🗺 Tourism Information
The Penghu Islands, historically known as the "Pescadores" from the Spanish term "fishermen", form a breath taking archipelago in the Taiwan Strait that blends raw geological beauty with deep cultural heritage.
Consisting of approximately ninety small islands and islets, Penghu is revered as one of Taiwan's premier tropical getaways. It is globally renowned for its spectacular, ancient volcanic columnar basalt formations.
The archipelago was influenced by Chinese dynasties, Dutch occupiers, French forces, and Japanese colonial rule, leaving behind a fascinating tapestry of well-preserved fortifications, historical temples, and traditional Southern Min-style red-brick villages like the famous Erkan Historical Village.
Penghu is influenced by Chinese dynasties, Dutch occupiers, French forces, and Japanese colonial rule, leaving behind a fascinating tapestry of well-preserved fortifications, historical temples and red brick villages. For travellers, Penghu offers a diverse array of captivating sights and seasonal experiences. Among its most iconic landmarks is the Twin-Hearts Stone Weir on Qimei Island, which is a must boat tour activity.
In recent years, local tourism has reached new heights, driven by the massively popular Penghu International Fireworks Festival and the award-winning Penghu Wind Chasing Music & Light Festival.
Reaching the main island is also super easy with dozens of flights from Taipei Songshan Airport, taking only 45 minutes. Alternatively you can travel by ferry if you are driving from mainland ports like Chiayi.
Whether hopping between islands to snorkel in vibrant coral reefs, night-fishing for fresh squid, or strolling through the vibrant, welcoming streets of Magong City, Penghu delivers an unforgettable island adventure steeped in history.
Among its most iconic landmarks is Qimei Island, which is a must boat tour activity when in Penghu! Summer in Penghu is hot and sunny, with temperatures averaging 28°C to 36°C. The sun is intense, requiring lightweight clothing, hats, sunglasses, and reef-safe sunscreen. Sudden afternoon thundershowers or typhoons can happen also during the season from August to October, so a light raincoat is useful.
Winter brings a drastic shift, with temperatures dropping from 15°C to 21°C. While not really cold, the powerful, relentless northeast monsoon winds make it feel much colder. Visitors would need windproof jackets, and secure hats. The strong winds frequently disrupt inter-island ferries and outdoor activities, making winter a quieter time to visit.
The best time to visit ranges from November to July. Depending if you are looking to enjoy hotter or cooler temperatures outside. However, for the Firework festival, this only starts from the end of April and lasts until the end of August.
The Penghu islands offer a great amount of outdoor activities but weather conditions are different from the Taiwan mainland. Bring hats, plenty of sun cream and aloe-vera lotions, sunglasses and drinking water when out in tours. Most travellers will travel to Penghu first by plane and arrive to Magong (MZG), the main city of the Penghu Islands. Once there, the public transit system consists of county buses and specialized tourist shuttles.
The most convenient option for arrivals is the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle "Penghu Airport Express," which seamlessly connects the airport, downtown hotels, and Magong Harbor. Bus 004 offers departures every 40 minutes from the airport and costs 30$NT. Passengers pay on board when boarding and alighting by tapping major Taiwanese electronic transit cards like EasyCard or iPASS. Cash is accepted but requires exact change, as drivers do not provide change.
Route information for Bus 004 from Penghu Airport to Magong 
From the Airport you can catch the 004 bus to Magong city bus terminal. 
Local travel by busses is possible but timetables are limited. However, most locals will arrange to rent a scooter to see the islands on two wheels, as local busses are limited and timetables are not often. You can arrange the scooter in advance or when you arrive to the airport with the dedicated rent counters.
Once on the main islands, riding the scooter is a local favourite, but you can arrange tours and itineraries by the major suppliers like Klook who offer customisable tour options.
Further away islands would require to book ferry transits which do get quite busy at weekends and high season so planning your tours and islands to visit in advance is definitely advised.
