Dongshi Fisherman's Wharf is a fishing harbor and tourist boardwalk in Dongshi Township, Chiayi County, bordering the Taiwan Strait and known nationwide as a hub for oyster farming and distribution. Chiayi County has long been Taiwan's top oyster-producing county; a wooden boardwalk and viewing platform extend out over the water, and the silhouette of fishing boats returning at sunset is one of the most iconic photographic scenes along the Chiayi coast.
Chiayi County has long been Taiwan's largest oyster-producing county — around 9,600 metric tons per year according to 2018 data, roughly 40 percent or more of the national total. The waters off Dongshi benefit from the natural shelter of the Wai-San-Ding-Zhou sandbar and clean, plankton-rich water, producing plump oysters with a milky-white broth known locally as “milk oysters.”
Highlights of Dongshi Fisherman's Wharf
Dongshi Township sits along the western coast of Chiayi County, bordering the Taiwan Strait. The surrounding waters are one of Taiwan's major oyster (oysteri) farming zones, and the bamboo and oyster rack structures spread across the nearshore waters form Dongshi's distinctive aquaculture seascape. The Fisherman's Wharf features a long wooden boardwalk that extends out over the sea, allowing close-up views of harbor vessels, along with a viewing platform where visitors can look out toward the sunset over the Taiwan Strait.
The wharf is flanked by a fish market and a cluster of seafood restaurants. Oyster pancakes, oyster soup, and ô-jiān (oyster fritters) are the must-try local dishes, while fresh fish, shrimp, and crab can also be purchased to cook at home. The evening rush as fishing boats return is lively; the image of a sunset-red sky framing the silhouettes of fishing boats is especially prized by photography enthusiasts.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit
Practical Information
Getting There & Hours
- Dongshi Township is about 40 minutes by car from Chiayi city. Public transit is infrequent; driving is the most convenient option.
- The wharf is open year-round; fish market hours vary with the catch. Morning and late afternoon are the best times to visit; fishing activity is minimal at midday.
Nearby Connections
- Budai Haomei'li Wetland is south of Dongshi; combine both for a half-day coastal itinerary.
- Chiayi's coastal salt-field heritage and fishing industry offer further sights — consider extending your trip to explore the diverse maritime landscape along the Chiayi shore.
Source: Publicly available data from the Chiayi County Dongshi Township Office and fisheries-related sources. Photos to be replaced with Dio's own shots.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Dongshi famous for oysters?
The waters off Dongshi are sheltered by the Wai-San-Ding-Zhou sandbar and rich in plankton, producing plump, flavorful oysters that make it Chiayi's main oyster-farming region.
How does Chiayi rank in Taiwan's oyster production?
Chiayi County has long been Taiwan's top oyster producer, with around 9,600 metric tons per year according to 2018 data, more than 40 percent of the national total.
What are “milk oysters”?
“Milk oysters” is a local nickname for Dongshi oysters, so called because the broth turns milky white when cooked, reflecting their rich, plump flavor.
What's the best time to photograph Dongshi Fisherman's Wharf?
Arrive after 4 p.m. to catch the boats returning at sunset, when the light and boat silhouettes are at their most photogenic.
Sources
- 嘉義東石蚵產業亮起來：牡蠣殼的「鍍金」術－外交部NGO雙語網站 — 嘉義蚵仔年產量與占全國比例
- 以海為田要付錢了！嘉義今年起首收牡蠣養殖海域使用費－農傳媒 — 嘉義牡蠣年產量約9,628公噸（2018年資料）