The Penghu Islands are located 64 kilometres west of Taiwan's main island, comprising 64 islands with a sea area of 10,000 square kilometres, making them Taiwan's most important offshore tourism destination. The basalt geology formed by volcanic eruptions tens of millions of years ago created Penghu's unique columnar jointing landscape, a geological wonder of this scale found in only a few places worldwide, including Penghu, the Giant's Causeway in Ireland, and columnar volcanic rocks in Nanjing, China.
Since the 16th century, Penghu has served as a key trading hub in East Asia. The Dutch and Spanish successively occupied and fortified it, and during the Ming Zheng period, it was established as a major defensive stronghold. In the late Qing dynasty, steamship routes established stops here. Control over Penghu is directly related to navigation safety in the Taiwan Strait, which explains why Penghu has always played a key role throughout history.
To appreciate Penghu's basalt coastline, you can travel by boat or plane to Magong Island, then drive east along Route 203 to the Chidao car park, which is the best spot for viewing the columnar basalt on Pangjiaoyu Island. Here you can clearly see the spectacular sight of hexagonal rock columns approximately 20 metres high arranged in neat rows.
Penghu's Ocean Fireworks Festival is Taiwan's most spectacular summer event, with fireworks launched daily from July to August for approximately 60 days. In 2023, it attracted an astonishing record of over 300,000 visitors. During the festival, fireworks are launched every Friday and Saturday evening at 9pm from Magong's Guanyin Pavilion for 15 to 20 minutes. The highlight is the "Ocean Fireworks Show" combined with 800 drone performances. When fireworks are launched at the Guanyin Pavilion waterfront square, the flames reflect on the sea surface creating a double visual effect.
Free viewing locations include Guanyin Pavilion Waterfront Square (the closest, capacity approximately 5,000 people), the seawall west of Guanyin Pavilion (where you can enjoy both sunset and fireworks), and the Penghu University of Science and Technology sports field (large area and convenient parking). It is recommended to arrive 30 minutes early to secure a spot, bring mosquito repellent and a picnic mat. Hotel prices in Magong city centre increase by 50% to 80% during the festival period, so advance booking is advised.
Qigushan (Kueizi Mountain) Moses Splitting the Sea is Penghu's most miraculous geographical landscape, located in Beiliao Village, Huxi Township. At low tide (twice daily), a natural walkway approximately 300 metres long emerges, connecting Qigushan with Chiue Mountain on the opposite side, creating the "Moses Splitting the Sea" phenomenon. This seabed walkway is composed of basalt and coral reefs, and it takes approximately 15 minutes to walk to the other side at Chiue Mountain. The intertidal zone has rich ecology, with sea cucumbers, starfish, and various shellfish commonly found.
The best viewing time requires checking the daily tide table, and it is recommended to visit during spring tides (around the first and fifteenth of the lunar month) for the most obvious splitting effect. Low tide lasts approximately 2 hours each day, so it is recommended to arrive 10 minutes early to avoid missing it. The Qigushan car park can accommodate approximately 50 cars, but there is no shelter nearby, so sun protection is essential in summer. This attraction is free to access, but there is no public transport available; visitors need to drive or ride a motorcycle.
Penghu snorkelling and water sports boast Taiwan's richest coral reef ecosystem, with water temperatures maintained at 22 to 28 degrees Celsius year-round and visibility reaching 15 to 20 metres. Snorkelling costs range from TWD 800 to 1,200 per person, including equipment, instructor, and insurance. Popular snorkelling spots include Shanshui Beach, Shili Beach, and Xianjiaoyu Island (accessible by boat).
Water activities offer diverse options: banana boat rides cost TWD 300 to 500 per person (10 minutes), jet ski rides cost TWD 400 to 600 per person (15 minutes), SUP stand-up paddleboarding costs TWD 500 to 800 per person (1-hour experience), and underwater walking costs TWD 800 to 1,000 per person (helmet-style underwater walking). It is recommended to choose licensed operators with lifeguards for better safety assurance.
Recommended snorkelling operators: Youhuo Snorkelling (in Magong city centre, 4.5-star rating), Underwater Walking (at Shanshui Beach, professional instructor guidance), and Qimei Snorkelling (on Qimei Island, richest underwater ecology).
Penghu seafood is Taiwan's freshest catch, with working fishing vessels returning to port in the early morning and the same-day catch delivered directly to restaurants and markets. Penghu specialities include squid (abundant from April to August, commonly called "xiao guan"), silver anchovies (deep-frying is the classic preparation), seven-hole snails (also called "Penghu snails", with a chewy texture), and nori (abundant in winter, accounting for 70% of Taiwan's production).