If travelling from the mainland Taiwan, then you can opt to take a fast-ferry crossing from Chiayi Port which only takes 90 minutes. You can book tickets at taijistar.com.tw
An alternative option is to travel from Chiayi Port to Magong by fast ferry, taking 60-75 minutes. (Photo: taijistar.com.tw) Located in the heart of the Taiwan Strait, Penghu is a beautiful archipelago known for its rich maritime history, traditional fishing culture, and stunning coastal scenery.
Historically, Penghu played an important role as a trading and military gateway between Taiwan, China, and East Asia, with centuries-old temples, historic villages, and colonial influences still visible today.
Visitors are drawn to the region for its crystal-clear waters, basalt rock formations, white-sand beaches, and famous fresh seafood cuisine. In recent years, Penghu has grown in popularity thanks to its relaxed island atmosphere, vibrant summer festivals, snorkelling and water sports, scenic island-hopping experiences, and well-preserved local culture that offers a different side of Taiwan beyond the busy cities.
Penghu played an important role as a trading and military gateway between Taiwan, China, and East Asia, with colonial influences still visible today. Below are the main highlights of what to see and do whilst in Penghu:
Magong is the heart of Penghu and the best place to start your experience of the islands’ maritime culture, history, and local cuisine. The old town combines narrow traditional streets, harbour scenery, seafood restaurants, and a relaxed coastal atmosphere. Within the Magong area, the most important landmarks is Penghu Tianhou Temple, dedicated to the sea goddess Mazu and considered one of Taiwan’s oldest temples, dating back over 400 years. Nearby visitors can also see colonial-era buildings from Japanese rule, traditional shops selling local snacks.
Tianhou Temple, is a must see place located in the heart of Magong. It is one of Taiwan’s oldest temples, dating back over 400 years. 
Take a walk in the Magong Zhongyang Old street to sample the traditional culture. 
Magong combines narrow traditional streets, harbour scenery, seafood restaurants, and a relaxed coastal atmosphere. 
Magong town centre is full of shops, convinient stores and places to eat. 
Zhongzheng Rd is the main commercial road in Magong. 
Throughout the year, Penghu feels quieter, giving a relaxed visit. Duxingshi Village (篤行十村), is one of Taiwan’s oldest and most historically important military dependents’ villages, originally built by the Japanese Navy around 1906 and later used by Republic of China military families after World War II. Today, the restored village is a popular cultural and tourism destination known for its preserved Japanese-style wooden houses, art galleries, cafés, and museums. You can explore historic residential lanes, photography spots, cultural exhibitions, and memorial houses. Its only a short 5 minute walk from the Tianhou Temple.
Duxingshi Village dates back to 1906, built by the Japanese military. 
Duxingshi Village is only a short walk from Tianhou Temple 
The restored village offers preserved Japanese-style wooden houses, art galleries, cafés, and museums. Guanyinting Recreation Area is one of the most scenic coastal locations in Penghu and a favourite gathering place for both locals and tourists. The area is famous for spectacular sunsets over the Taiwan Strait. During the annual Penghu International Fireworks Festival, this waterfront becomes the centre of major evening events with fireworks and drone displays reflected across the sea. The fireworks display start at the end of April and finish at the end of August. They are free to visit and no entry ticket is required.
The waterfront becomes the centre of major evening events with fireworks and drone displays reflected across the sea. 
The fireworks display start at the end of April and finish at the end of August. 
The fireworks and drone displays takes place twice a week. Volcanic basalt landscapes of Penghu are among the region’s most unique natural attractions. Millions of years ago, volcanic activity formed dramatic hexagonal basalt columns, rugged cliffs, sea caves, and blowholes that today create spectacular coastal scenery. The iconic Penghu Great Bridge connects major islands and offers panoramic ocean views. The basalt landscapes can be seen across several islands and coastal areas, like Tongpan Island, and the Twin-Hearts Stone Weir region. As well at Tongliang Great Banyan. Some of the tours to the islands, will often make stops for photography and sightseeing of the rock formations.
Shanshui Beach is one of Penghu’s most popular beaches thanks to its soft sand, turquoise water, and relaxed tropical atmosphere. Visitors come here for swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and beach cafés during the warmer months. Getting there from Magong, you can take Bus No. 51.
