Penghu Great Bridge (aka Penghu Trans-Oceanic Bridge 澎湖跨海大橋) is one of the most iconic tourist spots in Penghu. Formerly it was the longest bridge in East Asia, and the longest in Taiwan. Currently it is the longest bridge in Penghu, but it is not the longest bridge in Taiwan. Nevertheless it is still a must-see spot in the Penghu Islands.
Historical Background:
Before the bridge was built, Siyu Island residents could only access the outside world by boat. During the Japanese occupation, a ferry port was established at Daguiye Fishing Harbor, providing regular trips to Makung Harbor. After World War II, this harbor remained a key transport hub. In the early 1960s, President Chiang Kai-shek, upon learning of the transportation difficulties between Magong and Siyu, directed the government to plan a cross-sea bridge.
The first generation of the Penghu Great Bridge bridge began construction in March 1965, was completed and opened in December 1970. The first bridge was the largest in East Asia at the time, but severe corrosion and frequent maintenance prompted the construction of the second-generation bridge in 1984.
The second generation began construction in July 1984, was completed and opened in March 1996, and remains in use today. The first-generation bridge was dismantled in October 1995. Costing NT$1.028 billion, this bridge measures 2,494 meters, making it the longest cross-ocean bridge in Taiwan at the time until the 5,400-meter Kinmen Bridge opened on October 30, 2022.
With the increased accessibility and improved infrastructure, the bridge has also bolstered tourism, making the Penghu islands more accessible to both locals and visitors.
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.
By Ferry: 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 map below:
