Penghu: the most beautiful bay in the world
Its cliffs are reminiscent of the neighboring Algarve, its waters compete with those of the Caribbean, the seafood is (almost) as good as what is caught in Galicia – except that here it is eaten with chopsticks – and the majestic temples could perfectly be in the middle of Shanghai or Beijing.
Yes indeed, they say that the hospitality of its people is not found anywhere else. If we add to this the special protection of the area –with the consequent absence of contamination– and the incentive that there is 0.00001% chance of being found If your goal is to disappear for a few days, this is your place.
Welcome to Penghu, the most beautiful bay in the world.
TO START: A STRATEGIC LOCATION
Legend has it that the Penghu Islands, located in the Taiwan Strait, they formed from the reflections of stars on the surface of the ocean.
The real explanation is that this archipelago made up of 64 islands is the result of the collision of three forces: that of the volcanoes, that of the sea and that of the wind.
The views from the Great Bridge
Also known as Fisher Islands, are part of Club of the most beautiful bays in the world, whose last annual meeting was held precisely here last September.
Its strategic position in the Tropic of Cancer makes Penghu a unique paradise bathed by turquoise waters, dotted with basaltic landscapes, inhabited by wonderful marine fauna and best of all: still unknown for international tourists.
These are just a few reasons why it is worth taking time out of your trip to Taiwan to visit these nicknamed islands the “Asian Canaries”. But there are many more: we tell you why you should know Penghu before anyone else.
A PROTECTED PARADISE
The Penghu National Scenic Area, Established in the early 1990s, it is a protected area due to the great value of its natural resources and includes most of the islands and islets of the archipelago.
It is divided into three zones: the north sea (ideal for water sports and bird watching) , the south sea (with the famous heart-shaped dam) and the Magong area (whose islands are connected by bridges) .
Meow! Welcome to Penghou!
THE BASALTIC LANDSCAPE
The characteristic basalt columns of the Penghu Islands make up a peculiar landscape of volcanic origin. These vertical formations have a prism shape (usually hexagonal) and are formed due to the fracture of the rocks in the process of lava cooling.
One of the best places to admire the basaltic landscape is the Tongpan Geological Park (also known as "the Taiwanese Yellowstone") and the coast of Yuanbeiyu.
The basaltic formations of Daguoye, on the island of Magong, they are one of the most accessible and visited points, as they are located next to a piece of land where rainwater accumulates. The basalt columns and their reflection create a unique image that photographers from all over the world come to capture every year.
QUIMEI: THE ISLAND OF IMAGINATION
Quimei is an island where you can let your imagination run wild with its unique natural formations (and some other artificial) . Let's start with one of the most photographed and romantic places in the Pescadores Islands: the double heart
This pretty picture loses a bit of magic when you discover its true identity: it is a stone trap (or shihu) for the fish, so that they swim inside when the tide rises and are trapped afterwards. There are more than 500 of these stone dams spread across Penghu, but this is by far the most famous.
The stone dams were built and used in the past by fishermen. However, this method is rarely used today. traditional fishing. When visiting, do not forget to check the times when the tide goes out.
The basalt columns of Daguoye
On this same island we can also visit the Tomb of the Seven Beauties. Legend has it that during an attack by Japanese pirates, seven young maidens committed suicide by jumping into a well to maintain their virginity and avoid submitting to the enemy. The inhabitants of the island filled the well in his memory and miraculously (or not so) seven trees grew.
At Donghu, north of Quimei, go up to the viewpoint to see Little Taiwan, a platform reminiscent of the profile of the country. On the other hand, the one known as Waiting Husband Reef (cliff waiting for her husband) responds to an ancient legend that tells how a woman went out every day to wait for her husband to return from fishing in the sea.
One day, after a terrible storm, the husband did not return. The woman waited for him day and night at the Yueili port and finally she plummeted into the depths of the ocean. The rock there is has a bulging area that resembles a pregnant woman, according to the locals, the protagonist of the story. Two last curiosities before jumping to the next island.
The Dragon Platform (Longchen), name it receives due to – as you may have already guessed – its shape, it is a basalt formation eroded by the sea. Looking at the dragon we find the stone lion, a rock that looks towards the beast stranded in the sea.
The double-hearted shihu at sunset
ZHONGYANG OLD STREET: STROLLING BETWEEN TEMPLES AND HANDICRAFTS
The city of Magong It is the gateway to the Penghu archipelago and the best hub for exploring the islands. The **Four Points by Sheraton** or the **Discovery Hotel** are two good options.
The most representative place in Magong is the oldest temple dedicated to the goddess Matsu (protector of fishermen) in Taiwan, Tianhou, built more than four hundred years ago.
