Penghu International Fireworks Festival is back this May! This year marks the 75th anniversary of Peanuts, and Snoopy, along with his beloved comic strip friends, will light up the night sky over Magong! With dazzling fireworks and a spectacular drone show, get ready for a brand-new surprise! But beyond the breathtaking display, what keeps me coming back to Penghu is the gentle sea breeze, the tranquil harbor, and the rich local culture.
Contents
◦ Penghu Travel Guide
01｜Transportation in Penghu
🚢 Chiayi to Penghu Ferry Ticket
🛵 Penghu Scooter Rental｜Multiple Pickup Locations
🚍 Penghu Taiwan Haoxing Round Trip Ticket
02｜Popular Attractions in Penghu
🎫 Penghu Aquarium Tickets
🎫 Penghu Living Museum Ticket
03｜Things To Do in Penghu
🏞️ Four Islands of Southern Penghu Day Tour
🏞️ Penghu Jibei Island Round Trip Boat Ticket & Water Activities
🎇 Penghu International Fireworks Festival From Nanhai Visitor Center
🎣 Night Squid Fishing Experience in Penghu
🎣 Night Squid Fishing and BBQ Experience in Penghu by Sea Palace
◦ The Past of Magong
Magong’s name has deep roots in the worship of Mazu, the goddess of the sea. In the past, this area was originally called Jinyu or Nianggongyu. Later, historical records from the Ming and Qing dynasties mentioned variations such as Nianggong, Niangmiao Gong, and Niangniang Gong, but the most commonly used name was Magong (媽宮).
Why did a place with such a strong connection to women and Mazu appear so early? The answer lies in the maritime beliefs of the time. In ancient days, coastal residents of southern China worshipped Mazu for protection while sailing. They often carried her statue on their boats, and upon safely reaching shore, they built temples to continue her worship. Before the late Ming Dynasty, Magong had already established the Tianhou Temple, showing just how deeply Mazu’s influence shaped the local culture. Naturally, the land became known as Mazu Gong (Mazu’s Palace), later shortened to Magong (媽宮).
During the Japanese colonial era, administrative reforms led to a change in name from Magong (媽宮) to Magong (馬公), the version still used today.
◦ Penghu International Fireworks Festival
I've always wondered—there are so many places in Taiwan where you can set off fireworks, so why has the Penghu Fireworks Festival become such a spectacular event? When did it all begin? With this question in mind, I started digging into its history. But to my surprise, the colorful and joyful fireworks show actually originated from a heartbreaking tragedy.
In 2002, a devastating plane crash involving China Airlines shocked Taiwan. The sudden disaster not only took many lives but also sent Penghu’s tourism industry into a deep slump. Faced with this crisis, the Penghu County Government decided to revitalize tourism. Teaming up with China Airlines, they organized a unique event that same year. On the night of the Lunar Valentine’s Day (Qixi Festival), China Airlines’ flight attendants and stewards put on a dazzling "Moulin Rouge" performance, igniting the crowd’s excitement. As the grand finale, a breathtaking fireworks show lit up the night sky, leaving everyone in awe. That night’s fireworks weren’t just a one-time spectacle—they sparked a new summer tradition in Penghu. The following year, the Penghu County Government built on this success by partnering with airlines, ferry operators, and local businesses to officially launch the first Penghu International Fireworks Festival. From then on, fireworks were no longer just decorations in the night sky but an unforgettable part of Penghu’s summer scenery.
I highly recommend watching the fireworks twice—once from Guanyin Pavilion and once from a boat at sea. The experiences are completely different but equally stunning! If you're lucky, you'll get a perfect, unobstructed view of both the fireworks and the synchronized drone show—an absolutely mind-blowing visual treat!
◦ Attractions in Magong
01｜Penghu Tianhou Temple
I've been to Penghu twice, and every time, my first stop after dropping off my luggage is Penghu Tianhou Temple. I’m not sure why, but this place carries a calming and grounding energy.
Built in 1604, this temple has stood for over 400 years, witnessing the rise and fall of history. It is Taiwan’s oldest Mazu temple and the heart of local faith. Under its red-tiled eaves, with incense smoke curling through the air, the plaque and the red-brown officials’ nameplate stand like living relics of the past, pulling me into their story.
Penghu Tianhou Temple Opening Hours: 0700-1900 No. 1, Zhengyi St., Magong City, Penghu
02｜Xiying Rainbow Bridge
As night falls, Xiying Rainbow Bridge, located at Guanyin Pavilion, transforms into a dazzling canvas of light. Neon colors dance on the water’s surface, creating a scene of pure romance. During the Penghu Fireworks Festival, this bridge becomes even more magical. As the sky darkens, brilliant fireworks and synchronized drone performances take turns illuminating the night, turning the moment into a breathtaking dream.
