In Fangyuan, the seawater and fresh river water mix in the intertidal zone of mud and sand, forming a beach combining black mud and sand. Therefore, it is also called the black land. Rich in organic substances, it is suitable for the growth of shrimps, crabs, and shell fishes. When visiting this black land, visitors are highly recommended to experience the intangible cultural heritage here – the ecological tour of “oyster picking with sea-oxs”.
Visitors can experience the trip of oyster picking on the back of a sea-ox at the intertidal zone near Putian Temple, Baima feng, Fangyuan. This unique trip in Taiwan attracts many visitors, especially families. Both adults and children ride on the ox drawn cart to the beach about 1km from the shore. In the intertidal zone, they can have fun with clam and oyster picking. It is exciting to adventure in this piece of huge black land.
Oyster picking on the back of a sea-ox experience trip
(Please observe the appointed time. Depending on the time of ebb and flow)
Trip appointment:
Ting, Chun-Chin (A-Chin):+886 922-617386
Sex-ox Station (Li, Cheng-Chieh):+886 932-252814
Sex-ox School (Wei, Ching-Shui):+886 977-320688 / +886 919-688438
Eco-Tour of Oyster Harvesting with Oxcarts in Fangyuan: A Cultural Journey into Changhua’s Intertidal Zone
Address: No. 100, Ln. 161, Fang 2nd Sec., Fanghan Rd., Fangyuan Township, Changhua County, Taiwan (R.O.C.) (Located in the parking lot of Putian Temple (普天宮))
Fangyuan’s intertidal zone is Taiwan’s largest and last remaining original wetland of its kind. More than just a vast expanse of black mudflats teeming with life,
it preserves a rare and precious tradition over six decades old—sea-oxen wading into the sea to harvest oysters.
This poetic and time-honored practice, rooted in the wisdom of fishing villages,
has been officially recognized as an intangible cultural heritage of Changhua County. Today, it forms the heart of a one-of-a-kind eco-tourism experience in the world that draws visitors from across Taiwan and around the world. Riding in an ox-drawn cart, participants journey to the ends of the earth,
immerse themselves in the cultural soul of a fishing village, and feel the rhythm of marine life.
蘇連吉/拍攝
李佩珍/拍攝
陳秀美/拍攝
陳啟迪/拍攝
黃頌堯/拍攝
The unique landscape of the Fangyuan Intertidal Zone—a six-kilometer stretch of black mudflats—was formed by the mingling of sediment from the Zhuoshui River (濁水溪) and seawater. This region is a vital hub for oyster farming.
Its distinctive horizontal hanging culture method allows oyster larvae to attach to shells during high tide and grow plump over time. After nearly 10 months of meticulous care—from rack placement to oyster cleaning, sorting and harvesting—farmers reap the prized “pearl oysters,” treasures born of time and tide.
The oyster harvesting journey begins at Putian Temple, where participants gather and gear up with specialized intertidal footwear. They then board an iron ox cart (tractor), cross the levee, and travel along the "Moses Sea-Crossing Path"—a route revealed only during low tide. Slowly, the cart makes its way into the heart of the sea.
The oyster harvesting journey begins at Putian Temple, where participants gather and gear up with specialized intertidal footwear. They then board an iron ox cart (tractor), cross the levee, and travel along the "Moses Sea-Crossing Path"—a route revealed only during low tide. Slowly, the cart makes its way into the heart of the sea.
The tradition of using oxcart for oyster harvesting dates back to the Japanese colonial era, when fishermen repurposed draft oxen to assist in the intertidal zones. At its peak, Fangyuan was home to over 300 sea-oxen. With the rise of mechanization, only about 12 sea-oxen remain actively engaged in this heritage practice today.
The tradition of using oxcart for oyster harvesting dates back to the Japanese colonial era, when fishermen repurposed draft oxen to assist in the intertidal zones. At its peak, Fangyuan was home to over 300 sea-oxen. With the rise of mechanization, only about 12 sea-oxen remain actively engaged in this heritage practice today.
The vast black tidal flats where sky meets sea serve as a living classroom. To ensure every visit is meaningful, local businesses and residents have collaborated to create a series of engaging,
educational experiences that blend tradition with fun. Hands-on activities include bathing the sea-ox, harvesting, shucking, and tying oysters, grilling fresh oysters by hand, digging for clams,
observing tiny crabs, and participating in a fun "oyster column shaking" game. These experiences offer participants a deeper understanding of the hardworking lives of oyster farmers through play. For group reservations, an outdoor cooking experience awaits—feast on freshly cooked seafood congee and grilled oysters, served straight from the sea to your mouth.
As the journey draws to a close, participants are invited to pay homage to the gods and the earth. From the vantage point at sea, they gaze back toward Putian Temple, its reflection shimmering across the intertidal zone like a mirage suspended between sky and water. The steadfast sea-ox, walking with quiet determination, is more than a bearer of carts and oysters—it is a living guardian of the ocean’s vitality and the cultural heritage of this coastal land. Their tireless
