Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Makung Old Wall
HISTORIC SITE
A quick walk west along Jhonghsan Rd takes you to Shuncheng Gate and a section of the
Makung Old Wall. City walls were constructed around Makung as a defensive measure.
After the occupying French left the city in 1885, the walls were mostly knocked down by
the Japanese. Today, parts of the remaining wall are overrun by cacti and aloe plants the
size of ponies. The old neighbourhood around the wall is worth exploring.
Kuanyin Pavilion
BUDDHIST TEMPLE
(Guānyīn Tíng; 5am-8pm)
Hugging Makung's western shoreline is the city's fabulous
waterfront park and the enclosed bay here is great for swimming. The 300-year-old Kua-
nyin Pavilion in the park is dedicated to the goddess of mercy; this is the most important
place for Buddhist worship in Penghu and the most important artefact in the temple is the
old bell, which dates back to 1696.
Penghu Reclamation Hall
MUSEUM
(Pénghú Kāituò Guǎn; 30 Chihping Rd; admission NT$30; 10am-5pm Wed-Sun, closed national
holidays)
Stylish Japanese-era building with displays of Penghu culture and history.
Peichen Temple
TAOIST TEMPLE
(Běichén Gōng)
Just off Jhongjheng Rd is the large, ornate Peichen Temple.
Festivals & Events
Lantern Festival
LUNAR FESTIVAL
(Yuánxiāojié)
Though the Lantern Festival is a sight to behold anywhere in Taiwan,
Penghu's festival is truly a unique celebration. It takes place on the 15th day of the first
lunar month (about 15 days after the first day of Chinese New Year).
Penghu's celebrations include a bacchanalian parade with dancers and fireworks
through the streets and past the many temples of Makung. One twist particular to Penghu
is the parading of gigantic golden turtle effigies through the streets. In the days before the
festival, most bakeries in town devote half their oven space to the production of turtle
