The distinct landmark of Wanggong – Fangyuan Lighthouse – can be seen on Yanhai Rd. along Provincial Highway 17.
Fangyuan Lighthouse was constructed in 1978. The tower measures 37.4m tall, and the light is 35.7m tall. The tower consists of an octagonal shaped SRC structure that is painted in black and white vertical stripes. The class 4 electric lamp emits light in 10-second intervals (5 seconds lit and 5 seconds dark); measured at 28,000cd, the power of the lamp is equivalent to 1,000w. Consisting of a generator room, warehouse, and dormitory, etc. The international lighthouse falls under the jurisdiction of Keelung Customs, Customs Administration, Ministry of Finance.
“Fishing boat lights of Wanggong” is one of the 8 major scenic views in Changhua. In recent years, the number of fishing boats has declined and the sight is also gradually disappearing into history. However, one can catch a commanding view of the fishing port at the Wanggong Fishing Port observation deck by the ocean. Before the tide rises, a fleet of sampans will return to the port bearing oysters, and you will see mudskippers and fiddler crabs at the tidal flat. If you are lucky, you may even catch clams in the mud. Follow the embankment road behind Fangyuan Lighthouse and head towards Xinbao Village, you will reach the large expanse of mangroves restored by Changhua County Department of Agriculture over a period of many years. Egrets and other aquatic birds can be seen resting in the 1m tall mangroves, making it a wonderful classroom for natural ecology.
Fresh seafood, asparagus, peanut, and oyster are the specialty products of Wanggong. There are numerous restaurants situated next to the Wanggong seawall. Oyster fritter fried patties are available on Wanggong gourmet street on Fanghan Rd. With aromatic, crunchy crust, the patrons can choose from a number of fillings: leeks, oysters, pork, or squid. This is complemented by stir-fried asparagus, oyster soup, or salt stir-fried peanuts from various stores, each offering its unique flavor.
Royal Arch Bridge – Perfect venue for viewing sunset; as the sun slowly sets over “Roya Arch”, couples basking in the afterglow bear witness to romantic stories. This is the most beautiful moment at Royal Arch.
Royal Arch Bridge is located at the estuary, south of the fishing port. The landscape bridge spans across the port and its shape is inspired by the name of the region “Wanggong”, which translates to “Royal Arch”. The Royal Arch Bridge is 82m long, 4.5m wide and the peak of the arch is 20m tall, while the paved surface of the bridge is 8m tall. Constructed from the most malleable material – steel, the bridge represents geometric aesthetics and embodies the regional landscape of Changhua’s coastal area in its imagery. The Ecological Landscape Bridge has received international architecture award. At first glance, it appears to be a great egret spreading its wings ready to soar into the sky. The bridge’s design emphasizes “Humanity and interaction between light and wind”, earning it the Far Eastern Architectural Design Award, making it an essential destination for international tourists! From the bridge, one can not only admire the changes in tide at the Hougang Estuary and sunset over Wanggong in the distance, the rich wetland ecological landscape-a new landmark in Wanggong-can also be seen from the bridge.
The Ecological Landscape Bridge is located on Hougang River just south of the fishing port, approximately 400m away from the its entrance. Inaugurated on October 25, 2004, the landscape bridge is 97.5m long, 2.5-3.5m wide. The design theme is inspired by humanity and the interaction between light and wind. The bridge adopts a combination of arches and folded plates to create the succinct shape. The main structure consists of steel reinforced concrete (SRC), and a sense of power is conveyed through the arch shape. Painted steel panels are used as the primary covering material, and the dynamic folding variations create an interesting look, while the glass installations shelter pedestrians from strong winds. The floor is paved with southern pine to create a friendly, natural ambiance. Information courtesy of: Taiwan Changhua Fisheries Association 2006, Wanggong Yuhuo Fishing Port promotional brochure.
The bridge adopts a combination of arches and folded plates to create the succinct shape. The main structure consists of SRC, and a sense of power is conveyed through the arch shape. Painted steel panels are used as the primary covering material, and the dynamic folding variations create an interesting look, while the glass installations shelter pedestrians from strong winds. The floor is paved with southern pine to create a friendly, natural ambiance. Information courtesy of: Changhua County, Changhua Fisheries Association 2006, Wanggong Yuhuo Fishing Port promotional brochure.
Sunset over Wanggong Fishing Port