Penghu Cross-Sea Bridge Loop: Taiwan's Only Cycling Route Crossing a Strait

Penghu Great Bridge: The Ultimate Cycling Experience Across the Taiwan Strait

The Penghu County Great Bridge connects Baisha Island and Xiyu (Yuweng Island). At 2,494 meters in length, it is the longest cross-sea bridge in Taiwan and one of the longest in Asia. The view while cycling across the bridge is endlessly expansive—the azure waters of the Taiwan Strait stretch to the horizon on both sides, with strong sea winds creating an awe-inspiring sense of vastness. This loop route combining the cross-sea bridge with cycling through the Penghu archipelago is a pilgrimage every Taiwanese cyclist must complete.

Route Basic Information

Penghu’s Geographic Features

The Penghu archipelago consists of 64 islands, located in the center of the Taiwan Strait. It is Taiwan’s only outlying island county (excluding Kinmen and Matsu). Penghu’s terrain is dominated by basalt plateaus with flat topography; the highest point is only about 79 meters above sea level, making the terrain highly suitable for cycling. However, the strong sea winds that blow year-round in Penghu are the greatest challenge for riders.

Route Description

Magong to Baisha: Circling the Main Island

Starting from Magong City, ride along the coastal highway, first circling the northern coast of Penghu’s main island. This stretch offers beautiful scenery, with old forts, basalt sea cliffs, and fishing villages appearing in succession. Kuibishan Geopark on the northern side of Penghu’s main island is a must-visit spot—the “Moses Dividing the Sea” (tidal causeway) there forms a gravel path to Zhongshe Island at low tide, a strange and spectacular sight.

The Great Bridge: The Peak Experience of Penghu Cycling

Upon reaching the western end of Baisha Island, the magnificent silhouette of the Great Bridge comes into view. The bridge’s slender, elegant span crosses the azure Taiwan Strait. Wind force on the bridge is intense, requiring both hands firmly gripping the handlebars to maintain a steady line.

The bridge deck sits about 10–15 meters above the sea surface. From the bridge, you can clearly see the coral reef waters below—the water transparency is extremely high, with various tropical fish swimming among the reefs. At sunset each day, the Great Bridge is bathed in golden evening light, creating one of Penghu’s most beautiful sights.

Xiyu: The Nature and Culture of Yuweng Island

After crossing the Great Bridge, you enter Xiyu (Yuweng Island), which preserves a more original Penghu fishing village character:

• Xiyu Lighthouse: Built during the Guangxu reign of the Qing Dynasty, it is one of Taiwan’s oldest lighthouses and remains in operation today
• Erkan Settlement: A well-preserved cluster of traditional Minnan-style courtyard houses, representing Penghu’s cultural heritage
• Xiaomen Geology Museum: Showcases the formation process of Penghu’s basalt geology; the nearby sea-eroded landforms are spectacular
• Xiyu Dongtai Fort: A military fortification built during the Qing Dynasty, of great historical value

Cycling Strategies for Penghu’s Strong Winds

Penghu’s average annual wind speed is about 3–4 times that of the Taiwan mainland, with the winter northeast monsoon being particularly fierce (average wind speeds of 7–10 on the Beaufort scale from November to March). Cycling strategies:

1. Choose the right season: Summer (May–September) has relatively weaker winds and is the best season for cycling
2. Pay attention to wind direction: Check the daily wind forecast before departure, and plan a tailwind outbound leg with a headwind return leg (or vice versa)
3. Lower your center of gravity: When riding in strong winds, crouch lower to reduce wind resistance
4. Choose appropriate equipment: Avoid deep-section wheels, which are prone to losing control in strong crosswinds
5. Climb slowly: Penghu’s short climbs may not be steep, but climbing into a headwind is surprisingly exhausting

Penghu Seafood Culture

Penghu’s marine resources are abundant, and seafood cuisine is one of the greatest pleasures of cycling in Penghu:

• Penghu Loofah and Clam Soup: A famous Penghu dish, simmered with local loofah and fresh clams
• Raw Marinated Mantis Shrimp: A specialty of the Magong fish market, with astonishing freshness
• Fried Squid: Made with fresh Penghu squid, crispy on the outside and tender inside
• Penghu Cactus Ice: A frozen treat made from Penghu’s specialty cactus fruit, vividly colored, sweet and tangy with a refreshing taste

Best Cycling Seasons

• Summer (May–September): Weakest winds, warm climate, suitable for water activities—the most ideal cycling season; however, watch out for the typhoon season from July to September
• Spring and Autumn: Moderate winds and comfortable weather—the second-best choice
• Winter (November–March): Strong northeast monsoon; cycling is not recommended, but migratory bird sightings are abundant

Related Reading

• Penghu Cycling Island Tour: Outlying Island Riding Features of the Great Bridge and Fishing Village Route
• Penghu Great Bridge Riding Challenge: A Test of Willpower in the Sea Wind
• Penghu Cycling Island Tour: A Romantic Sea Experience of Island-Hopping Rides
• Penghu Island-Hopping Cycling: From the Main Island to Jibei, Outlying Island Riding and the Great Bridge