Sanxiantai Arch Bridge
Sanxiantai Arch Bridge is a stone passageway with eight arches connecting the mainland to a small island on Taiwan's east coast. The structure spans the water with regularly spaced arches, providing access to hiking trails, caves, a lighthouse from the Japanese era, and rocky shoreline areas around the island.
The arch bridge was built in 1987, making the previously hard-to-reach island easily accessible after it could only be waded across at low tide. The lighthouse on the island dates to 1915, marking a long history of maritime activity along this coast.
The name Sanxiantai comes from a Taoist legend about three immortals, which locals still honor through the place's identity. The bridge and island serve as a gathering point where fishing traditions, nature exploration, and storytelling remain woven into how people experience this coastline.
Visitors should come during daylight hours, as the path can become slippery in wet weather and proper footwear is important. There is little shade on the grounds, so a hat and water are essential, especially in warm conditions, though drinks and snacks are available at the start.
The bridge with its eight arches resembles a dragon leaping over water when viewed from a distance, giving it a dynamic quality. This visual likeness connects with local legends about a sea dragon protecting the island, reinforcing the mythical dimension of the place.
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