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many stone fish traps remain at Xinwu?

Eleven traps survive, distributed along the Shenzhen (2 traps) and Kejian (9 traps) coastal areas.

When were the Xinwu stone fish traps registered as a cultural landscape?

The Taoyuan City Government began registering the better-preserved traps starting with Kejian's No. 2, 3, and 6 on April 8, 2019, with the remaining traps registered progressively afterward.

When is the best time to see the stone fish trap structures clearly?

At low tide the trap structures are fully exposed, making it the clearest time to observe the arc-shaped guide walls and central holding chamber.

Sources

🗺️ View on the map ← All Taoyuan attractions