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- Penghu Shili Beach 澎湖嵵裡沙灘 – Discover Penghu’s Best Beach Paradise Getaway
Shili Beach in Penghu (澎湖嵵裡沙灘) is an ideal beach getaway with clear waters and white coral sand. Here popular activities include swimming, kayaking, and SUPing. The best part is usually there are few people here. It is definitely worth a stop on your next trip to Penghu.
Historical Background:
Shili Beach is a white sand beach made up of coral and shell fragments. Historically, this area was a fishing ground where residents used nets to catch fish. It has also developed into one of Penghu’s largest seaside resorts, with and has been compared to Waikiki Beach in Hawaii.
Shili Beach stretches over a kilometer and features sand dunes created by wind. With shallow, clear blue waters, it is known as one of Penghu Island’s best natural beaches. Popular activities here include sunbathing, swimming, camping, kayaking, and more, making it an ideal spot for a relaxing getaway.
The TV series Loves In Penghu (2012) was filmed at Shili Beach.
Additionally, the beach was featured in the Canon EOS 650D – Penghu commercial.
Usually the beach is not very crowded even on weekends and holidays.Activities:
Besides soaking in sun rays at the beach, there are many activities available in Penghu such as snorkeling, diving, wind surfing, sailing, canoeing, wakeboarding, massage, yachting, glamping, trampoline Water Sports, SUP / Paddle Boarding, kayaking, night fishing and more on Klook here or KKday here.
Tours:
There are many tours and activities available on the islands such as Island Hopping Tour, starlight Marine Ranch, seafood Barbeque, Sheraton Four Points Eatery, Dragon Palace Intertidal Zone, Jibei Sand Tail, and many more options on Klook here or KKday here.
For more information, look at other tour/ferry sites or book a personalized tour with Klook here or KKday here.Where to Stay:
We have stayed at and recommend Han’s Hostel which had great service and is right next to Shanshui Beach, the best beach in Penghu (you can book on Agoda here, Booking.com here, or Trip.com here) a newly renovated homestay in downtown Magong with great service and great prices (you can book on Agoda here or Booking.com here).
Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Agoda here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation on the islands.
You can also find out more about where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide here.When to go to Penghu:
The best time to go is Autumn. Spring is also a nice time to go, but there is a greater chance of spring showers during that time. The summers may be too hot, and winters too cold and windy.
How to get to Penghu:
By Plane:
There are daily flights from Taipei Songshan, Taichung, and Kaohsiung airports to Makung. the flight takes roughly under an hour. Rates can range from around 2200-6000 NT for a round trip. There are also flights to and from Chiayi, Tainan, Kinmen, and Chimei, with charted flights to Hong Kong starting September 2018.
There are flights to and from Taipei Songshan Airport three times a day via Uni Air. You can book flights on KKday here, Trip.com here, CheapO Air here, or Kiwi here.
By Boat: There are daily ferries from Chiayi and Kaohsiung. A one-way trip takes about 4 hours from both locations. A one-way ferry from Kaohsiung costs about 900 NT for just a reclining seat, and a one-way ferry from Chiayi costs about 1000 NT.
By Ferry: You can book ferry boat tickets from Chiayi on Klook here, or ferry boat tickets from Tainan on KKday here.How to get to Shili Beach:
By Scooter: From Makung, take Highway 201 southwest until you reach Shili Village. The beach is on the west side of the village. There is free parking on the side of the road. We recommend taking a scooter as the most efficient and convenient type of transport on the islands. However, most places require a local scooter license. You can rent a scooter for Penghu on Klook here or on KKday here. You can also check out our scooter rental guide here.
By Car / taxi: From Makung, take Highway 201 southwest until you reach Shili Village. The beach is on the west side of the village. There is free parking on the side of the road. A car is also sensible in Penghu because the main island is pretty spread out. You can rent a car for Penghu on Klook here or on KKday here. You can also check out our car rental guide here.
By Bus: You can get to Serpent Heand Mountain via bus 51 on the Fenggui Line. The bus stop is called Fenggui. The Serpent Head Mountain is about a 20-minute walk north from the bus stop.
By Bicycle: Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan’s landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can search on KKday here and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here.Map:
Please see the map below:
Drone Video
360 Pano
360 degree view of Shili Beach in Penghu, off the coast of Taiwan. The sand was super white and we had the whole beach to ourselves for quite a while. #蒔裡沙灘 #蒔裡 #澎湖 #沙灘 #台灣
Posted by Foreigners in Taiwan 外國人在台灣 on Monday, May 2, 2022
Our Journey:
I have been to Shili Beach twice, and both times we pretty much had the whole beach to ourselves. It is a relatively clean beach with lots of white sand. It is a great secluded beach destination.
