Taiwan Food Atlas

Chenggong Fishing Harbor

The East Coast's major marlin hub, with peak fishing activity from October to December
📍 Taitung · Chenggong Township · Chenggong Village🏞️ Nature🔖 Marlin fishing harbor · Fish unloading observation · East Coast fisheries

Chenggong Fishing Harbor is the main fishing port on the East Coast of Taitung County, known for large migratory species such as marlin and mahi-mahi. The peak marlin fishing season runs from October to December each year, when fishing boats head out in the early morning and return in the afternoon to unload. The harbor fish market offers the chance to observe the seafood trade — a concrete place to learn about East Coast fishing culture.

Highlights of Chenggong Fishing Harbor

Chenggong Fishing Harbor is located in Chenggong Village, Chenggong Township, and is the largest fishing port on the East Coast of Taitung County. Harpoon marlin fishing boats are moored in the harbor year-round, with fishermen standing on elevated platforms at the bow — a characteristic sight of Taiwan's traditional marlin fishing method. The marlin fishing peak season concentrates in autumn and winter (October to December), when catches are plentiful and trading at the harbor fish market is brisk.

Fresh seafood is available at the fish market, with marlin, mahi-mahi, tuna, and other species commonly on offer. Several seafood restaurants in the Chenggong town center area use freshly caught East Coast fish as their main ingredient. The Chenggong tourism fish market is busier on weekends and peak season holidays, offering a chance to experience the daily atmosphere of an East Coast fishing port — though buyers should confirm freshness before purchasing.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Visit

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Watch the fish unloading during peak seasonDuring the marlin peak season of October to December, fishing boats return to unload in the afternoon, creating the most active scene. Head to the fish market to observe the process of fish being carried and sorted for trade.
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Learn about harpoon marlin fishing boatsThe harpoon marlin fishing boats moored in the harbor have elevated platforms at the bow — a distinctive feature of Taiwan's traditional fishing method. You can observe the boat structure from the harbor side and learn about marlin fishing culture.
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Seafood dining in Chenggong townSeveral seafood restaurants are located around the harbor area, specializing in marlin and mahi-mahi dishes. Fish is freshest during peak season — a local seafood lunch before continuing the itinerary is recommended.
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Combine with a visit to SanxiantaiChenggong Fishing Harbor and Sanxiantai are about 5 to 10 minutes apart by car. The two can be combined into a Chenggong Township half-day itinerary, with the harbor visit followed by scenic sightseeing at Sanxiantai.

Practical Information

Getting There & Time

  • By car: Follow Highway 11 to Chenggong town center. The harbor is on the eastern side of the township — follow signs. Parking is available near the harbor.
  • Public transport: Take an East Coast highway bus from Taitung City to the Chenggong stop, then walk to the harbor, approximately 10 minutes.
  • During the marlin peak season (October–December), fishing boats return to port between approximately 1 and 3 p.m. — the best time to observe fishing operations.

Nearby Connections

  • Sanxiantai is about 5 to 10 minutes from Chenggong Fishing Harbor by car and can be combined into a Chenggong Township half-day itinerary.
  • Heading south on Highway 11 leads to Donghe Old Bridge, continuing the East Coast Highway southbound itinerary.

Source: Public information on Chenggong Fishing Harbor and East Coast fisheries documents. Photos to be replaced with Dio's own shots.