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Hujing Island

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Hujing Island is the seventh-largest offshore island in the Penghu archipelago, attracting visitors with its unique culture and landscape. Situated on the Tropic of Cancer, the island is known as "Cat Island" due to its large cat population, drawing many feline enthusiasts. It also holds the mystique of a legendary "sunken city," a fabled underwater site composed of basalt rock formations off its southeastern coast.

The island also features natural and historical landmarks. A former military observation post and the "Sunset Boulevard," a spot popular for viewing the sunrise and sunset, are located on its western hill. Hujing Island is also home to impressive columnar basalt formations, similar to those found on nearby Tongpan Island. These diverse attractions contributed to the island being recognized by a global travel magazine as one of the world's top ten secret islands, making it appealing for travelers seeking a peaceful destination.

Phone

Address

Hujing Village, Magong City, Penghu County

Business hours

Mon. - Sun.00:00 - 12:00

Stay

More than half day

Nearby

Duxing 10th Village

One of the oldest military dependents’ village, Duxing 10th Village had been a place for artillery bands’ practices and drills in the Qing dynasty. Later, the Japanese army established Penghu Fortress Headquarters and official residences at the place after occupation. Therefore, most of the remaining buildings are Japanese-style, while some carry a touch of Western design. Because many of the residences belonged to officers with higher ranks, Duxing 10th Village is also known as “Dependents’ Village for Generals and Captains.”

In the village stand Chang Yu-sheng (張雨生) Memorial Museum and Pan An-Bang’s (潘安邦) House, where ethnic Chinese around the world will definitely pay a visit when they visit the village. Chang Yu-sheng, a talented singer and composer, tragically died in a car accident when his career reached its peak. Yet his singing is still freshly remembered by tons of people, his legendary life retold in the Memorial Museum. Pan An-Bang, a famous folk singer active in the 1980s, created the iconic song “Granny's Penghu Bay.” Even now, the song is still widely sung not only in Penghu, but also in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Mainland China. Come to reflect on Pan’s singing in Pan An-Bang’s House.

Attractions

Penghu Breakfast Alley

When you come to Penghu, don’t miss the real authentic local breakfast—even though breakfast is included in your accommodation package. Just within a ten-minute walk from many downtown hotels, Wenkang Street, located in downtown Magong, is the so-called “Breakfast Alley” for Penghu locals. In Taiwan, it is said you can judge whether a restaurant is great by the length of its waiting line. And it’s no exception here. In the summer peak season, crowds of people lining up here are sure to tell you why the breakfast stalls are able to create a tourist shopping district merely by themselves.

Breakfast here is not only delicious but also various. The only thing you have to worry is that you just have one stomach. The rice ball stall at the intersection is a hot choice among local office workers. Made of Spanish mackerel, the main winter catch in Penghu, the crispy outside, tender inside fried fish nuggets go perfectly with local thick soup, which is slightly sweet. Adding a little sour black vinegar to the soup will bring out its superb flavor. Another stall crowded with visitors offers beef tripe soup. Despite its price, diners will be surprised at the abundance and freshness of the rich broth. People who love traditional Chinese breakfast need not worry. The street provides all kinds of freshly-made snacks, ranging from Shaobing, Youtiao, to Yinsijuan. Be prepared to be full till the afternoon when you pay a visit to the Breakfast Alley.

Food

Fongguei Cave

For people who want to experience the power of Mother Nature while feeling something interesting on their trip, Fongguei Cave serves as a good choice. Located in the periphery of the south-western corner of Magong City, the cave is an air vent for a basalt cape. Because basalt has a more fragile texture and special prismatic structures, the basaltic rocks here disintegrate after waves hit and corrode them for a long time, formulating a sea cave. And because the sea cave is almost an airtight space, every time the waves rush into the cave, air inside the cave will be pressed to release through the narrow air vent on the ground. Don’t underestimate the small basketball-sized air vent. You shall never put your face near it in an attempt to have a better look. Otherwise, when a huge wave should come, the blast coming out from the air vent may hurt you. During the seasons of typhoon and tidal surges, the air vent will even become a powerful fountain, spurting water several stories high.