On the way there, we saw a marathon going on with lots of runners on the side of the road and I think someone fell down.
If you have time, go explore Shili Village which is a beautiful ancient village dating back to the Ming Dynasty.
Many of the houses here have been beautifully restored.
This house belonged to Cai Ting Lan who was able to pass the Chinese civil service examination to become a beaurocrat. Only about 1-2% of people who took the exams passed during the Qing Dynasty.
Lotus Flower Memorial Hall
- The Lotus Flower Memorial Hall was established in 1864. It is located in the southern part of Penghu, near the original site of the Lotus Flower Temple. It was built to honor the memory of the Lotus Flower Temple, where people from all walks of life come to pay their respects.
- Address: Located on Lotus Island, near the intersection of South Street and North Street.
- Opening Hours:
- Every day: 09:00 – 17:00
- Contact Information:
- Telephone: (05) 9218206 or (05) 9261141186
Reflection of the sky on the beach. The beach here is quite shallow and there is not a steep dropoff.
View of the beach from the street. Some people were kayaking here.
Surfer on the beach.
On the south end, there are some shaded pavilions.
In the distance, we also saw a yacht with a water slide.
Another view of the clear canoes on the beach.
Two kids enjoying the view of the water.
Another view of the beach with Shili Village in the background.
View looking out at the ocean and Table Island.
Another view looking up the beach.
Crabs hiding in the rocks here.
View of the beach from the air.
Another aerial view.
Last view of the beach.
You can check out our full guide to Penghu here.
You can also check out our full guide to Taiwan’s outer islands here.
You can also check our full guide to Taiwan here.
Xinbeitou Historic Station (aka New Beitou Station 新北投車站) is an old train station originally built by the Japanese to bring tourists to the Beitou Hot Spring area. Now it has been restored into a museum and gift shop for visitors to enjoy. It is definitely worth a stop on your next trip to Taipei.
Historical Background:
The New Beitou train line, also known as the “Bath Line 湯線,” was a branch line of the TRA Tamsui line, connecting Beitou Station to the Beitou Hot Spring area, with a total distance of 1.2 KM.
During the Japanese occupation, Hirata Gengo established Taiwan’s first hot spring inn, Tengu-an, in 1896, which spurred the development of the Beitou Hot Spring area. Soon, many other hot springs were formed in the area, including the Beitou Public Hot Spring.
The New Beitou line was finished in 1916, and was constructed solely for hot spring tourism.
After it began operation on April 1, 1916, the New Beitou Line helped boost the development of the hot spring area, which at its peak in 1935, boasted 35 hot spring inns. However, during World War II, in 1945, the tracks were removed and repurposed for defense needs (allegedly to prevent Allied forces from landing by placing the rails along the Tamsui coastline). The line was restored in August 1946, after the war.
The original terminal, Xinbeitou Station, was initially planned for demolition during the construction of the MRT Xinbeitou Branch Line in the 1990s. However, the Taipei City Government symbolically sold the station to the Taiwan Folk Village for one New Taiwan dollar, preserving it in Changhua County. The station was donated to Taipei City, after which a work team from the Taipei City Government began architectural surveys and structural numbering at the Taiwan Folk Village, after which the station was dismantled and transported back to Beitou for reconstruction. Reconstruction on the station began in 2014 and was completed in 2016.
Currently, the station is a popular historical site in Beitou.
Hours:
24/7
Activities:
Besides soaking in hot springs, there are many activities available in Beitou such as Rock Climbing, Water Skiing, Kani Kimono Rental, Escape Experience, Beitou Museum, and more on Klook here or KKday here.
Tours:
You can check out tours to Beitou such as a Beitou and Yangmingshan Day Tour, Beitou and Yeliu Day Tour, Beitou and Tamsui Day Tour, Beitou and National Palace Museum Tour, Beitou Muslim Friendly Tour, Beitou Arts and Culture Tour, Flower Season Tour, and more on Klook here or KKday here.
You can also check out the Beitou Fun Package from KKday which includes a one-day transportation coupon, hot spring coupon, and coupon for over 8 souvenir shops in Beitou.
Where to Stay:
High end: We have stayed at and recommend the Yuanshan Grand Hotel, once the tallest building in Taiwan and still the most grand (book on Booking.com here, Tripadvisor here, or Agoda here).
We also recommend Fullon Hotel which has locations in Tamsui and Fulong near the beach (book on Booking.com here, Tripadvisor here, Agoda here, or Hotels.com here).
