Chenguangao Cultural Landscape (Guanghengfa Ruins) Introduction
On the East Coast National Scenic Area along Taiwan Highway 11 in Chenggong Township, Taitung County, there is a cultural heritage site known as the "Chengguangao Cultural Landscape" Park, which was originally the site of "Guangheng Fa Business Firm," the largest trading firm in eastern Taiwan. The architectural style features a Baroque-style three-arch gate and a brick-arch pavilion known as "Tingzikau," both constructed with stone, reflecting the considerable wealth of the Wen family at that time. Chengguangao, also known as Xiaogang, is a natural deep-water harbor, historically used for the berthing of military ships. Early Chinese merchants frequented this area, and locals referred to the harbor as "Aoji," owing to its resemblance to the claws of a crab, which led to the alternative name "Xun Guangao." In the distance, one can see Sanxiantai. Chengguangao was an important stronghold for early Han settlers on the east coast. Wen Taikun, a Hakka person from Neipu, Pingtung County, founded the "Guangheng Fa Business Firm" upon arriving in Chengguangao, which became the largest grocery store along the Huadong coastline, selling daily necessities like rice and salt, and utilizing the harbor to transport goods from the western part of the island to the hinterland. The east coast highway expansion project has damaged the northern gate, leaving only the Baroque-styled business facade and the Tingzikau clearly discernible, while approximately one-third of the ruins are hidden among weeds and brush. Today, the establishment of the "Chengguangao Cultural Landscape" serves as a testament to the history of Han development and reclamation along the east coast.
