The aging community of “hainu,” or “sea women,” in Taiwan’s Magang fishing village is facing an uncertain future as the traditional practice of foraging for gelidium algae, known locally as “stone flowers,” struggles to attract a younger generation. With the remaining active harvesters now in their 70s, the preservation of this maritime heritage has become a focal point for local cultural advocates amidst shifting demographics and coastal development pressures.
Wu Feng-chiao, 72, remains one of the women in Magang village who still regularly collect “stone flowers.” For more than half a century, Wu has traversed the intertidal zone to harvest the brownish-purple seaweed, which is processed into a traditional agar-agar jelly. The work is physically demanding, requiring harvesters to navigate slippery, uneven terrain while managing sacks that can weigh between 20 and 25 kilograms (44-55 pounds).
Wu Feng-chiao, 72, carries a freshly harvested load of gelidium algae, locally known as “stone flowers”, along Taiwan’s northeastern coast in Magang fishing village in New Taipei City on June 16, 2026. Photo: I-Hwa Cheng/AFP.
The Cultural Significance of the Hainu Tradition
The hainu tradition, which traces its roots to the Japanese colonial era, shares historical parallels with the haenyeo free-diving culture of South Korea. However, practitioners in Taiwan operate differently, as they do not go underwater to collect their harvest. Instead, these women work in the intertidal zones, carefully timing their movements to avoid the hazards posed by the Pacific Ocean’s crashing waves. Wu notes that the tradition is passed down through generations, often learned within families, and represents a deep-seated connection to the local marine environment.
Seawomen search for gelidium algae, locally known as “stone flowers”, among rocks in the intertidal zone along Taiwan’s northeastern coast in New Taipei City on May 18, 2026. Photo by I-Hwa Cheng/AFP.
The process of transforming raw algae into a marketable product is labor-intensive. Once collected, the seaweed must be cleaned of debris and dried in the sun for approximately four days. After being washed multiple times, it is boiled to extract the agar-agar, a gelatinous substance used in various cooling refreshments. Economically, 300 grams (0.7 pounds) of dried gelidium can produce about 50 bottles of agar-agar cooler, which retail for around $1.30 each.
Challenges Facing the Coastal Community
The decline of the hainu tradition is attributed largely to the migration of younger Taiwanese residents toward urban centers, leaving remote coastal villages with aging populations. In Magang, Wu estimates that no more than four women still engage in regular stone flower collection, all of whom are in their 70s or older. Beyond the demographic shift, harvesters have reported that the seaweed has become “especially scarce this year,” though the exact causes have not been identified.
Wu Feng-chiao, 72, trims debris and other impurities from freshly harvested gelidium algae, locally known as “stone flowers”, outside her home in Magang fishing village in New Taipei City on June 16, 2026. Photo: I-Hwa Cheng/AFP.
In addition to environmental concerns, the village faces potential disruption from real estate development. Residents have opposed these projects to maintain the integrity of the coastal landscape and the traditional stone houses that characterize the area. To formalize these preservation efforts, the Sandiaojiao Cultural Development Association was established in 2018. The association’s mission is to preserve Magang’s stone houses and keep the hainu tradition alive.
Looking Toward the Future
Despite the physical toll and the uncertainty regarding the next generation of harvesters, practitioners like Wu continue to frequent the shoreline when conditions permit. The desire to keep the tradition alive remains a strong motivator, even as the number of active participants dwindles. The future of the hainu, and the broader cultural identity of Magang, will likely depend on the success of local efforts to promote the village’s history and the continued viability of the coastal environment.
As of mid-2026, the Sandiaojiao Cultural Development Association continues to manage local initiatives aimed at maintaining the village’s cultural status. Readers interested in the ongoing preservation of Magang and similar maritime traditions in New Taipei City may monitor regional cultural announcements for updates on community-led heritage projects.