Budget Hotels: We have stayed at and also recommend Fu Chang Hotel in Ximending, which is within walking distance of Ximending shopping district (book on Booking.com here, Tripadvisor here, or Agoda here). We have also stayed at and recommend Hai Xia Your Home which is right in front of Fulong Beach (book on Booking.com here, Tripadvisor here, Agoda here, or Hotels.com here).
Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Booking.com here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation in Taiwan.
Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here.
How to get there:
By MRT:
Take the MRT to Xinbeitou MRT station. From there you can also take the S9 or S26 bus further up the mountain if needed. You can book tickets to travel to Taipei via inter-city bus on Klook here.
By Car/Scooter:
From downtown Taipei, take Provincial Highway 2 north to New Beitou MRT Station. Many of the hotels here provide free parking for guests. Looking for scooter rental in Taipei? Check out Klook here, or KKday here to search for options. You can also check out our scooter rental guide here.
If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or KKday here. You can also check out our car rental guide here.
By Bicycle:
Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan’s landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can use Taiwan’s many Youbike sharing stations, or search for rentals on KKday here, and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here.
Map:
Please see a list of places we will cover in the map below:
Our Journey:
I have been to Xinbeitou Historic Station a number of times. I am glad that this historic building has been preserved for future generations. Stepping into the station is like going back in time to the Japanese era of Taiwan. It is definitely a must-stop if you are interested in the history and culture of Beitou.
Historical timeline of the train station in Chinese.
Another sign shows that the original train station stood at this spot.
“Hot Spring Hand Soaking Pool”
“Blue sulfur springs are celebrated by the Japanese for their strong therapeutic properties, as they are rich in sulfur and radium. Among the few places that have blue sulfur radium hot springs in East Asia are the Beitou and Datunshan areas, in Taiwan. According to the Hot Spring Law of Taipei, Beitou’s blue sulfur radium spring falls under the classification of green acidic spring (acidic sulfate-chloride type). The temperature of the water source is between 65-70°C, and it has a pH of 1.4-1.6. The green acidic springs are classified as an acidic type of hot spring.”
It explains the significance and properties of the hot spring in this area, focusing on its therapeutic qualities, sulfur content, and classification as a green acidic spring.”
The hand washing fountain has a small roof over it.
Two women purifying their hands here.
I think there is like a mini-map of the Huangxi River inside the fountain.
Full view of Xinbeitou Historic Station.
Xinbeitou MRT Station is next door, which was completed in 1997.
Round wooden windows from the Japanese era. For more information regarding the architecture of this building, please check out this blog by Josh Ellis.
Beautifully restored wooden awning around the station.
Inside the station is a small museum and gift shop.
There are many historic artifacts inside the station that you can check out.
There are also some old photos and explanations in English and Chinese.
Picture of the MRT Xinbeitou station under construction.
Some materials from the original Xinbeitou Station.
Windows and blueprints from the original station.
Gift shop.
View of the ceiling.
Round windows from the inside.
Timeline of events in Chinese.
They have also placed a mock platform and train here for visitors to enjoy.
View inside the old rail car.
Hsin Pei Tou station.
Another view from the south side.
Map of the original track.
Another historical timeline in English and Chinese.
Audiovisual display and artwork in the train.
View outside.
Another view back at the station.
There is also a grassy park on the south side of the station.
View of the station from the south side.
The Huang River flows here too, dirtied up with all the skin particles from hot spring hotel soakers.
Xinbeitou MRT Station.
A lone apartment building sticks out of the park here.
Another view of the dirty Huanhxi River here.
The backside of the station.
Closer view of the backside.
Last view of the beautiful woodwork here.
You can check out our Taipei Museum Guide here.
Be sure to check out our full guide to Beitou here.
You can also see our full guide to Taiwan here.
Shanshui Beach is the best beach in Penghu. The sand is white, the waves are big, and the water is clear and warm. Popular activities here include snorkeling, swimming, surfing, and SUPing. It is a great beach destination if you come to Penghu.
Historical Background:
Shanshui Beach, located on the southern coast of the main island of Penghu, stretches over 200 meters. The beach was formerly known as “Zhumu Shui” (literally “Mother Pig Water”) from a local legend that said in the past when pigsties were near the beach, giant octopuses would come ashore and pull the pigs into the sea. This story led to the name “Zhumu Shui.” Later, during a movement to beautify place names, local residents renamed the area “Shanshui” (“Mountain and Water”) to reflect the scenic hills and clear waters, a name that has been used ever since.
Here there are natural expanses of lush beach morning glory flowers, followed by golden, soft sand and the deep blue sea. These three colors blend to create a picturesque and inviting landscape.
