Sanxiantai

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Sanxiantai

coast

Sanxiantai is a coastal area of islands and a long beach in Chenggong Township, Taitung County, Taiwan, famous for its sea-dragon shaped footbridge and dramatic rocky shoreline. Travelers come for the iconic bridge, coastal views and sunrise over the Pacific.

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Sanxiantai essentials

Address: Sanxiantai, Chenggong Township, Taitung County, Taiwan

Sanxiantai, whose Amis name is nuwalian and whose Chinese name means “Platform of the three immortals,” sits off the east coast of Taiwan in Chenggong Township. The site includes a stretch of beach and several offshore islets; the largest island is marked by three very large rocks that give the place its name.

The most striking feature is the long, arched footbridge built in the shape of a sea dragon that links the coast with the largest island, providing expansive views of the rugged shoreline and open ocean. The area appears on early maps and has long been noted for its distinctive rock formations and coastal scenery.

Sanxiantai’s shoreline is mainly rocky with tidal pools and outcrops rather than a sheltered sandy bay, so visits focus on walking the bridge and shore, photography and watching seabirds and the changing sea. The site is part of the broader coast of Eastern Taiwan and is popular with day-trippers from nearby towns.

  • Sea-dragon footbridge: An arched pedestrian bridge in a sinuous, dragon-like form that connects the mainland to the largest island and frames coastal views.
  • Three Immortals Rocks: Three prominent boulders on the main island that give Sanxiantai its name and are a focal point for photographs.
  • Rocky shore and tidal pools: Exposed rock platforms and tide pools reveal marine life at low tide and make for textured coastal scenery.
  • Sunrise over the Pacific: East-facing views make the site a popular place to watch the sun rise above the ocean horizon.
  • Coastal walking: Short walks along the shoreline and the bridge offer different vantage points of the islands and the open sea.
Things to Do
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Sanxiantai#

Sanxiantai is pleasant year-round but weather and sea conditions vary; the driest, clearest months suit coastal walking and photography best.

Winter (best)
November - February · 16°C - 25°C (61°F - 77°F)
Drier and clearer conditions make coastal views and sunrise photography more reliable, and walks along the bridge and shore are comfortable.
Spring (good)
March - May · 18°C - 28°C (64°F - 82°F)
Milder weather with increasing sunshine offers pleasant visits, though showers become more frequent toward late spring.
Rainy season (avoid if possible)
June - September · 24°C - 31°C (75°F - 88°F)
This period brings heavy rainfall and a higher risk of storms and rough seas, making coastal conditions hazardous and visibility poor.

Weather & Climate near Sanxiantai#

Climate

Sanxiantai's climate is classified as Tropical Rainforest - Tropical Rainforest climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and mild winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 16°C to 31°C. Heavy rainfall (2093 mm/year), wettest in September.

Air Quality: AQI 50 Good
Best Time to Visit
MarchAprilNovember
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
34°
Warmest Month
9°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Good 16° - 21° 19° 76 mm overcast 83% 4.2 m/s 0.8 moderate 10.7h
February Good 17° - 21° 19° 73 mm overcast 83% 3.8 m/s 1.1 high 11.3h
March Very Good 19° - 23° 21° 78 mm overcast 81% 5.1 m/s 1.2 high 11.9h
April Very Good 21° - 26° 23° 95 mm overcast 79% 3.6 m/s 1.4 high 12.6h
May Good 23° - 28° 25° 186 mm overcast 80% 4.0 m/s 1.7 very high 13.1h
June Good 25° - 30° 30° 192 mm overcast 82% 3.4 m/s 2.1 extreme 13.4h
July Good 26° - 31° 33° 244 mm partly cloudy 82% 3.9 m/s 2.4 extreme 13.3h
August Very Good 25° - 30° 32° 306 mm partly cloudy 84% 3.8 m/s 2.2 extreme 12.8h
September Very Good 24° - 29° 27° 346 mm partly cloudy 85% 4.0 m/s 1.8 very high 12.2h
October Very Good 23° - 28° 25° 293 mm partly cloudy 84% 4.1 m/s 1.4 high 11.5h
November Very Good 20° - 25° 22° 124 mm overcast 84% 4.9 m/s 1.0 moderate 10.9h
December Very Good 18° - 22° 20° 80 mm overcast 84% 4.2 m/s 0.8 moderate 10.6h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Sanxiantai#

Sanxiantai is in Chenggong Township on Taiwan’s east coast; the nearest major town is Taitung City, which has the main regional transport links. The closest airport serving scheduled domestic flights is Taitung Airport, and the railway hub is Taitung Railway Station, from which road transport serves the coast to the north.

From Taitung or Chenggong take a regional bus, taxi or rented scooter for the final stretch to the Sanxiantai parking and visitor area; the site is reached by a short walk to the bridge from the shore. Check local timetables and road conditions for the last-mile transfers.

Tips for Visiting Sanxiantai#

  • Wear sturdy shoes for slippery rocks and uneven paths along the shore and on the island.
  • Bring sun protection and water; the coast is exposed and can be hot in daytime.
  • Be prepared for sudden heavy rain and rough seas during June to September and avoid venturing onto slippery rocks in such conditions.
  • Arrive early for quieter conditions and the best light for sunrise photos.