Chenggong

Founding and First Mentions

The history of Chenggong is inextricably linked to the indigenous peoples of Taiwan. Originally, this territory was inhabited by the Amis tribe. In their language, the area was called "Madawdaw," which can be translated as "dim light" or "fires," referring to the torches used by locals for night fishing or lighting their homes.

The official administrative organization of the settlement occurred during the Japanese colonial period. In the early 20th century, active infrastructure development began here, and the place was named Shinko, which means "New Harbor." The town received its modern name, "Chenggong," after 1945: it is phonetically similar to the Japanese name but written with characters meaning "Success," and is also associated with the historical figure Koxinga (Zheng Chenggong).

Key Factors of Formation

The development of the town was determined by its unique location on the island's east coast. The key growth factors were:

• Geographical Position: Proximity to the warm Kuroshio Current ensured rich fishing resources, making the settlement an important center for the maritime industry.
• Port Construction: The opening of Shinko Harbor in 1932 transformed a small coastal village into a key transportation and trade hub for Taitung County, allowing it to accommodate larger vessels.
• Natural Landscape: The mountains pressing against the ocean limited inland agricultural development, which naturally reoriented the economy toward the sea.

Early Cultural and Economic Characteristics

The economy of early Chenggong was built almost exclusively on the bounty of the sea. The town quickly became famous as a center for catching skipjack tuna and marlin. Fishing shaped not only the income base but also the daily way of life for the population, where the rhythm of the day depended on the tides and fish migration seasons.

Culturally, Chenggong represented a unique blend of traditions. Despite administrative changes and the influx of new settlers, Amis culture remained the foundation of society, preserving its rituals related to the sea and harvest festivals. Later, these traditions harmoniously intertwined with Japanese fishing technologies and the customs of settlers, creating the distinctive atmosphere of a port town.

Major Historical Milestones

The history of Chenggong is a journey from a small indigenous settlement to the primary fishing port of the East Coast.

• Before the 1900s — The territory is inhabited by the Amis people and is known as "Madawdaw," meaning "dim light" or "fires."
• 1920 — During administrative reform, the settlement receives the Japanese name Shinko ("New Harbor") and becomes part of Taitung Prefecture.
• 1929 — Scale construction begins on a modern harbor designed to provide safe anchorage for vessels.
• 1932 — The official opening of Shinko Port, marking a turning point in the region's economic development.
• 1946 — The settlement is renamed Chenggong Township, which phonetically resembles the former name but means "Success."
• 1987 — Construction of the famous eight-arch bridge is completed, connecting the coast with Sanxiantai Island.
• 1988 — The administration of the East Coast National Scenic Area is established in Chenggong, stimulating tourism development.
• 1995 — Opening of the Amis Folk Center, which becomes an important venue for preserving and showcasing indigenous culture.
• 2002 — The Center for Marine Ecology (Aquarium) opens in the town, introducing visitors to the region's rich underwater world.
• 2019 — Chenggong Port is recognized as a key center for fishing tourism, famous for its marlin and tuna auctions.

Development Stages and Their Impact on the City

The evolution of Chenggong is a story of transformation from a traditional settlement into a modern center for the maritime industry and tourism. Below are the key events that shaped the town's current character and economy:

• Creation of the Deep-Water Harbor (1932)
  The completion of Shinko Port became the foundation of the town's economy. This event allowed the transition from coastal fishing to oceanic fishing, turning Chenggong into the largest fishing center in Taitung County and ensuring a steady influx of residents.
• Administrative Reform and a New Name (1946)
  The official renaming to Chenggong ("Success") and its designation as a township established administrative boundaries. This event marked the beginning of the formation of modern municipal infrastructure and local government.
• Construction of the Bridge to Sanxiantai Island (1987)
  The erection of the famous eight-arch bridge was an urban planning breakthrough. The landmark became the town's primary visual symbol, reorienting part of the economy from fishing to the tourism industry.
• Establishment of ECNSA Headquarters (1988)
  Locating the administration of the East Coast National Scenic Area (ECNSA) in Chenggong elevated the town's status to a regional management center. This attracted government investment in beautification and the development of the road network.
• Opening of the Amis Folk Center (1995)
  The creation of the center was a major cultural milestone. It moved the traditions of the indigenous people from the sphere of everyday life into the sphere of cultural heritage, helping to preserve the region's identity and develop ethnotourism.
• Launch of the Marine Biology Center (2002)
  The opening of the aquarium (now the Center for Marine Ecology) added educational and scientific functions to the town. This allowed for the diversification of tourism offerings, with an emphasis on ecology and the study of marine fauna.

