Penghu Travel: Nature around Xiyu and Baisha Townships

Travel Date: 27/03/2021-01/04/2021

It's our first time visiting Penghu, and I'll describe the process, prices, our accommodation, and the places we visited in separate posts as I have a lot planned. 

We started by visiting the historical Ash Kilns and the famous attraction known as "Moses Parted the Sea," where we witnessed the low tide creating a pathway to a nearby small island. We also explored Nanliao Village, renowned for its traditional fishing settlement, with many interesting buildings to see.

In addition to the main island, we ventured to the smaller islands connected by sea-crossing bridge. On Yuwengdao Island in Xiyu Township, the furthest island, we visited the Yuwengdao Lighthouse, the Sanxian Pagodas with their breathtaking views of the sea, and observed the fake cannon. We also enjoyed the natural beauty of Daguoye Columnar Basalt, Niuxin Mountain and Paradise Road. In Xiyu, there are several forts worth exploring, such as the Western Fort, Eastern Fort, and the Five-hole bunker. 

Zhuwan Temple left me with mixed feelings as I enjoyed seeing the turtles but felt sorry for them living in captivity underground.

Chen Erkan Historical House, along with the entire village of unique old buildings, is a famous place to visit in Penghu. 

Going south on Magong Island, we explored the remains of a Dutch castle (actually a memorial), as well as the South and North Pagodas, which have unique and intriguing designs, though their exact story remains unknown. 

Magong City is also filled with historical architecture. We explored Zhongyang Old Street, old wells, Mazu Temple, and the sole remaining city gate.

We discovered a place in Penghu where you can interact with starfish and sea urchins, which was particularly interesting for kids as they could learn more about the underwater world. 

Another fort we visited, Jinguitou Fort, was once used to defend the island of Penghu. 

For those interested in temples and religions, the Confucius Temple is worth a visit. 

In just four days, we experienced an incredible amount. Penghu is truly beautiful, and I hope to revisit someday in the future.

Niusin Mountain (牛心山)

Niusin Mountain (Niuxinshan) is situated in Nei'an Village, Xiyu Township. It stands alone by the bay, and its unique shape attracts many tourists. The top of the mountain is composed of bare basalt, while the area from the basalt to the foot of the mountain is covered with blanket flowers and various types of weeds. It's one of landmarks of Penghu.

The mountain derives its name from its unique shape, which resembles the shape of a cow's heart. The name "Niusin," means "cow's heart" in Chinese. This distinct shape has made Niusin Mountain a popular tourist attraction and a symbol of natural beauty in Penghu.

The mountain is characterized by its bare basalt top, which adds to its distinctive appearance. 

Niusin Mountain offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding bay and the azure waters of the ocean. It's a great spot for nature enthusiasts, hikers, and photographers. The hike to the top of the mountain is relatively easy.

The mountain is also a popular spot for sunrise and sunset viewing.

See also: Zhongyang Old Street, For-eye well, Mazu Temple, Shuncheng Gate

See also: Ash Kilns & Moses Parted the Sea

Daguoye Columnar Basalt (池東大菓葉玄武岩)

Daguoye Columnar Basalt was discovered during the Japanese Occupation when a wharf was being constructed at Daguoye Beach to connect Magong and Xiyu by sea. During the excavation, this magnificent columnar basalt, which had been buried in the soil for thousands of years, was accidentally unearthed. It's the only easily accessible columnar basalt formation in the area.

Columnar basalt is a type of volcanic rock that forms when lava cools and contracts, causing it to crack and form distinct polygonal columns. The columns at Daguoye are particularly striking, with their hexagonal shapes and well-defined edges. The basalt columns stand tall and uniform, creating a mesmerizing natural spectacle.

Continuing further uphill, you will come across another similar site called Sānshíbì (三石壁).

Heart-shaped Fishing Trap (池西虎目滬)

Chixi Tiger Eye Fishing Trap, also known as the heart-shaped fishing trap, is a unique spot that cannot be seen from the ground. However, if you have a drone, it offers a beautiful view. 

Penghu Great Bridge (澎湖跨海大橋)

Penghu Great Bridge, also known as the Penghu Cross-Sea Bridge, is a significant landmark in Penghu. It's a long bridge that connects several islands within the Penghu archipelago, providing a convenient transportation link for locals and visitors alike.

The bridge spans across the sea, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding turquoise waters and the scattered islands of Penghu. It serves as an important transportation route, connecting the main island of Magong with other islands such as Xiyu, Baisha, and Siyu.

Penghu Houliao Tiantang Road (澎湖後寮天堂路)

Penghu Houliao Tiantang Road, also known as Houliao Paradise Road, is a scenic coastal road that offers stunning views of the coastline, featuring beaches, cliffs, and crystal-clear waters. It's a popular destination for leisurely drives or cycling trips, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Penghu.

