Exploring Penghu's beaches and beachcombing is a remarkably absorbing activity, not least due to the abundant coral and semi-precious stones (such as agate) which make up the beaches. However, a beachcombing tour might seem like an unusual activity, but the benefits are manifold; by visiting a string of beaches, you can get a idea of the vastness of Penghu's coastline, with its deserted pristine beaches. It gives you an immediate 'general picture' of what to expect throughout the island chain, and a realisation that exploring the island and its beaches could take days, if not weeks.
Unfortunately, for many visitors to Penghu, all they see is the mundane scenery either side of the 'A' roads on their way to the 'overrated attractions' (alluded to in the Must See menu of this site). This gives a very poor impression of Penghu, and many leave not having seen anything of Penghu's splendour.
However, be mindful that the prevailing winds make a huge difference to the whole 'vibe' and temperament of the the sea and beach conditions. It is not pleasant to go beachcombing when onshore winds generate sea spray which is in your face. On the other hand, stick to beaches with offshore winds, and the conditions are positively serene. It is for this reason I am recommending two types of seasonal beachcombing tours;
BEACH TOUR - SUMMER SEASON
(this section is being updated)
BEACH TOUR - WINTER SEASON
1. Start at Penghu's longest beach - the 5 km Jian Shan - Lin Tou - Aimen beach just to get a reality check on the extensiveness of Penghu's beach fringed coastline. A good place to start is at the Japanese Landing site in the middle of the beach and walk up towards Aimen via past Tou Park (see the section on "The Beaches" - Huxi South and the Fenggui Peninsula)
2. Next, head to San Shui on the Fenggui Peninsula to check out a beach with a different vibe - Penghu's "mini-Kenting".
3. A couple of kms further down the Fenggui Peninsula is Shi Li beach, a pristine spot with snow white sand. You can also visit the cactus park on the cliffs above the beach.
4. Head into Fenggui Village, taking the 1st right turn to Snake Head Mountain (look for a brown sign marked 蛇頭山). Follow the road to the end, where you will see the historic site of the canon emplacements, a strategic vantage point - always the first place to be attacked or defended by all who have colonised the Pescadores - including the French, British, Dutch, Portugese and most recently Japanese.
Head due west to the shoreline, then once on the stony shore, head due south to the 'secret beaches' of Fenggui. Snow white sand and not a person in sight. If you are feeling ambitious, you could walk all the way back round to your starting point via Fenggui Village, checking out the cool Matsu Temple on the way. Otherwise, if you head back to the canon emplacements, its a total walk of about 4 kms (out and back).
Unfortunately, for many visitors to Penghu, all they see is the mundane scenery either side of the 'A' roads on their way to the 'overrated attractions' (alluded to in the Must See menu of this site). This gives a very poor impression of Penghu, and many leave not having seen anything of Penghu's splendour.
However, be mindful that the prevailing winds make a huge difference to the whole 'vibe' and temperament of the the sea and beach conditions. It is not pleasant to go beachcombing when onshore winds generate sea spray which is in your face. On the other hand, stick to beaches with offshore winds, and the conditions are positively serene. It is for this reason I am recommending two types of seasonal beachcombing tours;
BEACH TOUR - SUMMER SEASON
(this section is being updated)
BEACH TOUR - WINTER SEASON
1. Start at Penghu's longest beach - the 5 km Jian Shan - Lin Tou - Aimen beach just to get a reality check on the extensiveness of Penghu's beach fringed coastline. A good place to start is at the Japanese Landing site in the middle of the beach and walk up towards Aimen via past Tou Park (see the section on "The Beaches" - Huxi South and the Fenggui Peninsula)
2. Next, head to San Shui on the Fenggui Peninsula to check out a beach with a different vibe - Penghu's "mini-Kenting".
3. A couple of kms further down the Fenggui Peninsula is Shi Li beach, a pristine spot with snow white sand. You can also visit the cactus park on the cliffs above the beach.
4. Head into Fenggui Village, taking the 1st right turn to Snake Head Mountain (look for a brown sign marked 蛇頭山). Follow the road to the end, where you will see the historic site of the canon emplacements, a strategic vantage point - always the first place to be attacked or defended by all who have colonised the Pescadores - including the French, British, Dutch, Portugese and most recently Japanese.
Head due west to the shoreline, then once on the stony shore, head due south to the 'secret beaches' of Fenggui. Snow white sand and not a person in sight. If you are feeling ambitious, you could walk all the way back round to your starting point via Fenggui Village, checking out the cool Matsu Temple on the way. Otherwise, if you head back to the canon emplacements, its a total walk of about 4 kms (out and back).