Urban Planning Features

The urban structure of Chenggong is dictated by its geography: the town is stretched in a narrow strip between the Coastal Range and the Pacific Ocean. Provincial Highway 11 serves as the main axis of development, with residential and commercial buildings concentrated along it. The heart of the town is Shinko Port, around which a dense administrative and commercial center has formed, featuring a layout typical of Taiwanese coastal towns.

Architectural Eras and Styles

Chenggong’s appearance is eclectic: modern concrete structures stand alongside rare colonial-era monuments and stylized elements of indigenous culture. The main stages of construction can be divided as follows:

• Traditional Amis Architecture (Pre-colonial Period / Reconstruction)
  Historical dwellings made of bamboo and thatch have virtually disappeared from the urban area, but this style has been meticulously recreated at the Amis Folk Center. It is characterized by structures raised above the ground, the use of natural materials, and large communal spaces. In the modern town, elements of this style (ornaments, totems) are often used in the decoration of public buildings as a tribute to the heritage.
• Japanese Colonial Style (1895–1945)
  The period of active port development left behind a strict street layout in the central part. A striking example of the architecture from that time is the Former Residence of the Shinko Branch Chief (Sugahara Residence). This rare surviving wooden building combines elements of a traditional Japanese residence with adaptations for Taiwan's humid climate (raised foundation, tiled roof).
• Functionalism and Modernism (Post-war Period – Present)
  Most residential buildings are typical Taiwanese "shophouses" made of reinforced concrete and faced with tiles. These buildings are utilitarian and designed to withstand typhoons. Industrial architecture dominates the port area: the fish auction building and warehouses are executed in a strictly functional style.

Iconic Architectural Landmarks

Some structures in Chenggong go beyond utility and form the town's recognizable silhouette:

• Sanxiantai Bridge: An engineering and architectural masterpiece consisting of eight arches resembling a dragon's back. It connects the coast to an island and is a prime example of late 20th-century landscape architecture.
• Chenggong Presbyterian Church: A white building with a high tower that serves as a visual landmark. Its architecture combines modernist elements with Christian symbolism.
• ECNSA Administration Building: An example of modern public architecture integrated into the landscape. The building features a low profile and sloping roofs to harmonize with the surrounding hills and preserve the natural panorama.

People Who Shaped the History of Chenggong

The history of the town is, above all, the story of its residents. In Chenggong, the paths of Japanese engineers, enterprising merchants, and talented representatives of the indigenous Amis people have intertwined in fascinating ways. Their legacy can be seen today in the architecture, heard in the music, and felt in the unique atmosphere of this port town.

Historical Figures

• Sugamiya Katsutaro
  A Japanese official and urban planner appointed as district chief in the 1930s. The town owes its greatest asset—Shinko Port—to his vision. Sugamiya personally oversaw the design and construction of the harbor, which transformed a fishing village into the economic center of the coast. His love for this region was so strong that he remained in Taiwan after the war. Tourists can visit his former wooden residence, one of the town's most beautiful historical monuments.
• Wen Tai-kun
  A pioneer of commerce on the East Coast. In 1894, he founded the "Guanghengfa" trading house, which became the first major company in the region. Wen Tai-kun organized the supply of vital goods (rice and salt) before modern roads even existed. The Baroque-style building of his trading house survives to this day as a reminder of the era's commercial prosperity.
• Gao Duanli
  A respected Presbyterian physician who became a symbol of humanism in post-war Chenggong. In 1946, he purchased the Sugamiya residence and opened the "Gao-an" clinic there, where he treated local residents for decades. Thanks to him, the historical building was not destroyed and has been preserved in perfect condition.

Modern Talents: Music and Sports

Chenggong and Taitung County are famous for their high concentration of talent, especially among the indigenous population. Locals joke that children here learn to sing and play baseball before they can walk.

• A-Lin (Huang Li-ling)
  One of Asia's most famous pop singers, often called the "A Born Diva." A native of the area and of Amis descent, she possesses a powerful voice that she says was tempered by singing on the ocean shore near the Sanxiantai Bridge. A-Lin actively promotes indigenous culture and language on the international stage.
• Ngayaw Ake' (Lin Chih-sheng)
  A legend of Taiwanese baseball and the record holder in the professional league (CPBL) for the most home runs. A graduate of a local school, he has become an inspiration for hundreds of boys dreaming of a sports career. Ngayaw Ake' is known not only for his athletic achievements but also for being the first to officially use his Amis name on his jersey, highlighting pride in his heritage.