Right next door we find Zhongyang Old Street (what we could call the historic center) recognizable by its red brick pillars and its little wooden houses. Zhongyang is a commercial area with many craft shops, tea and cacti indigenous to the islands.
Wandering through the area you will see many historical enclaves such as the Wanjun well, the Shuixian and Shigong temples and the Four Eyes well.
The temples are another of the claims of the archipelago
XIYU: THE DRAMATIC COAST
crossing the famous Greatbridge, that connects the islands of Baixa and Xiyu, we arrive at one of the most visited areas of Penghu, where the contrasts fit perfectly surrounded by turquoise waters.
In the southeast of Xiyu we find the yuwengdao lighthouse (the oldest in Taiwan) and a military-historical park with two forts whose construction was completed in 1888: Xiyu West Fort and Xiyu East Fort.
We left the main road until we reached the Erkan Traditional Residences, a village made up of protected historic houses, among which the Chen family's stands out. Don't forget to try the peanut and pumpkin candy of local posts.
Before you cross the Great Bridge again, turn off to Xiaomen to visit its steep cliffs where you will come across the Whale Cave, an arch whose shape recalls this animal.
WANGAN: THE HOME OF THE TURTLES
Another essential in the south is the islet of Wangan, since it is the only place in Taiwan where green sea turtles come to lay their eggs. drop by him Conservation Center to learn more about the preservation work of this ecosystem.
Try delicious peanut and pumpkin sweets at local stalls
HUXI TOWNSHIP: THE RURAL-HIPSTER COMMUNITY
To the northeast of the island of Magong we find the municipality of Huxi, where the Nanliao rural community lives. A majestic temple welcomes us at the entrance, to give way to a world that could well seem like the end of the yellow brick road.
Nanliao's main street is dotted with colour balls with geometric and animal drawings, sculptures, agricultural and fishing tools and facades with murals where some of the most representative elements of the region are captured: turtles, fish, scenes in the countryside, fruits and vegetables, etc.
Head even further north of Huxi to visit the Kuibishan Geopark, where is it located Chi Island, accessible on foot at low tide (many say that the scene is reminiscent of Moses opening the waters). The sunset from the beach is one of the most beautiful in the entire archipelago.
Nianlao, where the walls are the canvas of the premises
EAT PENGHU
In addition to fish and shellfish (the green lobster is a must) , Penghu has a wide variety of local delicacies that you must try. Let's start with dessert.
The cactus ice cream, of a paradoxical fuchsia color, it is one of the specialties that we can find in Penghu. Its flavor is that of the fruit that grows on the cacti in the area, with a touch reminiscent of mint. Warning for cactus lovers: the chinwan garden It will become your favorite place.
We continue with the brown sugar cupcakes, that although they resemble the appearance of a brownie, their texture is spongy and soft. Pumpkin, peanuts and oysters (be sure to try them in their battered version) they are also typical products of the area.
BEACHES
The Penghu Islands are like the Canary Islands of Taiwan and many urbanites escape to this paradise to escape the chaos of the big city and get a tan away from the skyscrapers. Among the most famous are Baishawei and Sand Beach Beak (on Jibei Island) and those of Shihli and Shanshuei (in Magong).
The famous cactus ice cream
THE FINAL STRIKE
Culture and festivals are very present in the daily life of the inhabitants of Penghu, who actively participate in each of the festivals and events of the place. One of the most important events of the summer is the International Fireworks Festival.
One of the best ways to enjoy the show is take a boat to Magong Island. Also don't miss the festival's main set, the rainbow bridge, whose lights are reflected in the sea at sunset
HOW TO GET
The best way to get to Penghu is to fly to Taipei. Taiwan's largest airline, **China Airlines,** offers direct flights to Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport from Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Rome or London, among others. In the case of Spain, we can make the journey Madrid-Taipei with a connection in one of the above cities, also with China Airlines.
Are you one of those who enjoy air travel? don't miss the business class: the Taiwanese specialties on the menu will be a good start to the adventure that awaits you in this wonderful country.
The Rainbow Bridge at sunset
Once in Taipei, just take a domestic flight of just 30 minutes from Songshan Airport (Taipei) to land at Magon Airport (the main city of Penghu) or Quimei.
Also, there are ferries arriving at Magong port every day from Kaohsiung, Tainan, Chiayi and Kinmen.
Peak season in Penghu is extended from the month of April to September, where the climate is humid with temperatures that exceed 30 degrees.
It is best to visit early summer, when there is still not so much influx of tourists. However, surf lovers prefer to approach the end of September, when the wind settles on the island to stay throughout the winter.
Don't worry, if they ask about you around here, we'll just say you went for cacti.
China Airlines business class: to start the trip in style