Dig for clams for free in the water at Tainan's Qigu Seafood Festival – the "last edition" kicks off this weekend

Reporter Chen Hanyin / Comprehensive Report

Besides amusement parks and beaches, where else can you experience a different kind of summer during the long vacation? The 2017 Tainan Qigu Seafood Festival’s “Tourism Blood Cockle Garden” event, jointly organized by Tainan City Government’s Tourism Bureau and Qigu District Office, lets the public enjoy the traditional fun of digging for clams and getting their pants wet. The first event on the 7th and 8th drew thousands of participants, and the final clam-digging activity of the summer break will soon kick off this weekend.

The event is free and open for participation on a first-come, first-served basis. Entry is allowed between 3 PM and 5 PM, depending on the tides. Small buckets and shovels are provided on-site, but visitors are also welcome to bring their own tools for digging. Both kids and adults had a blast. The organizers also remind the public to prepare adequate sun protection, stay hydrated, and wear thick socks when entering the water to avoid injury during the hot summer days.

To avoid traffic jams that might dampen your outing, the Tourism Bureau encourages visitors to use public transport. You can take Tourist Bus No. 99 to the “Qigu Salt Mountain” stop, then transfer to the special event bus “Qigu Salt Mountain – Liukong Management Station” to reach the “Liukong Management Station.” Don’t miss this rare chance to dig for clams this summer.

"Tourism Blood Cockle Garden & Clam Digging Experience"
Date: July 22 & July 23
Location: Liukong Pier, Qigu District (Address for Liukong Pier Recreation Area: No. 18, Haipu, Sangu Li, Qigu District, Tainan City)

*Important Notes:
1. Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult when engaging in water recreational activities
2. Please do not enter the experience water area barefoot; wear socks
3. Depending on weather conditions, the event may be suspended or canceled. Please check the latest updates on the official website