Seafood costs vary depending on the restaurant tier: at regular seafood restaurants, TWD 500 to 800 per person can get you a fresh seafood hot pot or stir-fried dishes; at mid-to-high-end seafood restaurants, TWD 1,000 to 1,500 per person can enjoy premium ingredients such as lobster and red crab; along Zhongzheng Road seafood street, where locals frequently go, there are over a dozen long-established restaurants competing, making prices relatively more affordable.
Recommended seafood restaurants: Pier People's Seafood (closest to Magong Port, live lobster freshly caught and prepared), Meidongfang Seafood (locally recommended, reasonable prices), and Chaoxilu (ancient house restaurant, excellent atmosphere).
Penghu transport is primarily by air. A direct flight from Taipei Songshan Airport to Magong Airport takes approximately 50 minutes, with one-way tickets ranging from TWD 1,500 to 3,000 (varying greatly between low and high seasons), with approximately 15 to 20 flights daily. Direct flights from Taichung Chingchukang Airport take approximately 45 minutes, with one-way tickets ranging from TWD 1,800 to 2,800. Kaohsiung Xiaogang Airport also has approximately 8 flights daily, with one-way tickets ranging from TWD 2,000 to 3,200.
For sea transport, ferries from Taichung Port or Chiayi Budai Port to Magong take approximately 2 to 3 hours, with one-way fares ranging from TWD 600 to 1,000. Sea sickness is common when the weather is unstable.
Island transport is most convenient by renting a motorcycle. Daily rental in Magong city centre ranges from TWD 500 to 800 (primarily 125cc), with prices increasing by 20% to 30% during high season (June to September). When renting, be sure to check the brakes and tyre pressure, and remember to bring your motorcycle licence. For groups, a private car tour with driver costs TWD 600 to 1,000 per person per day, offering more flexible scheduling.
Complete answers to frequently asked questions about Penghu travel are as follows:
"When is the best time to visit Penghu?" — The period from May to September each year is most suitable for visiting Penghu. From May to June, the weather is stable and accommodation is relatively cheaper. July to August is the hottest season but coincides with the Ocean Fireworks Festival. September offers autumn weather ideal for water activities.
"When is the Penghu Fireworks Festival?" — The Penghu Ocean Fireworks Festival is held annually from July to August for approximately 60 days. Fireworks are launched every Friday and Saturday evening at 9pm from the Guanyin Pavilion Waterfront Square in Magong. In 2024, to commemorate the 300th anniversary of the founding of Penghu's city walls, the festival has been specially extended until the end of September.
"How to get to Penghu Kueibi Mountain?" — Kueibi Mountain is located in Beiliao Village, Huxi Township. From Magong city centre, drive north along Provincial Highway 203 for approximately 15 minutes to arrive. No bus service is available; you must travel by car or scooter. The car park can accommodate around 50 passenger vehicles.
"Which Penghu snorkelling operator is best?" — The higher-rated Penghu snorkelling operators include Yo-huo Snorkelling (Magong city centre, includes round-trip transfer), Qimei Snorkelling (Qimei Island, rich underwater ecology), and Shanshui Snorkelling (closest to Magong). The cost is TWD 800 to 1,200 per person, including equipment and an instructor.
"How much are flights to Penghu?" — One-way tickets from Taipei Songshan to Magong cost TWD 1,500 to 3,000; from Taichung to Magong TWD 1,800 to 2,800; and from Kaohsiung to Magong TWD 2,000 to 3,200. Booking 30 days in advance typically secures more competitive prices.
To compare water activity prices and snorkelling operator reviews in greater detail, please refer to the complete Penghu water activities guide and snorkelling merchant pages. When planning your Penghu itinerary, it is recommended to first confirm the Fireworks Festival dates and Kueibi Mountain tide times. These two experiences are the most representative of Penghu, and proper timing ensures you can enjoy them to the fullest.
Frequently Asked Questions
What attractions are recommended for a Penghu self-guided tour?
We recommend visiting basalt geological landscapes such as the Seven Beauties Double Heart Stone Weir and the Wife Rock, snorkelling in summer, and visiting the Tianhou Temple historic site.
How much does a trip to Penghu cost?
Return flights cost 2,500 to 4,500 TWD, accommodation is 1,500 to 5,000 TWD per night, and snorkelling experiences are approximately 800 to 1,500 TWD.
How do I get to Penghu from mainland Taiwan?
You can fly from Taipei or Kaohsiung to Magong Airport, with a flight time of approximately 50 minutes costing around 3,000 TWD, or take a ferry which takes approximately 2.5 hours.
When is the Penghu Fireworks Festival held?
The 2026 Penghu Sea Fireworks Festival is expected to be held from April to June, with 15 minutes of fireworks each night. It is recommended to book accommodation in advance.
What should I look out for when snorkelling in Penghu?
Do not touch coral or litter; choose qualified snorkelling sites with lifeguards, and pay attention to tide changes to ensure safety.
