After 2023 Natural Conservation Conference at Taipei, we would like to call for another 2025 Natural Conservation Conference at Penghu. The purpose of this conference is to promote coastal management through a wide range of top-down and bottom-up mechanism and processes. The UN is a group of international institutes that initiate and promote issues orienting towards protecting the global environment and benefiting all human societies as a whole. However, the implementation of important programmes cannot be effectively sustained solely by the UN and its subsidiaries. Both regional and national endeavours are required to ensure good results. 

Furthermore, local endeavours are the authentic drive for a good practice of national park, geopark, small islands and protected area. This is particularly true and significant in a world of diversity and in an era of uncertainty today. For IUCN-WCPA and UNESCO Global Geoaprks, networking and sharing good protected area and geopark practices are critical elements for success. Taiwan as an island state has 9 national parks, 10 geoparks, 13 national Scenic Areas, all with unique characteristics. 

The concepts of geopark are a multi-disciplinary and bottom-up civilian model. Geoparks are a dynamic response to a wide range of issues and policies and each small islands, geopark’s response is related to its local cultural, economic, geological and geographical setting as well as the modes of governance. 

Therefore, local involvement and a locally devised management plan is critical in ensuring an effective response to local issues. Focusing on the experience of Taiwan’s protected area, geoparks, national parks, we observe the following questions needed to be critically considered and assessed for a better tomorrow。

Main topic

• How can geo-conservation be enhanced?

• How can geo-heritage be cherished?

• How can geo-harzards be mitigated?

• How can geo-diversity be recognized and protected?

• How can community engagement and involvement be sustainable?

Sub-themes 

• Coastal protected area –It’s challenge and management

• National Park, Geopark—Geoconservation, Geoeducation, Community participation

• Small islands—Issues and solution

June 7, 2025, Saturday:

Arrival in Taipei

June 8, 2025, Sunday:

Arrival in Penghu Opening & conference sessions at Penghu Visitor Center

June 9, 2025, Monday:

Conference sessions in the morning and field trip in the afternoon

June 10, 2025, Tuesday:

Field trip to Qimei and Marine National Park 

Back to Taipei in the evening. End of the Conference

June 11, 2025, Wednesday:

Departure

Convener:

Prof. Dr. J. C. Lin (NTU GEOG)  

Email: jclin@ntu.edu.tw

Secretaries:

Assistant. Miss Y. P. Chen (NTU GEOG) 

Email: ypchen12@ntu.edu.tw

Penghu

For more information about the hotel, please visit the website:

Pescadores 百世多麗花園酒店

About Penghu

Environment

The Penghu Islands have been a strategic hub for navigation in East Asia and a vital barrier in the Taiwan Straits since ancient times, and a stopover for the Chinese on their voyages to their far seas and their migration to new lands.

The islands stretch 60 kilometers north to south and 40 kilometers east to west. Their extremities are Chamuyu in the east, Huayu in the west, Qi meiyu in the south, and Mudouyu in the north.

The Penghu Islands are scattered in seas where a branch of the Japan Current passes by, bringing with it a wealth of marine resources. The islands, only 20 of which are inhabited, have a total land area of approximately 127 square kilometers; the largest are, in descending order, Magong Main Island, Siyu, Baisha, Qi mei, and Wangan. Their shorelines stretch for a total of 320 kilometers.

Radioactive dating shows that the Penghu Islands had already taken primitive form 8 million to 17 million years ago, and wave erosion and weathering in the eons since have given the islands the unique topography we see today.

The movement of tectonic plates created cracks in the earth’s crust, allowing high pressure to force hot lava to the surface, where in the air and the water it gradually cooled and hardened. Later rises and falls of the earth’s crust helped give the Penghu Islands the unique topographical features we see today.

As it cooled, molten rock hardened and formed into natural many-sided columns and plate patterns. The most spectacular walls of basalt-column formations are seen at Tongpanyu in the South Sea recreation system. In the northeastern part of the archipelago, Jishanyu, Dinggouyu, and Xiaobaishayu have been designated as basalt nature preserves.

