The Penghu archipelago consists of 90 islands, whose landscape is shaped by basalt columns formed by the elements. A common thread for your explorations is the contrast between striking coastal formations, historic buildings and experiences on the water.
Landscapes of Basalt and Sea
Whale Cave on Xiaomen Island in Xiyu Township is an easily accessible rock arch formed by marine abrasion. The Penghu Great Bridge is on a different scale: it spans the Houmen Strait between the islands of Baisha and Siyu and is 2,494 meters long. On Jibei, a 1,500-meter-long white-sand beach lies along the southern stretch of Sand Beach Beak. The nearby sandbar is said to have formed from coral and shells carried by the sea.
Marine life also has a seasonal pattern: in summer, a branch of the Kuroshio Current flows through the waters around Penghu; in winter, the coastal current of mainland China does. Both currents contribute to the rich marine life. Penghu is also well suited to birdwatching, and visitors can see more than 200 bird species there.
Historic Homes, Fort and Temples
The Erkan Historical House is a large family residence of the Chen clan with many wings. Relief carvings, as well as windows, doors and roof eaves in the classic style of southern Fujian, define its architecture. The village of Erkan on Xiyu Island is also home to a well-preserved residential complex dating back centuries. Jibei has more than 80 stone weirs, and the island is known as the “Home of the Stone Weirs.”
Xiyu Western Fort is the best-preserved and largest ancient fort in Penghu, covering 8 hectares. Dongjiyu Lighthouse was built in 1911 and is the second lighthouse erected by the Japanese on the Penghu Islands. Penghu’s 97 villages and communities are home to 183 temples. Those of historical significance include the Tianhou, Wusheng, City God and Bao-an temples, as well as the Guanyin Pavilion Temple.
Opened in 2010, the Penghu Living Museum is considered Taiwan’s first city museum. Its extensive collection includes specimens, objects and documents; through ecological landscaping, models and multimedia, the museum presents Penghu. In Magong City, art and craft shops sell affordable artworks made from various types of stone.
Water Sports and Island Experiences
The clear waters of Penghu Bay and strong winter winds make Penghu an international hotspot for competitive sailing. Facilities for beach and water sports are available at soft, white-sand beaches. Other activities include fishing and snorkeling, as well as boat trips to neighboring islands to experience the marine scenery.
On Jibei, activities include banana boats, towable tubes, two-seat speedboats, jet skis, underwater sightseeing boats, parasailing and snorkeling. Operators and availability may change. The waters around Xianjiao Island in Baisha Township are considered suitable for snorkeling among colorful tropical fish and coral; sea conditions and operators’ offerings may vary.
Seafood and Seasonal Events
Penghu is known for seafood such as grouper, abalone, lobster, clams and other shellfish. At the Penghu Seafood Carnival, visitors can enjoy the fresh catch in fall and winter. Fireworks festivals are also held on the islands in spring and summer. If you plan to attend one of these events, check the specific event dates before your trip.
Penghu can be reached by ship from Budai Harbor in Chiayi City and from the Port of Kaohsiung. As ferry services may change, it is worth checking the latest schedule before your trip.
Discover more destinations: Makung, Baisha Township, Huxi Township, Qimei Township, Changhua, Nantou, Taichung City, Yunlin.
For the overview of the wider region: Taiwan.