As one of the few beaches in Penghu suitable for surfing, Shanshui Beach is known for its strong waves. At night, the beach is also popular for stargazing.
On the western side of the beach is Zhumu Mountain, which was once a military-controlled area but has since been transformed into the Shanshui 30 Highland Park. This spot offers an excellent panoramic view of the beach. Shanshui Beach has also become popular because it appeared in Bobby Chen’s music video and the film All You Need is Love. It is usually clean and one of Penghu’s most popular beaches.
Activities:
Besides soaking in sun rays at the beach, there are many activities available in Penghu such as snorkeling, diving, wind surfing, sailing, canoeing, wakeboarding, massage, yachting, glamping, trampoline Water Sports, SUP / Paddle Boarding, kayaking, night fishing and more on Klook here or KKday here.
Tours:
There are many tours and activities available on the islands such as Island Hopping Tour, starlight Marine Ranch, seafood Barbeque, Sheraton Four Points Eatery, Dragon Palace Intertidal Zone, Jibei Sand Tail, and many more options on Klook here or KKday here.
For more information, look at other tour/ferry sites or book a personalized tour with Klook here or KKday here.
Where to Stay:
We have stayed at and recommend Han’s Hostel which had great service and is right next to Shanshui Beach, the best beach in Penghu (you can book on Agoda here, Booking.com here, or Trip.com here) a newly renovated homestay in downtown Magong with great service and great prices (you can book on Agoda here or Booking.com here).
Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Agoda here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation on the islands.
You can also find out more about where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide here.
When to go to Penghu:
The best time to go is Autumn. Spring is also a nice time to go, but there is a greater chance of spring showers during that time. The summers may be too hot, and winters too cold and windy.
How to get to Penghu:
By Plane:
There are daily flights from Taipei Songshan, Taichung, and Kaohsiung airports to Makung. the flight takes roughly under an hour. Rates can range from around 2200-6000 NT for a round trip. There are also flights to and from Chiayi, Tainan, Kinmen, and Chimei, with charted flights to Hong Kong starting September 2018.
There are flights to and from Taipei Songshan Airport three times a day via Uni Air. You can book flights on KKday here, Trip.com here, CheapO Air here, or Kiwi here.
By Boat: There are daily ferries from Chiayi and Kaohsiung. A one-way trip takes about 4 hours from both locations. A one-way ferry from Kaohsiung costs about 900 NT for just a reclining seat, and a one-way ferry from Chiayi costs about 1000 NT.
By Ferry: You can book ferry boat tickets from Chiayi on Klook here, or ferry boat tickets from Tainan on KKday here.
How to Get to Shanshui Beach:
By Scooter: From Makung, take Highway 201 southwest until you reach County Highway 25 and continue to the beach. There is a free parking lot there. We recommend taking a scooter as the most efficient and convenient type of transport on the islands. However, most places require a local scooter license. You can rent a scooter for Penghu on Klook here or on KKday here. You can also check out our scooter rental guide here.
By Car/taxi: From Makung, take Highway 201 southwest until you reach County Highway 25 and continue to the beach. There is a free parking lot there. A car is also sensible in Penghu because the main island is pretty spread out. You can rent a car for Penghu on Klook here or on KKday here. You can also check out our car rental guide here.
By Bus: You can get to Shanshui Beach via bus 52D Shanshui Line. The bus stop is called Shanshui Beach. The beach is about a 3-minute walk north from the bus stop.
By Bicycle: Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan’s landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can search on KKday here and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here.
Map:
Please see the map below:
Our Journey:
I have been to Shanshui Beach about five times. Every time has been magical, even when it rained. However, when it gets windy, sand can fly in your face and is not fun. When the weather is good, this beach is paradise. I would not argue with anyone who says this is the best beach in all of Taiwan.
Drone Footage
360 Pano
360 degree view of Shanshui Beach in Penghu, a pristine beach on the southern coast.
#澎湖 #山水沙灘 #台灣 #山水村 #空拍Posted by Foreigners in Taiwan 外國人在台灣 on Monday, May 2, 2022
You can also check out our 360 pano above.
View of the beach at golden hour.
There is kind of a cement levee along the beach here with pavilions to provide shade.
Further down the beach there is a rock barrier.
There is also a cement path on the right side of the beach.
Another view of the beach at sunset.
People relaxing on the beach.
Another view of the beach in the golden light.
I did do some snorkeling here and there is not much to see except sand, however, the water is super clear.
Another view of the beach at sunset.
View of Shanshui 30 Highland Park over the beach
Another view looking in the other direction.
