The Zhuangwei Sand Dunes Ecological Park is located in Zhuangwei Township, Yilan County, at the 149.3 km mark along the Provincial Coastal Highway No. 2. Covering approximately 4.48 hectares, it is an ecological and cultural attraction that blends natural landscapes with architectural aesthetics. Officially opened in 2018, the park was designed by renowned architect Huang Sheng-Yuan. Centered on the concept of “Opening the valley to reveal the dunes,” its design seeks to present the original dune terrain of Yilan while achieving harmony between architecture and the natural environment.
Historically, the Zhuangwei sand dunes served as an important natural barrier between the Lanyang Plain and the Pacific Ocean. However, due to development and wind erosion, much of the dunes gradually disappeared. Through the creation of this park, visitors can once again appreciate this landscape that carries the memory of nature. Walking through the park, one side is lined with sprawling screw pines and pools reflecting the sky, while the other opens to peaceful rural fields. As you stroll, the interplay of sunlight, drifting clouds, and undulating dunes creates scenery where nature itself is the art.
The park’s architecture emphasizes coexisting with the terrain, understated yet deeply rooted in local character. Facilities include the Visitor Center and the “Weixiao Hamlet Hall,” guiding guests to the heart of the landscape while offering spaces for exhibitions, rest, and community interaction. The spatial design preserves open areas and natural ventilation, incorporating sand, wind, water, and shifting light and shadow to create a setting that is livable, scenic, and contemplative.
Beyond the park, the surrounding area is rich in tourism resources, such as the Yilan Coastal Bikeway, the unique local communities of Houpi and Buhou, and the nearby Lanyang River Estuary Bird Sanctuary. Whether cycling along the coast at dawn, strolling through the dunes at sunset, or sitting quietly in the evening to listen to the sound of the waves, visitors can experience the unique rhythm and beauty of this place.