Magong

Magong is the urban hub of the Penghu archipelago in the Taiwan Strait. Low-slung coral-stone alleys open into busy fishing harbours and red-tiled shrines. Strong winter trade winds empty the streets, but summer brings island-hopping crowds and night markets. Renting a scooter is the standard way to move beyond the compact historic core.

Magong cuisine revolves around fresh catches and local island crops. Red prickly pear cactus fruit grows wild across Penghu and flavours bright magenta shaved ice. Local seafood restaurants serve pumpkin rice vermicelli tossed with ocean squid.

• Cactus ice cream

  Try local prickly pear ice cream at shops along Zhongyang Street. The flavor is mildly tart, crisp, and fruity.

• Raw oyster BBQ

  All-you-can-eat oyster barbecues operate on the outskirts of Magong. Pay roughly NT$400–500 per person.

Magong evolved from a Han Chinese fishing outpost into a strategic military port in the Taiwan Strait. Control shifted between Ming loyalists, Qing generals, and Japanese naval commanders who built deepwater harbour infrastructure.

1. 1604

   Earliest recorded temple

   Ming records confirm Tianhou Temple as an established site for sailors praying to the goddess Mazu.

2. 1885

   French campaign

   French Admiral Courbet briefly captured Magong during the Sino-French War before dying on the island.

3. 1887

   Qing wall construction

   Qing authorities completed defensive stone city walls, including the surviving Shuncheng Gate.

4. 1895

   Japanese naval era

   Japan occupied Magong, developing modern harbour docks and establishing military outposts.

Choose your stay based on your transit plans. If you plan to take daily island-hopping ferries, stay near Magong Harbour. If you want beach walks and quiet nights away from town, pick a guesthouse in Shanshui.

• Island hoppersMagong Harbour — Walk directly to South Pier ferry operators without needing morning scooter rides.
• First-time visitorsCentral Street Historic Area — Close to old alleyways, temples, night street food, and central shops.

Downtown Magong is walkable, but exploring the wider Penghu main island requires motorized wheels. Scooters dominate transport. Local buses exist, but run on infrequent routes designed primarily for island residents.

• Renting a 125cc scooter costs roughly NT$400–500 per day. Taiwanese law strictly requires an International Driving Permit with a motorcycle endorsement.

• Penghu County buses accept Taiwan EasyCard and iPASS. Tap when boarding and exiting.

• Driving from Magong across the Penghu Great Bridge to Xiyu takes 40 minutes on Highway 203.

• Ferries to southern islands like Qimei depart from Magong South Pier around 07:30 to 08:30.

Prices spike during the peak summer tourist season from May to August. Budgeting extra for scooter rental and ferry fares is essential for day trips.

• Scooter rental: NT$400–500 per day

  Standard rate for a 125cc scooter in central Magong.

• Seafood meal: NT$300–600 per person

  Covers fresh squid, fish, and clams at harbourfront eateries.

• Return ferry to Qimei: NT$700–900

  High-speed passenger ferry from Magong South Pier.

• Cactus ice cream cup: NT$40–60

  Standard snack price at Central Street shops.

• Sun exposure

  Shade is scarce on coastal roads. Wear UV-blocking clothing and apply sunscreen before riding scooters.

• Winter winds

  The winter monsoon blows gusty sea spray into town. Open-air scooter riding becomes difficult.

• Cash reliance

  ATMs are common at convenience stores, but small noodle shops and ice stalls accept cash only.

• Ferry cancellations

  Strong sea swells can cancel island ferries on short notice. Keep your itinerary flexible.

• License checks

  Scooter rental shops strictly inspect physical International Driving Permits with valid motorcycle stamps.