Sprawling east of New Taipei City, Gongliao is a largely rural district fringed by the rugged coastline of Cape Santiago. It was here that the Japanese first landed when they invaded Taiwan, naming the area Kōryō Village. Today, it’s renowned for its golden beaches and seafood restaurants, as well as a historic whitewashed lighthouse.
Things to do in Gongliao District
Spend a day relaxing on the golden sands of Fulong Beach, which lies where the Shuang River meets the waters of the East China Sea. You can get active while surfing and fishing or soak up the views from the Rainbow Bridge. Several sand sculpture events also take place here throughout the year.
A short drive north takes you to the charming fishing village of Aodi, with a Resistance Monument marking the spot where the Japanese landed in 1895. You can spend a lazy day at picturesque Yenliao Beach before feasting on locally caught seafood at one of the restaurants lining Aodi’s main street and harbour.
At the easternmost point of Gongliao District lies Cape Santiago, which was named following the arrival of a Spanish fleet in 1626. In addition to its sweeping views across the East China Sea, the cape is topped by a 16.5-metre-high lighthouse constructed in 1935 to aid ships as they navigated the treacherous waters.
Getting around Gongliao District
Gongliao District is around an hour’s drive from the centre of New Taipei City and 1.5 hours from Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport. Regular trains connect to Fulong and Gongliao railway stations while buses travel throughout the district. Having your own car or scooter gives you greater freedom to explore.