Originally established as an Amis settlement, Chenggong Township is a coastal community overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Taiwan’s east. It encompasses several beautiful beaches where you can swim and surf, as well as an iconic bridge that’s shaped like a sea dragon and connects to an offshore island.
Things to do in Chenggong Township
On the coast of Chenggong Township is Sanxiantai, a beachside area renowned for its island views and sea dragon-shaped footbridge. The bridge connects the pebbly beach with the island of Sanxiantai, whose name translates as the “Platform of the three immortals” after its three large rock formations.
Another notable bridge in Chenggong Township is the arch-shaped Old Donghe Bridge, which spans the turquoise waters of the Mawuku River and was constructed in 1926 under Japanese rule. After walking its 127-metre length, continue north to picturesque Douli Beach where you can surf when the tide is up or admire the sky reflected in the shallows at low tide.
If you’re interested in the region’s cultural heritage, pay a visit to the Amis Folk Center, which features traditional dwellings and ceremonial houses of the Amis tribe. It’s based on the hand drawings of Guangfu Township that were done by a Japanese ethnologist in 1943. In addition to its visitor centre where you can learn about the lifestyle and traditions of Taiwan’s indigenous people, there’s also an outdoor concert space where traditional songs are regularly performed.
Getting around Chenggong Township
Chenggong Township is just over an hour’s drive from Taitung and Taitung Airport, which has flights to destinations across Taiwan. Buses are the main means of getting to and around Chenggong Township. Having your own vehicle will give you greater freedom to explore the region.