Sanxiantai 三仙台

About Sanxiantai

The island’s volcanic and sea-eroded formations explain the landscape, but access is currently limited to the mainland visitor area: bridge restoration began on 4 May 2026, with completion expected at the end of 2027.

During the works, plan for the mainland shore, coastal scenery and visitor facilities. The bridge cannot be used to reach the island. Older descriptions of walking across it or completing the island path do not reflect the current closure.

Sanxiantai was originally called Diaoyutai (钓鱼台); it is also known as Bixili'an (比西里岸), from the Amis Pisirian, meaning grazing land. According to local tradition, three of the Eight Immortals rested on the island and left footprints on its hill, giving the site its name; the footbridge built in 1987 to reach the island uses an eight-arch design inspired by the immortals' legend. An 1755 map recorded the area under the name 'Sansana'.

The site consists of an offshore island, a coral-reef coast and a gravel coast, covering about 22 hectares. Its highest point rises to about 77 meters, formed from Dulanshan Formation volcanic breccia (都峦山层火山集块岩) that has eroded over time from a headland into an island. Potholes up to 5 meters in diameter and 4 meters deep pierce the island's northern terrace, and a tunnel-like sea arch, Hehuan Cave (合欢洞), 58 meters long and about 3 meters wide, cuts through the island's northeast.

Sanxiantai lies about three kilometers northeast of the town center of Chenggong, Taitung County. Because of limited human disturbance it is an important site for studying coastal plant ecology and has been designated a nature reserve. The area is now managed under the East Coast National Scenic Area (东部海岸国家风景区), which operates a Sanxiantai visitor service center offering information on the site's ecology and tourism.

What to look for

• The eight-arch bridge remains a distinctive coastal landmark.
• The mainland pebble shore provides Pacific and island views.
• Sea erosion and volcanic rock explain the offshore landscape.

Location & getting there

Getting to Sanxiantai

The mainland visitor area is at 74 Jihui Road in Chenggong Township, Taitung County. Choose Sanxiantai as the coastal bus or taxi destination and remain within the open mainland area during the bridge works.