Sun shining on to the surf at sunset.
At night, Shanshui 30 Highland also lights up.
If you want, you can take a ride up to the highland, or hike up it.
View of Shanshui beach from the highland.
Sometimes they light fireworks here. Most of the time it is just a secluded and romantic spot to watch the stars.
You can also check out the old bunker here that has been converted into a museum.
Historical timeline of the area.
There also used to be foot wash fountains near the beach, but it appears these have been closed off.
Also the electric charging station has seen better days, but it is still usable.
View of the beach via drone.
Another view of the beach via drone.
You can also check out more photos of the area in the gallery above.
You can check out our full guide to Penghu here.
You can also check out our full guide to Taiwan’s outer islands here.
You can also check our full guide to Taiwan here.
Beitou Public Library, also known as Beitou Green Library (北投綠色圖書館), is perhaps the most beautiful library in Taiwan. Built inside Beitou Park, it has great views of the park and includes high ceilings, large windows, and wooden floors and walls harking back to the Japanese era. It is definitely worth a stop on your next trip to Beitou.
Historical Background:
Beitou Library is a branch library of the Taipei Public Library system. It was originally established as a library under the Yangmingshan Management Office. In 1963, it was incorporated into the Taipei Public Library system. However, due to the use of beach sand in its construction and the insufficient strength of the concrete, the library was closed in 1987, and the building was demolished and rebuilt in 2002.
The current library reopened in late 2006. The design focuses on integrating with the park’s natural environment, considering Beitou’s unique sulfurous geography by using wooden structures. The building also maximizes the use of large floor-to-ceiling windows to collect natural light. It is regarded as Taiwan’s first “green building” library, certified with a Diamond Grade Green Building Label. It is also perhaps Taipei’s most beautiful library.
Hours:
| Monday | 9 AM–5 PM |
| Tuesday | 8:30 AM–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 8:30 AM–9 PM |
| Thursday | Closed |
| Friday | 8:30 AM–9 PM |
| Saturday | 8:30 AM–9 PM |
| Sunday | 9 AM–5 PM |
Activities:
Besides soaking in hot springs, there are many activities available in Beitou such as Rock Climbing, Water Skiing, Kani Kimono Rental, Escape Experience, Beitou Museum, and more on Klook here or KKday here.
Tours:
You can check out tours to Beitou such as a Beitou and Yangmingshan Day Tour, Beitou and Yeliu Day Tour, Beitou and Tamsui Day Tour, Beitou and National Palace Museum Tour, Beitou Muslim Friendly Tour, Beitou Arts and Culture Tour, Flower Season Tour, and more on Klook here or KKday here.
You can also check out the Beitou Fun Package from KKday which includes a one-day transportation coupon, hot spring coupon, and coupon for over 8 souvenir shops in Beitou.
Where to Stay:
High end: We have stayed at and recommend the Yuanshan Grand Hotel, once the tallest building in Taiwan and still the most grand (book on Booking.com here, Tripadvisor here, or Agoda here).
We also recommend Fullon Hotel which has locations in Tamsui and Fulong near the beach (book on Booking.com here, Tripadvisor here, Agoda here, or Hotels.com here).
Budget Hotels: We have stayed at and also recommend Fu Chang Hotel in Ximending, which is within walking distance of Ximending shopping district (book on Booking.com here, Tripadvisor here, or Agoda here). We have also stayed at and recommend Hai Xia Your Home which is right in front of Fulong Beach (book on Booking.com here, Tripadvisor here, Agoda here, or Hotels.com here).
Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Booking.com here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation in Taiwan.
Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here.
How to get there:
By MRT:
Take the MRT to Xinbeitou MRT station. From there you can also take the S25 bus Beitou Green Library. You can book tickets to travel to Taipei via inter-city bus on Klook here.
By Car/Scooter:
From downtown Taipei, take Provincial Highway 2 north to New Beitou MRT Station. There is limited paid parking nearby. Looking for scooter rental in Taipei? Check out Klook here, or KKday here to search for options. You can also check out our scooter rental guide here.
If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or KKday here. You can also check out our car rental guide here.
By Bicycle:
Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan’s landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can use Taiwan’s many Youbike sharing stations, or search for rentals on KKday here, and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here.
Map:
Please see a map below:
Our Journey:
We have been to Beitou Public Library once. It truly is one of the most beautiful libraries in all of Taiwan. It’s location inside Beitou Park also makes it that much more serene. It is definitely worth a stop on your next trip to Beitou.
This is the first view of the library I saw from Beitou Park.
From the outside, you can tell that the engineers took inspiration from Japanese era wooden buildings.