Xiying Rainbow Bridge Guanyin Pavilion Beach, Magong
03｜Fongguei Cave
My first impression of Fongguei came from Hou Hsiao-hsien’s film The Boys from Fengkuei. This movie put Fenggui on the map, sparking my curiosity to see it for myself. When I arrived at Fongguei Village, a small fishing community, I immediately noticed that its coastline looked different. Over time, relentless waves have sculpted the shore, leaving behind striking columnar basalt formations, narrow sea trenches, and coastal caves. When strong winds and powerful waves hit, the caves emit deep, echoing roars—an awe-inspiring, almost otherworldly sound!
In stark contrast to the roaring waves, a group of peaceful anglers sat calmly by the shore. Their relaxed presence reminded me of the characters in the film—seemingly aimless, yet undeniably present in the moment.
Fongguei Cave Fongguei Village, Magong
04｜Snakehead Hill
At the far end of Penghu’s southern area, Snakehead Hill (Shetoushan) holds a unique title—it is Taiwan’s 100th "Xiao Bai Yue" (Small Peak) and the lowest of them all, standing at just 20 meters. With its gentle trails, it’s an easy and scenic hike for visitors of all ages. Facing Magong City across the sea, Snakehead Hill once guarded the crucial Magong Channel, making it a historic battleground. Walking through this site, I couldn’t help but pause at the War Memorial, a solemn reminder of the many battles fought here.
Snakehead Hill Snake Head Hill, Magong
◦ Restaurants and Snacks in Magong
01｜Zhongji Sesame Flatbread
Located on Penghu’s famous "Breakfast Street," Zhongji Sesame Flatbread is a wildly popular spot—even locals line up for it! This shop is known for its handmade sesame flatbreads and crispy fried dough sticks (youtiao). Watching the flatbreads bake inside a traditional clay oven, each piece sticking to the sides as they turn golden brown, is oddly satisfying!
My personal favorite? The signature scallion omelet with dried scallops and youtiao—flavorful, chewy, and absolutely worth the 30-minute wait. Just a tip: Zhongji’s flatbreads are made with a fermented dough, giving them an amazing aroma and chewiness when fresh. But once they cool down, the thick crust can feel a bit heavy—so be sure to eat them hot for the best experience!
Zhongji Sesame Flatbread Opening Hours: 0600-1000 No. 35, Wenkang St., Magong City, Penghu
02｜Blessed Oyster Restaurant
No trip to Penghu is complete without indulging in fresh seafood, and when it comes to oysters, this island does it best! Located in the bustling city center, Blessed Oyster Restaurant is the ultimate place to feast on oysters. Their oysters come straight from their own farm, grown through an 18-month deep-sea suspension method, ensuring each one is plump, sweet, and incredibly fresh. The signature oyster rice is a must-try, but if you visit between April and November, don’t miss the steamed oysters—a seasonal delicacy available only during that time. The best part? That’s also when the Penghu Fireworks Festival takes place, making it the perfect time to enjoy these ocean-fresh bites!
Blessed Oyster Restaurant Opening Hours: 1100-1430、1700-2100 No. 73, Zhongxing Rd., Magong City, Penghu
03｜Huama Soft Bone Pork Noodles
As a soft bone lover, I was hooked from the very first bite! Slow-braised to perfection, the tender pork cartilage releases rich collagen, blending seamlessly with the flavorful broth for a perfectly balanced taste. The thick, chewy noodles add another layer of texture, making each bite incredibly satisfying.
Huama Soft Bone Pork Noodles Opening Hours: 1100-1400、1700-2000, closed on Sunday. No. 181, Guangfu Rd., Magong City, Penghu
04｜Chikan Fried Fritters
Another queue-worthy local favorite! Chikan Fried Fritters keeps it simple—only offering fried fritters (炸粿), sticky rice cakes (炸米糕), spring rolls (炸春捲), and sweet potato fries (炸地瓜). But these four items alone are enough to win over food lovers. Each fried fritter is packed with shredded cabbage and minced meat, creating a flavorful and layered bite. The shrimp adds a touch of briny seafood sweetness—a small but delightful surprise that elevates the entire experience.
Chikan Fried Fritters Opening Hours: 1430-1930 Intersection of Guangming Road & Mingquan Road, Magong
◦ Flying Over Taiwan
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