The "Nanfang'ao Fishery Harbor" in Suao Town, Yilan, has preserved traditional Japanese fishing gear and methods since the Japanese colonial era in the 1920s. This has infused the local fishing culture with a distinct Japanese flavor, with many customs and practices passed down through generations. One such tradition is the "祝大漁" (Congratulatory Fishing) ceremony. In early fishing villages, whenever a new boat was launched, friends and family would give a "大漁旗" (Big Fishing Flag) to express good wishes and solidarity.
To continue this tradition, the Suao District Fishermen's Association established the "祝大漁物產文創館" (Congratulatory Fishing Cultural and Creative Center) at the end of 2015. The center aims to preserve and showcase the traditional fishing village culture, offering visitors an authentic experience and the freshest seafood, as well as traditional dishes made by local fishermen's wives.
The 360-degree 3D fish tunnel, created by renowned Taiwanese 3D artist 圖龍 (Tu Long), is a highlight of the center. The tunnel features a lifelike depiction of fish species found in Nanfang'ao, including the swordfish, mackerel, shark, and coral reef. Tu Long's unique 3D painting technique and fluorescent coating bring the fish to life, creating an immersive experience for visitors.
The Southern 4Q project features four fish species abundant in Nanfang'ao, designed to showcase the diversity of local seafood and provide a deeper understanding of the region's iconic fish species.
The four characters are:
* 小青 (Mackerel): lively, playful, and cute, with a love for group outings and camping.
* 芭蕉妹 (Swordfish): a fashionable and confident swimmer who loves to dress up and draw attention.
* 阿鬼 (Swordfish): a bit rough around the edges but with a warm heart, known for being loyal and dependable.
* 阿狼哥 (Shark): strong and powerful, but also introverted and cautious, with a keen sense of smell and electric sensitivity.