Wai’an (Waian), in western Penghu is one of the most atmospheric coastal areas in the archipelago, known for its rugged basalt landscapes, sweeping ocean views, and deep maritime heritage. A major highlight is the famous Yuwengdao Lighthouse, one of the oldest lighthouses in Taiwan. Built in the 18th century and later rebuilt, it sits on a windswept headland overlooking the open sea. Nearby, visitors can explore the Wai'an Underground Stone Bunkers and the coastal road towards Wai’an Fishing Village, where traditional boats, drying seafood, and quiet harbours reflect Penghu’s long-standing fishing lifestyle. Getting to Wai'an from Magong, you can take Bus No. 21 toward Wai’an, which runs across the main island and directly connects the city to western Xiyu. The ride itself is scenic, passing rural landscapes, salt fields, and coastal views before reaching the Wai’an. The trip taking about 80 min.
The Yuwengdao Lighthouse, sits on a windswept headland overlooking the open sea. 
A short walk from the lighthouse is the Wai'an Underground Stone Bunkers. 
The famous Yuwengdao Lighthouse, one of the oldest lighthouses in Taiwan was built in the 18th century. Penghu is also famous for island-hopping tours, especially to Qimei and Jibei. Qimei is known for dramatic coastal scenery and the famous Double Heart Stone Weir, while Jibei attracts visitors with long sandy beaches and water sports. Boat excursions are among the highlights of visiting Penghu and usually cost around NT$300–1,000 depending on destination and activities included. See more about the islands on the next tab.
Don't miss the opportunity to take island-hopping tours, especially to Qimei and Jibei! When visiting Penghu, you can't miss an opportunity to explore further afield by taking one of the many boats to some of the further away islands. These islands are not accessible by road as the other inter islands connecting Magong, thanks to a well established network of bridges.
The main islands, visited by thousands of tourists each day are Qimei and Jibei.
A south day trip to Qimei offers visitors a great trip by boat to admire the dramatic coastal scenery, local fishing culture, and historical legends. The island is most famous for the iconic Double Heart Stone Weir, a beautifully preserved ancient stone fishing trap shaped like two connected hearts, which has become one of Penghu’s most photographed landmarks. Qimei is also admired for its rugged volcanic coastline, sea caves, basalt formations, and peaceful rural atmosphere that feels far removed from Taiwan’s busy cities. When on the islands, visitors often rent scooters to circle the island, stopping at scenic cliffs, traditional villages, and viewpoints overlooking the turquoise ocean.
Alternatively, you can also ride a tour bus, if you have previously contracted this from your tour organiser. (however, all tours are conducted in Mandarin language only).
Qimei Photo Gallery
Often, combined with Qimei, Wangan Island, is also one of the mos most visitied islands on tours by ferries from Magang, taking roughly 1–2 hours depending on sea conditions.
One of the highlights is the traditional stone house settlements, built using local basalt rock and designed to withstand strong coastal winds. Another key cultural stop is the local Mazu temples. For nature lovers, Wangan offers rugged basalt coastlines, hidden coves, and crystal-clear waters ideal for swimming or snorkeling in summer. The island is also known for its efforts in sea turtle conservation, and if you visit at the right season, you may learn about local green turtle protection programs that highlight the island’s ecological importance.
The same as Qimei, you can take a bus tour around the island, having previosuly organised it by the booking agent or you can rent a scooter or walk aroud by foot ensuring you know the departure time of the ferrry to go back.
Wangan Island Photo Gallery
Jibei, is located north, famous for its long white sandbar, crystal-clear waters, and relaxed tropical atmosphere, making it one of the best beach day trips in Penghu. The island attracts visitors looking for swimming, snorkelling, jet skiing, and coastal cycling.
Beyond its beaches, Jibei also offers traditional stone houses, small fishing communities, and peaceful ocean views that showcase the slower pace of life in the Penghu islands. Tours to Jibei include the boat ticket and once on the island you can rent a scooter or go walking (takes about 3 hours if you want to cover the island on foot). The last departure from Jibei back to the main port is at 16h or 17h in summer.
