Sandiaojiao Culture Development Association

Sandiaojiao (三貂角, Cape Santiago) is on the easternmost tip of Taiwan’s coast, a rocky cape and also the beginning of the Hsuehshan (雪山) mountain range. In the past, it was a strictly restricted area for Japanese and American troops, making it a significant bay in the northeastern corner of Taiwan.

In Gongliao District (貢寮區) of New Taipei City lies the Magang community (馬崗社區). Most of its population is concentrated around Magang Fishing Port. Local residents primarily engage in coastal fishing and the cultivation of abalone. The area is rich in agar and cottonii seaweed, which residents harvest and process into related products for sale. However, the secondary and tertiary industries are underdeveloped, with leisure-related businesses not thriving. Still, locals hope to connect with external resources, revitalize the local tourism industry, and thereby attract younger generations back and boost economic income.

Starting from 2018, due to the majority of the land being acquired by conglomerates, residents faced relocation and preservation crises for local traditional architectures. This led to the consensus of residents from both Magang and the neighboring Mao’ao (卯澳) community, resulting in the establishment of the “Sandiaojiao Culture Development Association.” This association focuses on local ecological conservation, preservation of fishing villages, and cultural assets.

Sandiaojiao Culture Development Association, composed of residents from Magang, nearby Mao’ao, and concerned citizens, not only preserves and promotes the local fishing culture but also actively helps residents apply for historical building status, negotiating with the government and conglomerates.

Magang community, Taiwan’s easternmost fishing village, boasts attractions such as the Magang tidal zone, Sandiaojiao trail, Sandiaojiao lighthouse, and Lai Lai geological area. The community also retains many century-old stone houses, becoming a hidden tourist attraction.

In places like Jeju Island in South Korea and the Ryukyu Islands in Japan, there is a “female diver” culture. In 2016, the “female diver” culture of Jeju was listed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. The Magang area in Taiwan also has a history of this “female diver” culture. But, with industrial development and outward migration, the culture is at risk. However, the Sandiaojiao Culture Development Association still tries to keep the culture alive by conducting guide tours and experience activities for visitors to get an understanding of the story of female divers.

Based on the narratives of local elders, Magang fishing village has a history of over a hundred years, dating back to the late Qing Dynasty. The waters here are rich in seafood due to the Kuroshio and coastal currents. However, to protect against northeast monsoons and typhoons, residents developed unique building techniques, maintaining traditional methods and wisdom. The traditional stone houses in the area, built from locally sourced stones over a hundred years ago, are resilient against summer typhoons and winter monsoons.

Apart from their practical value, the stone houses of Magang have architectural history and technical value. With the scarcity of stonemasons in recent years, repairs are difficult and expensive. This has led to the loss of traditional building techniques. The association hopes that the government can preserve them by designating them as cultural assets.

Thanks to the revival stimulated by the Sandiaojiao Culture Development Association, the female diver culture and traditional stone houses in this district have gradually become the highlights of tourism in northeastern Taiwan, and Magang and Mao'ao have also become popular bicycle spots. The Sandiaojiao Culture Development Association focuses on community building in the communities of Magang and Mao’ao, promoting the transformation of fishing villages and the return of the younger generation. They aim for younger people to settle in the fishing villages and wish to preserve the unique female diver culture and traditional stone houses through community development.

(Image credit: The Sandiaojiao Culture Development Association)

Ministry of Culture

Community Builders

Sandiaojiao Culture Development Association