Wuqi Fishing Harbor is a traditional fishing wharf inside Taichung Port in Taichung's Wuqi District, built between 1980 and 1983 and officially opened as a tourist fishing harbor in May 1984. Once known as Wuchakang (Five-Fork Port), it was renamed Wuqi Port in 1891 during the Qing Guangxu era, and today it is known for its fresh-seafood direct-sale market and the evening scene of fishing boats returning to port — a signature coastal village attraction on Taichung's western shoreline.
The site was historically known as 'Bamboo Raft Hole' and later 'Five-Fork Port,' renamed Wuqi Port in 1891 during the Qing Guangxu era, per the Chinese Wikipedia entry. Construction of the fishing wharf began in October 1980 as part of the Taichung Port project, was completed in June 1983, and the harbor officially opened as a tourist fishing port in May 1984, when jurisdiction passed from the Taichung Harbor Bureau to Taichung County Government.
Highlights of Wuqi Fishing Harbor
Wuqi is located in the northwestern corner of Taichung, adjacent to the industrial port of Taichung Harbor. The fishing harbor itself remains relatively traditional in scale, preserving the day-to-day rhythms of fishing village life. The harbor area has a tourist fish market where fresh catches are distributed from the early hours through the morning — you can buy directly from the day's haul, with varieties depending on season and conditions. Seafood restaurants cluster around the harbor, making this the main hub for Taichung coastal cuisine.
The most compelling time to visit Wuqi Fishing Harbor is in the evening as the boats come in, when fishers unload their catch, the market buzzes with activity, and the western sun turns everything golden — a distinctly coastal scene unique to the Taichung coast. On clear days, views from the shore take in the cargo ships of Taichung Port and the line where sea meets sky in the distance.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit
Practical Information
Getting There & Timing
- Wuqi Fishing Harbor is open year-round. The tourist fish market typically operates from early morning through late morning; restaurant hours vary, so check ahead before you go.
- By car, take Provincial Highway 61 (West Coast Expressway) to the Wuqi interchange and follow signs. Public transit is limited; driving is recommended.
Nearby Connections
- Gaomei Wetlands is about 10 minutes away by car — pair an afternoon at Gaomei for the sunset with an evening meal at Wuqi for a complete coastal experience.
- Dajia Jenn Lann Temple is about 20 minutes from Wuqi, making it easy to plan a coastal day trip combining temples, wetlands, and a fishing harbor.
Source: Taichung City Government Tourism Bureau, Wikipedia entry on Wuqi Fishing Harbor. Photos to be replaced with Dio's own shots.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Wuqi Fishing Harbor open?
The fishing wharf was completed in 1983 and officially opened as a tourist fishing harbor in May 1984.
What was Wuqi Fishing Harbor previously called?
It was historically known as Five-Fork Port and was renamed Wuqi Port in 1891.
How is Wuqi Fishing Harbor related to Taichung Port?
It is the fishing wharf area built as part of the Taichung Port project, located within the port complex and serving both local fishing and tourism.
Sources
- 梧棲漁港－維基百科 — 建港年份、通航年份、歷史地名沿革
- 梧棲觀光漁港－臺中觀光旅遊網 — 官方觀光資訊交叉核對