Penghu Isn't Just About the Cross-Sea Bridge! Ride Taiwan Trip's East Coast Route to Discover Parting the Sea, Historic Villages, Military Tunnels, and Healing Seascapes

If your impression of Penghu is still limited to the Cross-Sea Bridge, cactus ice, and seafood, this journey will help you rediscover the island.

This time, we took the 'Taiwan Trip – Magong Huxi Line,' a convenient sightseeing bus that requires no car rental or route planning. Starting from Magong City, we followed Penghu’s east coast to witness the legendary 'Parting of the Sea' visible only at low tide, explore a century-old village rich in stories, venture into underground military tunnels from the wartime era, and finally unwind with sea breezes among forests and beaches—completing a slow-travel experience that blends nature, culture, and sustainability.

'Taiwan Trip Penghu' operates four main routes: the airport shuttle 'Penghu Airport Express' and three cruise-style sightseeing lines—Magong North Loop, Magong Huxi Line, and Magong Pengnan Line. (Photo/Deng Yi-Han)

The greatest charm of the cruise-style sightseeing bus is the presence of professional guides throughout the journey. It’s not just sightseeing; it’s about truly understanding the stories behind each destination. Whether traveling solo, with family, or accompanying elderly relatives, the experience is relaxed and accessible.

First Stop | Chasing the Tide to See the 'Parting of the Sea'

Upon arriving at Kuibi Mountain Geological Park, checking the tide schedule is essential. As seawater recedes, a naturally formed S-shaped gravel path gradually emerges from the sea, connecting Kuibi Mountain and Chi Islet. It’s as if the ocean has opened a path, earning it the nickname 'Moses Miracle' among travelers.

Walking on this path across the sea is even more awe-inspiring than photos suggest. Underfoot are gravel stones polished shiny by waves, with sunlight glinting on the water on both sides. Look down, and you might spot crabs, shells, and various intertidal creatures. This fleeting spectacle, visible for only a few hours each day, has become one of Penghu’s most dreamlike travel rituals.

Second Stop | Nanliao Village: Sustainable Beauty Hidden in the Alleys

If Kuibi Mountain showcases Penghu’s natural grandeur, Nanliao Village reveals its human warmth. Wandering through narrow lanes lined with old houses and coral stone walls, you’ll find a preserved rural fishing village. Vegetable enclosures (caizhai), fish-drying stoves, and stone walls—all speak of ancestors’ wisdom in coexisting with the harsh northeast monsoon.

The highlight is the recently popular 'Buoy Secret Garden.' Once-retired fishing buoys have been repainted and redesigned by residents into vibrant art installations. Not only are they highly photogenic, but they also embed circular economy and sustainability into the community.

Beyond photo ops, the village offers local tours, hands-on workshops, and specialty foods, transforming tourism from mere check-ins into immersive local experiences that reflect the warmth of community revitalization.

Third Stop | Exploring Longmen Closed Battery: A Journey Through Penghu’s Wartime Past

Beyond its seascapes, Penghu holds a lesser-known military history. Hidden underground, the Longmen Closed Battery was carved painstakingly from solid granite. The tunnels preserve command centers, machine gun bunkers, ammunition storage, and living quarters for soldiers.

Walking through the winding tunnels, you’re met with cool air and thick rock walls. Dim lighting casts long shadows down the corridors, instantly transporting you back to the era when Penghu played a critical role in coastal defense. For history enthusiasts, this site offers a chance to understand Penghu’s vital role in Taiwan’s defense history through guided exploration.

Final Stop | Letting the Sea Breeze Close Your Journey at Lintou Park

The journey ends at Lintou Park, where the pace naturally slows. Tall casuarina trees stretch toward the sea, sunlight filtering through the canopy onto the pathways. All you hear are waves and rustling leaves—simply walking here is deeply therapeutic.

Nearby, Aimen Beach is a popular summer swimming spot. With its fine white sand and layered blue waters, it’s perfect for relaxing, wading, or capturing final travel memories. It’s a place you won’t want to leave.

One Day Along the East Coast: Seeing a Different Penghu

Many first-time visitors head straight for the Cross-Sea Bridge or island-hopping tours. But riding the Taiwan Trip Magong Huxi Line reveals another way to experience Penghu.

From the tide-dependent 'Parting of the Sea' to vibrant sustainable villages, from storied military tunnels to coastal landscapes blending forest and sand—this one-day journey collects nature, culture, history, and daily life in one seamless experience.

Next time you visit Penghu, set aside a day to slow down, follow the east coast, and you might just discover a more enchanting Penghu than you ever imagined.