Nanfangao Fishing Port

Nanfangao Fishing Port

There are three fishing ports in Nanfangao: the First Fishing Port, also known as “Nanfangao Fishing Port,” was built during the Japanese colonial period and is the earliest fishing port in the area. The Nantian Temple across from the fishing port serves as the local spiritual hub. At the lower end of Nanfangao Fishing Port, there are many stir-fry restaurants and seafood shops where visitors can enjoy fresh seafood.

The Second Fishing Port, also known as “Neipi Fishing Port,” was constructed in 1955 and is the smallest of the three. Every day between 3 and 5 PM, fish vendors from all over gather to hawk their wares in the market, and visitors can join in to purchase fresh seafood at low prices.

The Third Fishing Port was built in 1965. Compared to the first two markets, the Third Fishing Market by the port is much quieter. It currently accommodates large purse seine fishing boats and deep-sea fishing vessels. In addition to its rich fishing industry, the coral processing trade once flourished in this small fishing harbor but gradually declined due to over-harvesting. However, there are still several jewelry and coral shops along the harbor road, offering a dazzling array of items for visitors to choose from.

Nanfangao Cross-Harbor Bridge

As the hub of Nanfangao’s development, the town surrounds the fishing port. In the past, traveling from the north shore to the south shore required a long detour. But since the completion of the semicircular cross-sea bridge in 1998—Asia’s first single-girder suspension steel bridge—the white structure with its sleek design spans the fishing port channel, turning Nanfangao into a circular shape. Vehicles can now drive directly around the town, greatly improving convenience for residents and tourists alike. The bridge has also become a popular tourist attraction and a source of local pride.

Nantian Temple Mazu Shrine

Nanfangao is a natural fishing harbor where most residents make a living from fishing. In 1946, the locals, grateful for Mazu’s miraculous salvation, began preparations in December 1950 to build the Nantian Temple Mazu Shrine, completing the main hall in 1952. The entire temple was finished on November 18, 1956 (Republic of China Year 45).

In 1990 (Republic of China Year 79), over 20 craftsmen were commissioned to create the world’s largest solid gold Mazu statue (entirely made of pure gold, weighing 200 kilograms), which was enshrined at the stroke of midnight on September 10, 1995 (Republic of China Year 84), attracting numerous worshippers and making it a thriving center of faith.