Wave erosion along the winding course of Penghu’s shorelines has created a varied pastiche of sea cliffs and shorelines. Holes carved by waves create the famous “organ sounds” at Fongguei, and waves also wore out the arch now known as the “Whale Hole of Xiaomen.” Such features give the basalt coasts of Penghu an added sense of life and vitality.

Most of the islands of the archipelago are low and flat-topped, and surrounded by steep cliffs. They average only 20 to 50 meters in height; the highest is Maoyu, at 70 meters. Their height generally diminishes from south to north; the northernmost, Mudouyu, is just 15 meters high. Viewed from sea level at a distance, they are clearly seen to be flat on top, like overturned platters floating on the sea.

History

Archaeologists have unearthed evidence that Penghu Islands were inhabited 4,000 to 5,000 years ago, with Chinese migrants arriving from the southeastern coasts of China before the Northern Song Dynasty (A.D. 998-1127). Initially, the settlers used the islands as a temporary fishing base. It wasn’t until the Southern Song (A.D. 1127-1278) that permanent settlement began, and an official office was established to govern the islands in 1281. Chinese settlers arrived in large numbers in the late Ming Dynasty (ending 1628), fleeing from conflicts on the mainland and seeking new opportunities in fishing, shellfish gathering, cattle raising, and farming.

More than 700 years have past since government and settlement came to the Penghu Islands, making them the earliest part of the entire Taiwan area to be subjected to Chinese administration and development. In the earliest days, Penghu was under the jurisdiction of Jinjiang County, Fujian Province. The course of development has left the islands with a rich diversity of cultural and historic sites, from the old streets of Magong, the more than four-century-old Queen of Heaven Temple, and the remains of the old city wall to the traditional cultural practices that are still carried on today. The old face of Penghu, indeed, presents a many-faceted countenance.

The courtyard houses and the entire appearance of the settlements evidence the architectural style of Southern Fujian, and hold to the old Chinese “Doctrine of the Mean” with the central chamber as the core of the houses and two wings projecting forward on either side. The courtyards are screened in by front walls with gateway constructed in a variety of shapes. Erkan Village on Siyu is perhaps the best-preserved residential compound in all of the Taiwan area, and other representative ancient settlements rich in cultural scenes are found in Wangan’s Jhongshe and Huxi’s Shagang.

Jun. 11 Firld Trip at Penghu 

Kuibishan 奎壁山

Located on the north shore of Beiliao Village, Penghu, Kuibi Mountain, also called “Turtle Mountain,” got its name either from the area’s once-abundant turtles or its turtle-like shape when viewed from the sea—similar to Taiwan’s Turtle Island. Due to concerns over the original name sounding indecent in Chinese, it was later changed to the more elegant “Kuibi Mountain.”

The Kuibishan includes Kuibi Mountain and Chi Island. During low tide, a narrow land bridge appears, connecting the shore to Chi Island. Visitors can walk along this tombolo, a rare geological formation. However, this path is only safe during low tide. As the tide rises, water quietly surrounds Chi Island from both sides. Many people have been caught off guard and trapped by rising waters, which can become dangerous. To ensure safety, check tide times carefully and consider going with a local guide.

The area features basalt rocks rich in olivine (also known as Fantzu stone), and marine abrasion landscapes—key highlights of Kuibishan's geology. The area is also one of Penghu’s traditional scenic spots, famed for the view known as “Starry Kuibi.”

Visitors enjoy swimming, stargazing, and watching the sunrise. From Chi Island, you can spot the elegant wind turbines of Jhungtun Wind Power Farm. These clover-shaped turbines are a popular photo backdrop.

To protect the environment, access to Chi Island is restricted: red signs mean “stop,” green means “go.” Visitors must stay within 7.5 meters of the marked path, and climbing or landing on the island is prohibited.

Recent improvements include a visitor center, restrooms, landscape art, and a cute turtle statue explaining the site’s name origin. Behind the statue is a foot-washing area and walls decorated with carvings of local surfing scenes.

