Heading north from Taitung City along the coastal Highway 11, the masts of Chenggong's Xingang Fishing Port line the horizon, and in the afternoon the auction floor is laid out with two-meter marlin. When the northeast monsoon arrives, harpoon boats still head out using the nearly extinct ancient technique of "harpoon fishing" — the harpooner stands at the bow and drives the harpoon home in a single throw as the fish breaks the surface. This freshness from the east coast's largest fishing port is Taitung's most direct expression of sea flavor.
What is Chenggong Marlin?
Chenggong Marlin is a collective term for marlin caught and processed at Xingang Fishing Port in Chenggong Township, Taitung County (historically called Xingang, now part of Chenggong Township). Species include white marlin, black marlin, sailfish, and red-meat marlin. Local preparations span a wide range: sashimi, marlin ball soup, marlin rice noodles, braised marlin, and marlin floss — even breakfast shops serve marlin fried with egg. The point is not which single shop does it best, but the entire Chenggong supply chain, where the distance from boat to stall is remarkably short.
Why Chenggong? Chenggong Fishing Port is the largest on the east coast and lies in the main current of the Kuroshio, which runs along the eastern seaboard. During marlin season the strong northeast monsoon drives migrating schools of fish, giving rise to the east coast's unique tradition of harpoon fishing — the harpooner stands on a platform at the bow, spots a dorsal fin cutting through the waves, and throws the harpoon directly, with no bait and no net. According to East Coast National Scenic Area records, the Xingang District Fishermen's Association has held a Marlin Festival for over 21 years, making it an annual highlight for both tourism and the fishing industry in Chenggong.
How to eat it the authentic way
Local knowledge
Verified sources (sponsored content filtered)
- East Coast National Scenic Area records: Chenggong Fishing Port is the largest on the east coast, where the traditional harpoon fishing technique was born.
- The Xingang District Fishermen's Association has hosted a Marlin Festival for over 21 years — Chenggong Township's annual tourism and fishing industry event.
- The Chenggong Story Hall documents the cultural history of harpoon fishing, tracing the evolution of a technique that has nearly disappeared elsewhere.
Practical tips
- Marlin season runs from October through March each year; harpoon fishing is most common when the northeast monsoon is strongest.
- The auction floor opens around 3 p.m. Don't come at midday expecting to see fresh landings — everything will already be sold and cleaned out.
- Restaurant quality in Chenggong varies. Stick to Fishermen's Association recommendations or spots with local queues rather than choosing by signage size.
Data compiled from the Taitung County Government Department of Transportation and Tourism Development, township and village farmers' associations, and large-scale public reviews. Sponsored listings have been filtered out. Photos will be replaced with exclusive channel footage after Dio's on-site shoot.