Penghu Cycling Around the Island: The Unique Island Riding Experience of the Cross-Sea Bridge and Fishing Village Routes

Introduction

Penghu, an archipelago of over 90 islands, sits in the middle of the Taiwan Strait. Surrounded by sea on all sides with open terrain, it offers a cycling experience that is hard to replicate on the Taiwan mainland. Year-round strong winds, flat roads, azure seascapes, and basalt rock formations scattered throughout make Penghu Taiwan’s most unique offshore island cycling destination. This article introduces a round-island cycling route centered on Magong City, including the northern island townships connected by the Cross-Sea Bridge, as well as extension options to Wangan and Qimei in the south.

Penghu Cycling Basic Information

Main Route 1: Magong Round-Island One-Day Ride (Approximately 75 km)

Starting from Magong City, circle Penghu Main Island in a clockwise direction. The full route is approximately 75 km and is recommended to be completed in one day.

Route Directions:

1. Magong City (start) → Historic sites such as Wen’ao and Four-Eyed Well
2. → Shanshuei Beach (approximately 10 km): The largest arc-shaped beach on Penghu Main Island
3. → Huxi Township (approximately 20 km): Basalt coastline and the historic settlement of “Longmen Village”
4. → Baisha Township near the baseball field (approximately 35 km): Rest and resupply stop
5. → Cross-Sea Bridge (approximately 42 km): Connects Baisha and Xiyu, 2,494 meters long, Taiwan’s longest cross-sea bridge
6. → Erkan Old Houses in Xiyu Township (approximately 55 km): Traditional Minnan architecture, a century-old settlement
7. → Xiyu West Fort (approximately 60 km): A Qing Dynasty coastal defense fortress
8. Return: Take Provincial Highway 3 back to Magong (approximately 75 km)

Cross-Sea Bridge Riding Precautions

The Penghu Cross-Sea Bridge is the most spectacular yet most dangerous section of the entire route. Here are the essential things to know:

• Strong Wind Impact: Wind force on the bridge often reaches 7–8 on the Beaufort scale. A low-drag riding posture and coordination among riders are very important
• No Wrong-Way Riding: The Cross-Sea Bridge has one-way traffic control periods; please confirm your riding direction
• Speed Limit: It is recommended that bicycles not exceed 20 km/h on the bridge, and slow down further when crosswinds are present on the deck
• Nighttime Lighting: The bridge has streetlights, but front and rear lights are still required for night riding

North Sea Fishing Village Route (Bonus Itinerary)

If time permits, the areas around “Jiangmei Village” and the “Tongliang Banyan Tree” on the northern side of Baisha Township offer a quieter fishing village cycling experience:

• Tongliang Banyan Tree: A 300-year-old banyan tree whose root system spreads over an area larger than half a basketball court
• Houliao Bay: A hidden swimming beach on the North Sea with clear, shallow waters
• Chima Village: One of Penghu’s most representative fishing villages; the sight of fishing boats returning to harbor at dusk is absolutely stunning

Southern Four Islands Extension (Requires Ferry)

Wangan and Qimei Islands can be reached by ferry from Magong (voyage time approximately 1–2 hours). Both islands are compact in size, with cycling routes within 20–30 km, making them particularly suitable for a leisurely tour with a rented electric-assist bicycle. The “Twin Hearts Stone Weir” on Qimei Island is one of Taiwan’s most iconic romantic attractions.

Special Gear Reminders for Riding in Penghu

• Windproof Layer: Even in summer, the sea breeze in Penghu feels cool on bridges or in open areas; a thin windbreaker jacket is essential
• Sun Protection: Penghu’s UV index is extremely high; SPF 50+ sunscreen plus arm sleeves are standard equipment
• Eyewear: Windblown sand can get into your eyes on coastal sections; goggles or sunglasses are indispensable

Practical Tips

1. Penghu Airport accepts bicycle check-in, but local rental is recommended to avoid baggage fees and damage risks
2. Magong City has a dense concentration of food options; recommended are anchovy rice, grilled small squid, and cactus ice
3. During the summer peak season (July–August), Magong traffic is congested; cycling is actually more agile than scooters
4. The Penghu Tourism Service Center provides free cycling route maps
5. On high-wind days (Beaufort 8 or above), it is recommended to switch to walking tours, as cycling risks are extremely high

Conclusion

Cycling in Penghu has a magic that can only be experienced on the Chrysanthemum Island: vast skies, boundless ocean, ancient fishing villages appearing every few kilometers, and that moment of pedaling across the Cross-Sea Bridge into the Pacific sea breeze—the beauty and freedom of Taiwan’s offshore island cycling reaches its fullest expression here.

Related Reading

• Penghu Cycling Travel Guide: Island Flat-Road Riding and Fishing Village Culture
• Penghu Bicycle Round-Island Tour: A Romantic Sea Experience of Island-Hopping Cycling
• The Complete Guide to Cycling Around Penghu: Route Planning and Seasonal Choices for Offshore Island Cycling
• Penghu Archipelago Bicycle Travel: The Special Experience of Offshore Island Charm and Ocean Scenery