Penghu , Taiwan

🌊 Penghu: Taiwan’s Island Paradise of Wind and Waves

🌟 Overview

The Penghu Archipelago, a stunning collection of 90 islands and islets in the Taiwan Strait, is a dream come true for lovers of beaches, crystal-clear waters, historic villages, and sea adventures.
Penghu offers a laid-back vibe, dramatic basalt landscapes, fresh seafood, and some of the most breathtaking sunsets you’ll ever see.

🏝️ Top Things to See and Do in Penghu

🌉 Penghu Great Bridge

Stretching over turquoise waters, the Penghu Great Bridge connects Baisha and Xiyu islands and is one of the archipelago’s iconic sights.
It’s a stunning place to catch ocean breezes and enjoy sweeping seascapes.

🌋 Columnar Basalt Formations

The islands are famous for their volcanic basalt columns, especially at places like Xiyu West Fort and Tongpan Island.
The unique hexagonal rock formations are an incredible sight, formed by ancient lava flows cooled by the ocean.

🏖️ Beaches and Watersports

Shanshui Beach and Aimen Beach: Perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and windsurfing.
Jibei Island: Famous for its beautiful sandspit and crystal-clear snorkeling spots.
Penghu International Fireworks Festival (Spring/Summer): A spectacular fireworks show over the ocean!

🏰 Traditional Villages

Explore preserved old stone houses built from coral and basalt in villages like Erkan Village, where time seems to stand still.

🛶 Island-Hopping Adventures

Take a boat trip to nearby islands like Qimei (home to the "Twin Hearts Stone Weir") or Wangan for untouched nature, tiny temples, and endless ocean views.

🍣 Local Food You Must Try

Grilled Cuttlefish: Smoky, savory, and deliciously chewy.
Cactus Ice Cream: A Penghu specialty — bright pink, slightly tangy, and super refreshing.
Seafood Barbecue: Fresh catches grilled right at beachside stalls.
Brown Sugar Cakes (黑糖糕): Soft, sweet, and beloved by locals and visitors alike.

🌞 Best Time to Visit

Spring and Summer (April–August): Best for beach activities, watersports, and the fireworks festival.
Autumn (September–October): Fewer crowds and pleasant weather — ideal for sightseeing.
Winter (November–February): Windier and cooler, better for quiet exploration rather than swimming.

🚗 How to Get There

By plane:
Direct flights from Taipei, Kaohsiung, or Taichung to Penghu’s Magong Airport.
Flight time: about 50 minutes.
By ferry:
Boats operate from Kaohsiung and Chiayi, but the ferry can be rough depending on sea conditions.

🏨 Where to Stay

Beachfront Resorts: Perfect for sunset views and instant beach access.
Guesthouses (Minshuku): Friendly, family-run inns that offer authentic island hospitality.
Magong City: The largest town, offering a range of hotels, restaurants, and nightlife.

🏝️ Extra Details About Penghu

🌊 Hidden Gems to Explore

🧡 Twin Hearts Stone Weir (Qimei Island)

A romantic spot shaped like two hearts intertwined, built by ancient fishermen to trap fish with the tides.
Best viewed from above — it’s a photographer's dream!

🌸 Whale Cave (Xiyu Island)

A naturally eroded basalt formation resembling a giant whale!
You can walk right through it at low tide and admire the stunning ocean views.

🕍 Daguoye Historic Houses

Located in Baisha Township, this area preserves centuries-old coral stone homes with beautiful decorative walls and doors, giving a real sense of Penghu's traditional life.

🧺 Yuwengdao Lighthouse

Built in 1778, it’s the oldest lighthouse in Taiwan.
From here, you can enjoy sweeping coastal vistas and learn about Penghu’s maritime history.

🐬 Nature and Wildlife

Green Sea Turtles: Wangan Island is a protected nesting site.
If you visit between May and August, you might even see tiny turtle hatchlings making their way to the ocean!
Coral Reefs and Snorkeling:
Penghu’s waters are rich in coral ecosystems. Snorkeling and diving tours are available, especially around Jibei and Cimei Islands.

🎎 Culture and Festivals

🎆 Penghu Fireworks Festival

Held between April and June, this dazzling festival lights up the sky with colorful fireworks and live music — right over Magong Harbor.

🎣 Penghu Seafood Festival

Happens in autumn, featuring the freshest seafood buffets and traditional cooking shows celebrating the fishing culture of the islands.

✈️ Travel Tips

Scooter rental is the most popular way to explore the islands.
Most tourists rent scooters at Magong Airport or Magong Harbor — it’s cheap and gives you total freedom.
Wind Alert:
Penghu is known for its strong winds, especially in winter.
If visiting from November to February, bring a windbreaker!
Cash is King:
Many small shops, guesthouses, and island ferries accept only cash, so keep some New Taiwan Dollars (TWD) handy.
Book early during peak seasons:
Especially during the Fireworks Festival or summer months, ferries, hotels, and flights can sell out quickly.

⭐ Bonus: Best Instagram Spots in Penghu

Twin Hearts Stone Weir
Whale Cave
Penghu Great Bridge at sunset
Crystal-clear beaches on Jibei Island
Erkan Village’s old stone houses

📋 Quick Facts About Penghu

Fact	Info
Location	Taiwan Strait
Main Town	Magong
Famous for	Beaches, basalt rocks, seafood, lantern festivals
Language	Mandarin Chinese, Taiwanese Hokkien
Best Months to Visit	April–October