Chenggong Marlin is a collective term for marlin caught and processed at Xingang Fishing Port in Chenggong Township, the largest fishing port on Taiwan's east coast, where harpoon fishing is said to have been introduced by the Japanese after the port's completion during the colonial era and is still practiced today. Heading north from Taitung City along Highway 11, the masts of Xingang Fishing Port line the horizon, and the afternoon auction floor is laid out with two-meter marlin — landed by harpoon boats using a nearly vanished traditional method, the most direct expression of Taitung's sea flavor.
According to Taiwan's Ministry of Agriculture, the East Coast Marlin Festival has been jointly organized by the Xingang District Fishermen's Association, Taitung County Government, and the Fisheries Agency every November since 2001 — more than two decades running. Harpoon fishing is said to have been introduced by the Japanese after Xingang Fishing Port's completion during the colonial era: fishermen stand on a bow platform, spot the fish by eye, and throw the harpoon by hand, using no bait or net — one of the few traditional fishing methods still practiced in Taiwan today.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What species of marlin does Chenggong catch?
Mainly white marlin, black marlin, sailfish, and red-meat marlin, each with a somewhat different texture and best preparation.
What is harpoon fishing?
Harpoon fishing is a traditional method in which fishermen stand on a bow platform, spot the fish by eye, and throw the harpoon by hand, using no bait or net; it is said to have been introduced by the Japanese during the colonial era.
When can you watch the marlin auction in Chenggong?
The Xingang Port auction floor typically opens around 3 p.m., with the peak marlin season running from October through March when the northeast monsoon is strongest.
How long has the East Coast Marlin Festival run?
It has been jointly held by the Xingang District Fishermen's Association, Taitung County Government, and the Fisheries Agency every November since 2001 — more than two decades, and now an annual highlight for Chenggong Township.
Sources
- 漁業慶典系列報導 東海岸旗魚季 - 農業部全球資訊網 — 農業部官方報導,旗魚季自2001年11月起舉辦、鏢旗魚技法源自日治時期