Stone Stacking Contest Draws Tourists to Hualien Beach|曼波海灘石頭疊疊樂 比創意拿獎金

Mambo Beach is located in the village of Shunan in Hualien's Xincheng Township. Three years ago, nearby residents began organizing a stone stacking competition, the first of its kind in Taiwan. The stacks are judged on their aesthetics and degree of difficulty, and the winner gets a cash prize.


People collect stones along Mambo Beach in the village of Shunan in Hualien's Xincheng Township. They are preparing to compete in a stone stacking competition. Although stacking stones is a bit like playing with blocks, competitors have to take the form of their stacks and the center of gravity into consideration. Participants say building a successful stack gives them a sense of accomplishment.

It's great, it allows children to get close to nature and get to know this beach as well.

Mambo Beach is covered with flat pebbles that are extremely suitable for stacking. Three years ago, local residents began organizing a stone stacking competition, hoping to attract tourists. Once the competition is over, the stones are returned to nature.

What we have on hand locally is what is used. What we have on hand is primarily pebbles. We know there are pebbles here, and sometimes we come across driftwood as well, which can also be used. They collapse when typhoons or big waves pass by, and then are restored. Sometimes it takes a week.

Local guesthouses and community associations help to organize the competition. This stone stacking competition is believed to be the only one of its kind in Taiwan. This year, it began on Aug. 16 and will continue until Aug. 18. Registration is free, and the winner receives a cash prize of NT$10,000.