If you have no intention to venture, you may enjoy a sea breeze, watch the locals fishing valiantly, and even have a casual chat with them. That would also be a rather special experience.

Attractions

Aimen Beach

In Chinese, the “Ai” for “Aimen Beach” sounds the same as “love.” Therefore, locals give Aimen Beach a romantic nickname—Love Gate Beach. In front of the beach lies a cubic installation art, which loudly proclaims the beautiful name to passing travelers. Located in the east of Magong Airport, Aimen Beach is just a five minute drive to the airport. Because the beach faces toward the east, in winter the northeast monsoon blows away the dunes on the beach. To protect the beautiful scenery, pitch-dark silt nets are commonly seen on Aimen Beach in winter. They may not look attractive at first glance, but there is a beautiful story behind them.

The beauty of Aimen Beach had been the pride of Aimen residents. However, due to illegal gravel mining, the beach became a garbage mountain and was considered not worth visiting sometime in the past. Later, an elder village chief came to change all these. He picked up garbage with his own hands, moved nearby shell sands to the beach basket after basket, and erected silt fences with simple devices such as wood sticks and broken nets. Thanks to his efforts, after several years the beach finally recovered its former beauty. Serene and charming, Aimen Beach has a past that is almost forgotten.

Compared with the popular Shanshui Beach, Aimen Beach is more obscure and gets less visitors. It’s also a safe area to play in water. Those who do not fancy a water fight can step on the wooden walkway beside the beach to visit the nearby Lintou Park (林投公園), which is a good place for secret rendezvous between lovers.

Attractions

Dayi Temple

Standing in Zhuwan Village of the West Isle, Dayi Temple is a local religious center, worshipping Guan Yu. However, when it comes to Penghu’s temples, everyone is sure to think about the first Mazu Temple in Taiwan—Penghu Mazu Temple. Then what makes Dayi Temple so unique to become a tourist attraction even though it is erected in the same region with Penghu Mazu Temple, a first class historic site?

Indeed, there are two miraculous legends here: Some said Guan Yu had ever appeared to block the French’s cannonballs in Sino-French War, so the villagers in Zhuwan survived in the war. The other legend is more interesting. It is said that the statue of The Red Hare, Guan Yu’s famous horse, had been seen to come alive at night and trample vegetable gardens naughtily, leaving a terrible mess. To discipline this mischievous horse, a statue of stable boy was erected beside The Red Hare to watch the horse closely. The Red Hare has made no troubles since then. Amusing legend, isn’t it?

In fact, it is not the entertaining legends that attract visitors to Dayi Temple. People came here for several protected big sea turtles, which are fed in the temple’s intriguing basement. The so-called “basement” is actually on the ground (first floor), since the temple’s main hall is set on the second floor. Walk through colorful coral caves to the wishing fountain, you’ll see the massive creatures in front of you. Green turtles, loggerhead turtles, hawksbill turtles, and the living fossil “horseshoe crabs” all appear in front of you. The chance to watch these beautiful creatures closely makes a trip to Dayi temple worthwhile. It’s not overstated to say Dayi Temple is virtually a tiny aquarium.

Attractions

Erkan Village

Erkan Village, not far away from Daguoye Basalt in the West Isle, has been listed as the protected area for traditional villages by Penghu County Government. Having a look at antique red brick tiles and coral stonewalls—coral is pronounced lao-ku in Penghu—makes you feel like taking a ride on a time machine, a trip featuring local customs and nostalgic feelings. Most residents here, whose surname is Chen, are more educated, which is hinted by the wordplay-abounded Museum of Praising Song.

Buildings in Erkan Village demonstrate their characteristics from different perspectives. In addition to Museum of Praising Songs, buildings promoting culture and creation, including handmade incenses made from blanket flowers, antique Chinese toys, and woodcarvings, also attract visiting travelers. Tired after walking, you may have a cup of natural almond drink or cactus juice to quench your thirst.

FoodAttractions