Taiwan’s Islands - Taiwan - page 574

Matsu Temple TAOIST TEMPLE
(Mǎzǔ Tiānhòu Gōng; Hui-an Rd; 4.30am-8.30pm) Matsu Temple, one of Penghu's most
celebrated spots, was closed for restoration at the time of writing. When it is open again,
you'll see an unusually high and sweeping swallowtail eave roof and a wealth of gor-
geous woodcarvings. In the main hall there should be a swastika design representing end-
less good fortune on the wood door panels.
Locals say it's the oldest Matsu temple in Taiwan, and the discovery of a stele in 1919
inscribing an order by General Yu Tzu-kau (made in 1604) to the Dutch to get out of
Taiwan gives a lot of credence to this claim.
Makung Central Street STREET
MAP GOOGLE MAP
(Zhōngyāng Jiē) Behind Matsu Temple is Central St, the oldest street in Makung. This
series of winding, brick-paved pedestrian lanes is home to a number of interesting sights
such as the Shihkung Ancestral Shrine MAP GOOGLE MAP (Shīgōng Cí) and Well of a
Thousand Soldiers MAP GOOGLE MAP (Wàn Jūn Jǐng) . In 1682 the goddess Matsu is
said to have bequeathed a magical well to Ming soldiers massing for an invasion of
Taiwan.
Also in this warren of backstreets is an eclectic mix of early 20th-century homes mix-
ing Western and Fujian elements. The Chienyi Tang Chinese Traditional Medicine
Store MAP GOOGLE MAP (Qiányì Táng Zhōngyào Háng; 42 Chungyang St; 7am-9.30pm)
is one of the more handsome. The proprietor speaks no English but it's a fun place to
browse for traditional Chinese remedies.
Living Museum MUSEUM
(Pénghú Shēnghuó Bówùguǎn; www.phlm.nat.gov.tw ; 327 Sinsheng Rd, 327; admission NT$80;
10am-5pm Fri-Wed) The museum offers a fantastic introduction to every aspect of Penghu
life: from child-rearing techniques to religious customs.
Displays are filled with real artefacts (there's even a full-size traditional junk on the
2nd floor) and explanations in English are finally available.
Confucius Temple HISTORIC BUILDING
(Kǒng Miào; 104-7 Xinsheng Rd; 10am-5pm Wed-Mon) Next to the Living Museum is this
very grand structure, which was formerly the Wenshi College, an important centre of
learning during the Qing dynasty. The name of the college was changed to the Confucius
Temple during the Japanese occupation to take advantage of the Japanese respect for
Confucius, in the hope that the college wouldn't be torn down.