Jibei Photo Gallery
Penghu has a very relaxed island nightlife focused more on seaside atmosphere, seafood dining, bars, and night markets. There are no large clubs.
In Magong, the main evening area is around Zhongzheng Road, you will find the harbour, and the lively Guanyinting Recreation Area. Its a good spot, especially for sunsets, live music, and ocean views. The famous Penghu Tianhou Temple area and nearby streets stay active at night with cafes, karaoke, seafood restaurants, and local bars.
Other nightlife entertainment includes beach bars, seasonal fireworks festivals, cinema at local theaters in Magong, and waterfront walks. Public buses are limited at evening and stop running after 9pm, so most visitors use scooters, taxis, or rental cars.
Penghu is famous for its seasonal fireworks festivals from April to August, which provide good evening entertainment! Streets are generally very calm and safe late at night, with no crime reported or any danger to tourists, except for driving after drinking which should be avoided and take taxis if your accommodation is out of Magong.
Penghu offers shopping focused on local culture, seafood products, crafts, and relaxed coastal streets. The main shopping area is in Magong, especially Zhongzheng Road and the harbour district, where visitors find souvenir stores, local snacks, cafes, fashion boutiques, and pharmacies.
Popular souvenirs include Penghu brown sugar cakes, cactus ice products, peanut candies, dried seafood, scallop sauce, squid snacks, seaweed products, shell handicrafts, and handmade coral-stone decorations. Traditional shops near Penghu Tianhou Temple sell many locally made gifts and cultural items.
You can find traditional shops near the Tianhou Temple, selling locally made gifts and cultural items. For markets, the lively Magong Fish Market is ideal for fresh seafood and observing local fishing culture early in the morning. Night markets and seasonal festival stalls also sell street food, handmade accessories, and island specialties.
Penghu has limited high-end shopping compared with Taipei or Kaohsiung, but visitors can still find designer shops, imported premium shopping at the Discovery Complex, next to the Discovery Hotel.
Discovery Complex, is next to the Discovery Hotel and offers a wide range of shops, together with a food court and a cinema. Penghu offers accommodation mostly centred around relaxed seaside tourism, homestays, boutique guesthouses, and small hotels rather than large urban resorts.
The best area to stay for most visitors is Magong, especially near the harbour, Zhongzheng Road, and the old town area around Penghu Tianhou Temple, where restaurants, ferry terminals, nightlife, cafes, and shopping are within walking distance.
For beaches and quieter scenery, Shanshui Beach and Huxi Township are popular for relaxing stays and ocean-view guesthouses. Average 2025 hotel prices are around NT$2,500–5,000 per night for comfortable mid-range hotels, while luxury resorts can exceed NT$7,000 in summer peak season.
Budget hostels and homestays often range from NT$700–1,800.
Good budget-friendly options include PH HOSTEL, Bayhouse Hostel Penghu, and Traveler Hostel for backpackers and solo travellers. Cozy local stays such as Spring Villa and 澎湖芸庭 Easy Stay are popular for friendly service and island atmosphere. Airbnb apartments, sea-view villas, and private homestays are also widely available across Penghu, especially in Magong and beach areas.
If you are looking for comfortable stays with good service and high quality you can stay at the Discovery Hotel right in front of the harbour or at the Four Points, by Sheraton.
The Discovery Hotel in Magong is one of the newest hotels with a 4 star service. 
The Four Point by Sheraton, is another high quality Hotel in Penghu. A 3 day trip is ideal for exploring Penghu. The flight from Taipei is only one hour which means that even you depart midday you can still explore plenty of culture on the first day of arrival, if you are staying in the Magong area.
Other days, should be dedicated to enjoying the beaches, island-hopping tours, visit historical sites, taste the seafood culture and enjoy the sunsets.
When visiting in Penghu don't miss:
Magong old town and harbor
Visit Penghu Tianhou Temple
Watch sunsets at Guanyinting Recreation Area
Island-hop to Qimei and/or Jibei
See basalt cliffs and coastal scenery
Enjoy snorkeling, kayaking, or boat tours