There are three tows of balconies on the first, second, and third floors.
Outside amphitheater nearby in Beitou Park.
Front entrance to the Library.
Model of the library.
Inside the library, you can get an idea of the ceiling height and natural lighting. The huge windows provide great views of Beitou Park. Also, there are beautiful wooden floors here.
Be sure to check out our full guide to Beitou here.
You can also see our full guide to Taiwan here.
The Penghu Islands are the best island vacation getaway in Taiwan. Only an hour’s plane ride from Taipei, these islands provide multiple world-class beaches, as well as snorkeling, diving, windsurfing, and other water activities. In addition, there are lots of restaurants, interesting historical sights, and accommodation options on these islands. Overall it is an ideal island vacation getaway that you should not miss.
Historical Background:
The Penghu Islands were historically an important strategic position for trade and military defense in the area. The Dutch, French, and Japanese all led campaigns against these islands. The Dutch first invaded Penghu in 1622, but soon after retreated to Anping after a treaty was made with the Ming Dynasty.
Konxinga later took control of Penghu and Taiwan after defeating the Dutch in 1661, Later, Kongxinga’s kingdom fell to the Qing Dynasty.
In 1885 during the Sino-French war for control of Vietnam, the French sent a fleet to Taiwan but failed to take the island. Later they attacked the Penghu Islands and occupied them for a short time, before retreating to Vietnam due to the Treaty of Tianjin.
After Japan took control of Korea in 1894, they also attacked and occupied Penghu in 1895, after which the Qing Dynasty ceded the islands to them.
After World War II, the islands were given to the ROC government, which retreated to Taiwan after the Chinese Civil War and still controls the islands today under a free democratic government.
Activities:
Besides soaking in sun rays at the beach, there are many activities available in Penghu such as snorkeling, diving, wind surfing, sailing, canoeing, wakeboarding, massage, yachting, glamping, trampoline Water Sports, SUP / Paddle Boarding, kayaking, night fishing and more on Klook here or KKday here.
Tours:
There are many tours and activities available on the islands such as Island Hopping Tour, starlight Marine Ranch, seafood Barbeque, Sheraton Four Points Eatery, Dragon Palace Intertidal Zone, Jibei Sand Tail, and many more options on Klook here or KKday here.
For more information, look at other tour/ferry sites or book a personalized tour with Klook here or KKday here.
Where to Stay:
We have stayed at and recommend Han’s Hostel which had great service and is right next to Shanshui Beach, the best beach in Penghu (you can book on Agoda here, Booking.com here, or Trip.com here) a newly renovated homestay in downtown Magong with great service and great prices (you can book on Agoda here or Booking.com here).
Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Agoda here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation on the islands.
You can also find out more about where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide here.
When to go to Penghu:
The best time to go is Autumn. Spring is also a nice time to go, but there is a greater chance of spring showers during that time. The summers may be too hot, and winters too cold and windy.
How to get there:
By Plane:
There are daily flights from Taipei Songshan, Taichung, and Kaohsiung airports to Makung. the flight takes roughly under an hour. Rates can range from around 2200-6000 NT for a round trip. There are also flights to and from Chiayi, Tainan, Kinmen, and Chimei, with charted flights to Hong Kong starting September 2018.
There are flights to and from Taipei Songshan Airport three times a day via Uni Air. You can book flights on KKday here, Trip.com here, CheapO Air here, or Kiwi here.
By Boat: There are daily ferries from Chiayi and Kaohsiung. A one-way trip takes about 4 hours from both locations. A one-way ferry from Kaohsiung costs about 900 NT for just a reclining seat, and a one-way ferry from Chiayi costs about 1000 NT.
You can book ferry boat tickets from Chiayi on Klook here, or ferry boat tickets from Tainan on KKday here.
Getting Around on the Islands:
By Ferry Boat: The only way to get to smaller islands without airports is by ferry. You can check Klook here or KKday here for ferry tickets or buy them at the harbor.
By Scooter: We recommend taking a scooter as the most efficient and convenient type of transport on the islands. However, most places require a local scooter license. You can rent a scooter for Penghu on Klook here or on KKday here. You can also check out our scooter rental guide here.
By Car / taxi: A car is also sensible in Penghu because the main island is pretty spread out. You can rent a car for Penghu on Klook here or on KKday here. You can also check out our car rental guide here.
By Bus: a bus is possible on the main island, but it will be slower and more unpredictable.
By Bicycle: Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan’s landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can search on KKday here and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here.
Map:
Please see a list of places we will cover in the map below:
What to see and do in Penghu?