Address:

1. Niusin Mountain: 881澎湖縣西嶼鄉緝馬灣937號牛心山
2. Daguoye Columnar Basalt: 881澎湖縣西嶼鄉10號池東大菓葉玄武岩
3. Penghu Great Bridge: 884澎湖縣白沙鄉通梁村澎湖跨海大橋
4. Penghu Houliao Tiantang Road: 884澎湖縣白沙鄉澎湖後寮天堂路

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Penghu Travel: Yuwengdao Lighthouse and Sanxian Pagodas

Travel Date: 27/03/2021-01/04/2021

It's our first time visiting Penghu, and I'll describe the process, prices, our accommodation, and the places we visited in separate posts as I have a lot planned. 

We started by visiting the historical Ash Kilns and the famous attraction known as "Moses Parted the Sea," where we witnessed the low tide creating a pathway to a nearby small island. We also explored Nanliao Village, renowned for its traditional fishing settlement, with many interesting buildings to see.

In addition to the main island, we ventured to the smaller islands connected by sea-crossing bridge. On Yuwengdao Island in Xiyu Township, the furthest island, we visited the Yuwengdao Lighthouse, the Sanxian Pagodas with their breathtaking views of the sea, and observed the fake cannon. We also enjoyed the natural beauty of Daguoye Columnar Basalt, Niuxin Mountain and Paradise Road. In Xiyu, there are several forts worth exploring, such as the Western Fort, Eastern Fort, and the Five-hole bunker. 

Zhuwan Temple left me with mixed feelings as I enjoyed seeing the turtles but felt sorry for them living in captivity underground.

Chen Erkan Historical House, along with the entire village of unique old buildings, is a famous place to visit in Penghu. 

Going south on Magong Island, we explored the remains of a Dutch castle (actually a memorial), as well as the South and North Pagodas, which have unique and intriguing designs, though their exact story remains unknown. 

Magong City is also filled with historical architecture. We explored Zhongyang Old Street, old wells, Mazu Temple, and the sole remaining city gate.

We discovered a place in Penghu where you can interact with starfish and sea urchins, which was particularly interesting for kids as they could learn more about the underwater world. 

Another fort we visited, Jinguitou Fort, was once used to defend the island of Penghu. 

For those interested in temples and religions, the Confucius Temple is worth a visit. 

In just four days, we experienced an incredible amount. Penghu is truly beautiful, and I hope to revisit someday in the future.

On the second day, we headed to the farthest part of Penghu Islands: Yuweng Island in Xiyu Township. It took us about a 40-minute drive to reach the lighthouse, which unfortunately was closed on Mondays. In the vicinity, there were basalt stone walls, although accessing them was challenging.

Yuwengdao Lighthouse (漁翁島燈塔)

Yuwengdao Lighthouse is situated at the southwest end of Yuweng Island in Penghu County. It was originally constructed in 1778 as a seven-level stone tower. It is an iconic coastal navigation landmark in Taiwan and the only original lighthouse with historical records in the country. One stone stele called "Xiyu Tower Lamp Stele" is still preserved. The current Yuweng Island lighthouse, built in 1875, features a round iron tower equipped with three cast iron cannons. In 1915, all the buildings were painted white. The Yuweng Island Lighthouse is a national monument, and the surrounding area is listed as a monument park. It was opened to the public in 1992.

See also: Nanliao Village

See also: Niuxin Mountain, Daguoye Basalt, Houliao Paradise Road

Sanxian Pagodas (三仙塔)

Sanxian Pagodas, located in Wai'an Village, were constructed to balance the life expectancy of men and women. As Wai'an Village relies on fisheries, men often face accidents, resulting in shorter lifespans for boys compared to girls. Villagers believe that the mountains on the east side of the village extend shorter to the south, contributing to this difference. To address this, they were instructed to build the Sanxian Pagoda on the hill on the west side of the village, aligning it with the end of the hill on the east side. The three towers run north-south, with the central tower representing the main tower and the left and right towers symbolizing the man and woman, respectively.

Also the nearby area has some old military buildings and bunkers.

Xitai Bait Cannon (西台餌砲)

Xitai Bait Cannon, also known as the "Fake Cannon," is located on the high ground of Wai'an Village, on top of Xipu, in front of the Wai'an Lighthouse. It is situated in the middle of a depression, beside the road from Xiyu West Terrace to Xiyu Lighthouse. The Wai'an Bait Cannon was selected as one of the ten scenic spots of historical buildings in Penghu County in the 1990s. It was used by the Japanese army during World War II to mislead the U.S. Air Force during bombing raids. Constructed using cement, the fake cannon served the purpose of luring and deceiving the enemy, earning it the name "bait cannon." This cement-made gun features an octagonal mount and double barrel. Its mount width is 5.35 meters, the barrel length is 6.13 meters, and the barrel spacing is 3.16 meters. The bait artillery is a rare and special military installation, serving as a testament to the events of World War II and underscoring the strategic significance of Wai'an's location.

