66 World Toys Crafted from Golden Sand: Fulong Sand Sculptures Transformed into a Toy United Nations

▲Fulong Sand Sculptures. (Photo / File photo, taken by reporter Chen Rui-zhong)

Reported by Chen Rui-zhong / Taipei

Entering its 8th edition, the Fulong International Sand Sculpture Art Festival will take place from May 2 to July 12. This year, 27 sand sculptors from 13 countries have been invited to create 66 unique sand sculptures on Fulong Beach under the theme "Toy United Nations."

The 2024 Fulong Sand Sculpture Festival spans 73 days, with this year’s "Toy United Nations" theme showcasing childhood nostalgia through international chess sets, toy soldiers, Monopoly boards, Barbie dolls, remote-controlled cars, and more, reflecting a global array of playthings. Sand sculptors from 13 countries including the United States, Canada, and France have come to Taiwan to participate in an international invitational competition, demonstrating their exquisite craftsmanship to bring out the fun of toys and reawaken the innocence in everyone's heart. To enhance the oceanic holiday vibe of the event, a hula dance performance was specially arranged at the preview press conference, allowing the public to get a taste of Fulong’s enthusiasm in advance.

Fang Zheng-guang, Director of the Northeast Coast & Yilan Coast National Scenic Area Administration under the Tourism Bureau of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, stated that the quartz sand at Fulong Beach is of high quality and highly malleable, making it perfect for creating sand sculptures, earning it the reputation of a “golden beach.” He also expressed hope that this year’s "Toy United Nations" theme would inspire global peace and rekindle the childlike wonder in people’s hearts. Fang added that accessible facilities have again been planned for this year, including the first-ever barrier-free changing and water play areas. Combined with nearby tourist attractions, the festival is expected to surpass last year’s record of 330,000 visitors.

▲Fang Zheng-guang (third from right), Director of the Northeast Coast & Yilan Coast National Scenic Area Administration, leads the preview announcement for the 2015 Fulong Sand Sculpture Festival.

Organizers mentioned that this year there will be activities where participants can upload photos to redeem gifts, and the YOYO Family will also be on-site to join in the fun with the public. In addition to using public transportation to attend the event, visitors can also make use of paid shuttle buses set up at five pick-up points.

2015 Fulong International Sand Sculpture Art Festival
Location: Fulong Beach
Dates: May 2 – July 12
Admission: General admission NT$100; groups of 20 or more NT$90; students and seniors aged 65+ NT$80; free for people with disabilities and one accompanying person; NT$10 for children under 6 (insurance fee)