Please note that the following list of places is still a work in progress. We will be updating the below places with more information as time goes on.
Guanyin Temple Recreation Area 觀音亭親水遊憩區
First thing Saturday morning, we explored Guanyin Temple Swimming Area (aka. Guanyinting, Guanyin Temple Leisure Park, and Guanyinting Recreation Area), one of the main tourist attractions in Magong and Penghu. It is a relaxing place to enjoy views of the ocean and the sunset, as well as other activities such as jogging, swimming, parasailing, and fishing. For our full blog on this area, click here.
Magong Ancient City Wall 馬公舊城墻
Next, we visited the historic walls of Makung. Among the many historical sights in the city, perhaps some of the most significant are the remains of the ancient wall surrounding the city during the Qing Dynasty, as well as the first military dependents village established by the KMT surrounding these old walls.
Check out our full blog on Magong City Walls here.
Duxingshi Village 篤行十村
Above is a view of the restored Duxingshi Village, which is now open for tourists, taking them back in time to the KMT-dependent village era. For our full blog on this place, click here.
Penghu Trans-Oceanic Bridge （Penghu Great Bridge) 澎湖跨海大橋
One of the most iconic tourist spots in Penghu is the cross-ocean bridge. It is the longest bridge in Penghu, but by no means is it the longest bridge in Taiwan. I was actually kind of disappointed at how short it was. Anyway, everyone takes a selfie here, and so should you.
Chixi Columnar Basalt 池西柱狀玄武岩
You don’t have to go to Chixi or even Siyu Island to see columnar basalt in Penghu, the stuff is everywhere! It has become a major attraction for Taiwanese because this geological formation is very rare on the Taiwan mainland. However, coming from the western US I have seen this stuff a million times. Devil’s Tower in Wyoming is way more impressive.
Dayi Temple Sea Turtles 大義宮的海龜
Dayi Temple Lies in the northern part of Siyu Island in Penghu County, Taiwan. On the outside, it is a normal Taiwanese Daoist temple like any other, but due to its collection of live endangered sea turtles, whale bones, rare marine specimens, and coral rocks kept in an underground chamber, it has become one of the main tourist attractions on the archipelago.
The morality of keeping these endangered species in the temple chamber has been a topic of debate over the past few years, and it is clear to see that they are not living in an ideal environment. This, including allegations of animal rights violations, is discussed further in our full blog of the temple here.
Siyu East Fort 西嶼東臺
Siyu East and West Forts are some of the best-preserved fortifications in Taiwan dating back to the Ming Dynasty. They provide a rich history of the many invasions of Taiwan throughout the ages. Currently, they are open to the public if you can get yourself over to the west side of Penghu. Siyu West Fort (pictured above) is way better, so if you have a choice between the two spend your time there.
Siyu West Fort 西嶼西臺
A view of Siyu East Fort. This fort is free to visit, but there are no cannons and not much else to see, but still an interesting historical visit. For our full blog on these forts, click here.
Xitai Fake Cannon 西臺餌砲
Xitai Fake Cannon is an interesting artifact on Siyu Island left over from WWII, used as a decoy by the Japanese to confuse American bomber crews. The fake cannon is a witness to the war as well as a reflection of Wai’an’s strategic geographic importance during WWII.
Yuwengdao Lighthouse 漁翁島燈塔
Yuwengdao Lighthouse is another major attraction in Penghu, located on the very western part of Siyu Island. You can’t go to the top of the lighthouse, but you can enjoy the nearby ocean views.
Erkan Village 二崁聚落
Erkan Historical Village is a unique place in Taiwan that preserves nearly 300 years of Southern Min culture. Isolated and cut off from the rest of Taiwan for quite some time on Siyu island of Penghu County, the village is a living museum for visitors. Every home is built in traditional red brick Southern Min style, offering a unique splice in time. Click here for our full blog on the village.
Tongliang Great Banyan 通梁古榕
In this small village of Tongliang on Penghu Island is an ancient banyan tree that covers almost an entire city block. It is the oldest tree in Penghu, dating back to around 1700 when there was a shipwreck nearby. According to legend, the only thing recovered was a banyan sapling that was later planted and became this huge tree. Near the tree are also some food stands that you can check out if you are hungry.
Hsiaomen Whale Cave 小門鯨魚洞
Whale Cave is a natural basalt sea cave on the north side of Hsiaomen Island in Penghu (Shomom 小門嶼), and one of the many tourist attractions in the area. According to some it looks like a whale, but that is not the true origin of its name.
The actual reason for the cave’s name “Whale Cave” is that, a long time ago, a whale got stuck in the cave and died. According to local legend, a bone from that whale is now inside Dayi Temple. See more about Whale Cave in our blog here.
