Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The islands of
Jyuguang Township
(
Jǔguāng xiāng
),
Dongju
(
Dōngjǔ, Tongchu
) and
Xijju
(
Xījjǔ, Hsichu
), are the most southerly of Matsu's islands. Both are remote and sparsely in-
habited, but there's some pretty scenery.
The commercial centre of Dongju is
Daping Village
(
Dàpíng Cūn
). Sights include the
Dongquan Lighthouse
(
Dōngquǎn Dēngtǎ
) at the eastern tip of the island. Built by the
British in 1872, the white granite building aided the navigation of Fuzhou-bound mer-
chant ships after the Opium Wars.
Dapu Inscription
(
Dàpǔ Shíkē
), on the south side of
Dongju, is a memorial dedicated to a Ming general who drove pirates off the island
without losing a single one of his soldiers.
With sweeping views of the coastline and grassy hills, the new 1.5km-long
Dongy-
angshan Trail
(
Dōngyángshān Bùdào
) along the top of the sea cliffs on the east side of the
island is considered one of the most beautiful trails in Matsu.
The small island Xijju was once a busy seaport, though there's little evidence of that
now. During the Korean War, American companies set themselves up in
Chingfan Vil-
lage
(
Qīngfán Cūn
) and nicknamed it 'Little Hong Kong'.
Getting There & Away
From Nangan there's one boat daily to Dongyin (NT$350, two hours) and three boats
daily to Jyuguang's two islands (NT$200, 50 minutes).
PENGHU
06 / POP 98,843
Penghu (Pénghú), also known as the Pescadores, is famous for its great beaches, glorious
temples and the traditional Chinese-style homes surrounded by coral walls. In the sum-
mer months Penghu is hot and beautiful, while in winter and spring the archipelago is
possibly the windiest place in the northern hemisphere. Many consider Penghu a wind-
surfing mecca and the Canary Islands of the Orient.
A flat, dry place covered mostly with low bush and grasslands, Penghu is significantly
different from Taiwan proper geologically speaking, being formed from the solidified
lava of volcanic eruptions some 17 million years ago. The stunning rock formations and
towering basalt columns seen everywhere date from that time.
Penghu County includes almost 100 islands (only a quarter of which are inhabited),
but there's plenty to see and do on the main archipelago where four interconnected is-
lands collectively form a horseshoe containing the townships of Makung, Huhsi, Paisha
and Hsiyu. Ferries run daily during high season between Makung and the two largest out-
