Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
History
Penghu's strategic position between Taiwan, China, Japan and Southeast Asia has proved
both a blessing and a curse. Over the centuries Penghu was grabbed by various colon-
isers from Asia and Europe looking to get a toehold in the Taiwan Strait.
The Dutch were the first to take the islands, in 1622, but they moved to the Taiwanese
Mainland when they learned that the Ming imperial court had plans to remove them from
Penghu by force (a stele in the Matsu Temple in Makung inscribes this threat). In 1662
the Ming loyalist Koxinga was sent to oust the Dutch from Taiwan for good. Penghu was
a convenient place to station his troops as he drew up his battle plans. Some troops
stayed in Penghu after the Dutch were gone and set up their own regime, which was
short-lived, however, because the Qing court threw them out in 1683. The French were
the next to arrive, in 1884, followed by the Japanese, in 1895, who settled down and
stayed for the next 50 years, only to be replaced by the Nationalists in 1945.
Penghu is rich with historical relics, evidence of its long colonial history. To capitalise
on this history and boost a drooping economy, the islands were transformed into a beach
mecca for local and foreign visitors. The Penghu Archipelago has been designated a na-
tional scenic area and the main islands have at least been given a makeover that nicely
blends tradition with modern comforts.
Getting There & Away
AIR
(NT$2050, 40 minutes), Kaohsiung (NT$1718, 40 minutes) and other west-coast cities
BOAT
Schedules change often. Hotels and guesthouses in Penghu can arrange tickets for trips
between the
Makung Harbour Terminal Building
(Mǎgōn Gǎngwù dàlóu) and
Kaohsiung Pier 1 and Putai Port (near Chiayi).
Makung (NT$1000, 1½ hours).
Getting Around