Penghu Aquarium 澎湖水族舘
At Penghu Aquarium you can see sea turtles, rays, and dolphins. It also includes a glass tunnel underneath the main tank.
You can buy tickets to the aquarium on KKday here.
You can also book a night to sleep in the aquarium here.
Shanshui Beach 山水海灘
Shanshui beach is just about as good a beach as there is in Taiwan. The sand is white, the waves are big, and the water is clear and warm. Also it has a place to wash your feet for free, as well as paid showers.
Qimei Island 七美鄉
Qimei is a beautiful island getaway on the southernmost end of Penghu County. You can get there by boat or by plane from Makung. The main attractions there is the iconic double heart rock (Twin Hearts Stone Weir), as well as little Taiwan rock. Getting there is not easy, but it is definitely worth the visit. For our full blog on Qimei click here.
Penghu Rice Wraps 澎湖飯糰
Another thing we tried was the famous purple rice balls sold on the street (pictured above). Inside is some delicious pork, peanut, and fried bread sticks. You should definitely give them a try on your next trip to Penghu.
Xiaoyoukeng in Yangmingshan National Park is a large volcanic steam vent area with hiking trails, fumaroles, sulfur deposits, and natural hot springs. Even though the name means “small sulfur hole,” it is perhaps the largest and most easily accessible volcanic steam vent area in Taiwan. One could say that it is the Yellowstone of Taiwan. It is a quiet and pleasant stop on the mountain and worth a visit on your trip to Yangmingshan…(read more)
Activities and Places we Missed:
- Aimen Beach 隘門沙灘
- Lintou Beach 林投沙灘
- Lintou Park 林投公園
- Kuibishan Geopark 奎壁山地質公園
- Daguoye Columnar Basalt 大菓葉柱狀玄武岩
- Zhongyang Street 中央街
- Tianhou Temple 天后宮
- Magong Jinguitou Fortress 馬公金龜頭礮臺菜園休閑漁業區
- Xiaomen Geopark 小門地質舘
- Snake Head Mountain Scenic Area 蛇頭山
- Fenggui Sea Cave 風櫃洞
- Shili Beach 嵵裡沙灘
- Penghu Living Museum 澎湖生活博物館
- snorkeling
- diving
- wind surfing
- sailing
- canoeing
- wakeboarding
- massage
- yachting
- glamping
- trampoline Water Sports
- SUP / Paddle Boarding
- kayaking
- night fishing
- Island Hopping Tour
- starlight Marine Ranch
- seafood Barbeque
- Sheraton Four Points Eatery
- Dragon Palace Intertidal Zone
- Outer Islands:
- Jibei Island 吉貝嶼
- –Jibei Sand Tail 吉貝沙尾
- -Jibei Stone heart Wier 吉貝心型石滬
- Dongji Island 東吉嶼
- -Dongji Lighthouse 東吉燈塔
- -The eye of Dongji 東吉之眼
- -Qiming Temple 啟明宮
- -Japanese Barracks 日軍遺跡
- -Tiger Head Mountain 虎頭山
- Xiji Island 西吉嶼
- Sea Caves on the North Coast 北岸海蝕洞
- Basalt cliff 海蝕溝與海崖
- Abaondoned village 聚落
- Wangan Island望安鄉
- -Green Sea Turtle Protection Center 綠蠵龜保育中心
- -Tiantai Mountain 天臺山
- -Hua Ancient House 花宅古厝
- -Wangankou Beach 網按口沙灘
- Dongyuping Island 東嶼坪嶼
- -Jinlong Pagoda 金龍塔
- -Chifu Pagoda 池府廟
- -Chifu Temple 池府塔
- Xiyuping Island 西嶼坪嶼
- -Huaniang Temple 華娘廟
- -Sea Stack 海堆
- Hujing Island 虎井嶼
- Hujing Island Columnar Basalt 虎井柱狀玄武岩
- Tongpan Island 桶盤嶼
- -Tongpan Island Geopark桶盤嶼地質公園
- and more on Klook here or KKday here.
- And also the other 70 or so small Islands and Islets in Penghu. Maybe one day this blog will include them all!
Thanks for reading and stay tuned for more of our blogs to come!
To see more of Taiwan’s outer islands, check out our ultimate guide to Kinmen here.
There are many tours available on the islands. For more information, look at other tour/ferry sites or book a personalized tour with Klook here or KKday here.
You can also check out our full guide to all of Taiwan’s outer islands here.
You can also check out our full travel guide to Taiwan here.