Address: 

1. Yuwengdao Lighthouse: 881澎湖縣西嶼鄉外垵村195號漁翁島燈塔
2. Sanxian Pagodas: 881澎湖縣西嶼鄉三仙塔
3. Xitai Bait Cannon: 881澎湖縣西嶼鄉外垵村西台餌砲

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Penghu Travel: Nanliao Village

Travel Date: 27/03/2021-01/04/2021

It's our first time visiting Penghu, and I'll describe the process, prices, our accommodation, and the places we visited in separate posts as I have a lot planned. 

We started by visiting the historical Ash Kilns and the famous attraction known as "Moses Parted the Sea," where we witnessed the low tide creating a pathway to a nearby small island. We also explored Nanliao Village, renowned for its traditional fishing settlement, with many interesting buildings to see.

In addition to the main island, we ventured to the smaller islands connected by sea-crossing bridge. On Yuwengdao Island in Xiyu Township, the furthest island, we visited the Yuwengdao Lighthouse, the Sanxian Pagodas with their breathtaking views of the sea, and observed the fake cannon. We also enjoyed the natural beauty of Daguoye Columnar Basalt, Niuxin Mountain and Paradise Road. In Xiyu, there are several forts worth exploring, such as the Western Fort, Eastern Fort, and the Five-hole bunker. 

Zhuwan Temple left me with mixed feelings as I enjoyed seeing the turtles but felt sorry for them living in captivity underground.

Chen Erkan Historical House, along with the entire village of unique old buildings, is a famous place to visit in Penghu. 

Going south on Magong Island, we explored the remains of a Dutch castle (actually a memorial), as well as the South and North Pagodas, which have unique and intriguing designs, though their exact story remains unknown. 

Magong City is also filled with historical architecture. We explored Zhongyang Old Street, old wells, Mazu Temple, and the sole remaining city gate.

We discovered a place in Penghu where you can interact with starfish and sea urchins, which was particularly interesting for kids as they could learn more about the underwater world. 

Another fort we visited, Jinguitou Fort, was once used to defend the island of Penghu. 

For those interested in temples and religions, the Confucius Temple is worth a visit. 

In just four days, we experienced an incredible amount. Penghu is truly beautiful, and I hope to revisit someday in the future.

Nanliao Village (南寮社區魚灶)

Nanliao Village is located further away from the sea, making its development more challenging. As a result, many villagers moved out in the early days, leaving behind numerous old tribal buildings. This has contributed to maintaining the traditional rural atmosphere of Penghu in Nanliao. The village is adorned with traditional houses featuring red tiles and stone walls. It is common to find single-family houses, triple courtyard houses, as well as large family-style buildings. Ox carts and luxury houses are also prevalent in this area.

Apart from its early fishing industry, Nanliao Village is known for its traditional farming settlements. In the 2014 space creation plan, the promotion of a "small farmer market" was initiated. Villagers collaborated to create a market space using floating ball installations and colorful paintings. The market allows villagers and residents from nearby communities to sell fresh fruits, vegetables, and locally caught seafood, promoting the concept of non-toxic farming and reducing food carbon footprint.

See also: Zhuwan Temple, Erkan Historical Village

See also: Zhongyang Old Street, For-eye well, Mazu Temple, Shuncheng Gate

Xu Fan Ancient House (歷史建築-許返古宅)

Xu Fan Ancient House, registered as a "historical building" by the Cultural Bureau of the Penghu County Government, holds religious and artistic value. The ancient house was built during the Qing Dynasty (1851-1861) and comprises a large house, a pavilion, and a deep well. Despite being renovated three times, it has been well-preserved. In recent years, installation art has been incorporated into the village, with artists creatively using floating ball fishing gear and adorning every corner of the Nanliao community with cute animal designs.

The FuJi fish stove, another focal point of renovation and restoration in the community, was constructed by Dai Fu Ji in 1959. It consists of three parts: the stove, chimney, and salty trough. In 2012, as part of the space construction plan, subsidies were provided for the renovation to enhance the appearance of the fish stove. This allows visitors to experience the traditional fish stove industry in Penghu. While fish stoves are no longer an essential economic tool for the people of Penghu, they remain a nostalgic memory of the lives of many Penghu residents.

Cow Road (南寮牛屎窟)

The Niu Shi Cave experience area, known as the "Cow Road," is also included in the renovation plan. Through a rural regeneration project subsidy in 2013, villagers jointly planned the Niu Shi Cave experience area to recreate the rural life of the early days. Cow dung cakes were an important fuel for daily life in agricultural communities. The area features cow dung pits and related tools used for collecting cow dung in the past, allowing visitors to experience the process of making cow dung cakes and learn about early rural culture.

Nanliao Tree House (南寮硓𥑮樹屋)

In 2013, through the International Volunteer Travel Program, community service was conducted, and the Nanliao Tree House was carefully decorated. It has now become a hidden gem for exploring history in the area.

Address:

885澎湖縣湖西鄉南寮村121-5號南寮社區活動中心

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