The Pingtung Black Tuna Festival Combines Sakura Shrimp Decorations – Donggang Suddenly Becomes Beautiful

Reporter You t
ru / Comprehensive Report

With the opening of Pingtung County’s Black Tuna Culture and Tourism Festival entering the countdown, the county government has continued last year’s “Summer Sakura Love” theme that incorporated sakura shrimp, decorating Donggang Township with sakura lanterns, love-themed flower beds, and “Sakura Love Chairs.” The romantic ambiance showcases another charming side of Donggang, leaving many exclaiming, “Donggang has become so beautiful!”


▲ Lighting changes at the Overseas Chinese Market after nightfall. (Photo / Provided by Pingtung County Government)

After adding the new star “Sakura Beauty” to the Black Tuna Festival, the event personifies her and “Chico the Black Tuna” as they explore Donggang together, introducing local attractions and features. These include Zhenhai Temple, Haiwu, the Donggang River embankment, the Donggang Fishing Port Seafood Direct Sales Center (Overseas Chinese Market), as well as the light-wood bridge on Guangfu Road and the Safety Island Park—six major spots. The county government has specially decorated these areas to attract visitors to discover a different side of Donggang.

Walking into Donggang Township, along the seafood street on Guangfu Road, you can already see pink sakura lanterns that look like red cherry blossoms reflected on the water’s surface, complemented by greenery on both banks, creating a stunning scene. At night, when the lanterns are lit, it resembles moonlight over willow trees, forming the “Sakura Love Path.” Meanwhile, the Safety Island Park on Guangfu Road features a photo spot with a facade of Chico the Black Tuna and Sakura Beauty, as well as Sakura Love Chairs—a perfect place for couples to meet.

 
▲ Sakura lanterns on Guangfu Road in Donggang. (Photo / Provided by Pingtung County Government)

The Jinde Bridge, which connects Donggang Township and Xinyuan Township, features a red basket-like structure that complements the Donggang River embankment. The county government has planned a “Heart Bridge Station” along the pedestrian walkway on the embankment, where the railings are adorned with floating sakura petals. Here, you can take photos with the beautiful rainbow bridge and create wonderful memories. Climbing to the top of Haiwu offers a 360-degree panoramic view, with sights of Dawu Mountain and Little Liuqiu in the distance, and the Donggang River, Gaoping River estuary, and fishing boats returning from sea up close. The county government has arranged a love-themed flower bed at the top, symbolizing a “Sea of Love.” When night falls, heart-shaped lights illuminate, adding to the romantic atmosphere.


▲ The pedestrian walkway on the Donggang River embankment is decorated with a “Heart Bridge Station,” echoing the red Jinde Bridge. (Photo / Provided by Pingtung County Government)

Zhenhai Temple is one of the seven major temples in Donggang for worship. The three-yearly King Welcoming and Safety Ritual of Donglong Temple is held next to Zhenhai Temple in Zhenhai Park, including the Water Invitation Ceremony and the King’s Heavenly River Procession (burning of the King’s boat). The county government has printed “Happiness Love Cards” for the public to take for free, write blessings, and tie them onto the large circular zodiac railing in front of Zhenhai Temple, making a wish for happiness.

The Tourism and Communications Office recommends that after visiting these attractions, don’t forget to stop by the largest seafood retail market in Pingtung County—the Donggang Fishing Port Seafood Direct Sales Center (Overseas Chinese Market). Here, you can find a variety of freshly caught seafood and local snacks to satisfy your taste buds. The rooftop also features an ocean-view platform, and in the evening, there’s a colorful and dazzling light show performance.