Hsiaomen Whale Cave 小門鯨魚洞

Located in Hsiaomen Village, Siyu Township, Penghu, the Whale Cave was once a basalt headland. Over time, it was carved by the northeast monsoon and constant wave erosion, eventually forming a marine abrasion arch resembling a whale stranded on the shore—hence the name “Whale Cave.”

The surrounding landscape is composed of basalt geology, which makes the soil shallow and hard for most plants to grow. However, cacti thrive here, adapting to the harsh conditions. As you walk up the slope, you’ll notice clusters of cacti—some even blooming with vibrant flowers—creating a unique and striking scene against the rocky background.

Not far from the Whale Cave is the Honeycomb Field, a traditional feature of Penghu’s rural landscape. These fields are built using Gu-Lao stones—stacked rock walls that protect crops from the strong northeast monsoon winds in winter. The stone walls reduce wind damage, allowing plants and vegetables to grow more successfully in the exposed coastal environment.

Together, the Whale Cave and Honeycomb Field offer visitors a glimpse into Penghu’s natural beauty and traditional agricultural wisdom—a blend of geological wonder and cultural heritage.

Daguoye Columnar Basalt 池東大菓葉玄武岩

During the Japanese colonial period, a wharf was built on the beach of Daguoye to connect the sea traffic between Magong and Xiyu. When digging stones and soil, this magnificent columnar basalt buried in the soil for thousands of years was accidentally discovered. It can be said to be the most accessible columnar basalt on Penghu Island.

The Penghu Archipelago is located between Taiwan’s main island and mainland China. It emerged during the early Miocene period, around 17 million years ago, and sits at the center of the Taiwan Strait, intersected by the Tropic of Cancer. The archipelago consists of 90 islands, most of which are formed from basaltic volcanic lava. There are many uninhabited and reef-type islets. The northernmost point is Mudou Islet, the southernmost is Qimei Islet, the easternmost is Chamu Islet, and the westernmost is Hua Islet.

Each island features a distinct geological landscape, with some, such as Dinggou Islet, Jishan Islet, and Xiaobaisha Islet, showcasing unique basalt columnar jointing—vertical hexagonal columns formed by cooling lava. These islands are surrounded by rich marine resources and are habitats for large populations of seabirds, which nest and breed here, creating a rare and exceptional natural environment.

Millions of years ago, repeated volcanic eruptions released lava that slowly flowed from the seafloor. Rapid cooling by seawater solidified the lava into basalt, forming the Penghu Islands. Over time, weathering and natural erosion fractured the basalt along its joints into hexagonal or polygonal columns, shaping the dramatic “table mountain” landscapes seen today. For generations, Penghu’s coastal communities have lived off the sea, collecting oysters, snails, and shellfish from the island shores.

Penghu Marine Geopark Center 澎湖海洋地質公園中心

The Penghu Marine Geopark Center was established by the Penghu County Government to promote the geopark. It is located next to the Third Fishing Harbor, just one street away from Magong City Hall. The center offers comprehensive information on the Penghu Geopark, including natural reserves, the Maoyu Seabird Protected Area, a distribution map of prehistoric stone tool workshops in Qimei, a geological timeline of Penghu, global and Taiwanese geoparks, the use of stone in daily life, Penghu’s unique landscapes, and an introduction to basalt—all presented in great detail.

Though the interior space is not large, it is divided into 15 themed sections, such as:

“Penghu Basalt Exhibits”, “Penghu’s Distinctive Landscapes”, “Introduction to Basalt”, “Penghu Geological Timeline”, “The Six Major Geoparks of Penghu”, “Natural and Seabird Conservation Areas of Penghu”, “Qimei Prehistoric Stone Tool Workshop”, “Shared Geological Heritage Around the World”, “Stone in Everyday Life”, “Audio-Visual Room”, “Library and Stone Crafts”, “Interactive Educational Activities”

What makes the center particularly special is its exterior design, which features stone materials and a blend of traditional and Japanese architectural styles, giving it a distinctive character. Inside, the center is divided into various exhibit areas with wooden staircases and mezzanine floors that allow visitors to enjoy views from higher levels. Some sections are also specifically designed for children’s science education, making it a fun and informative space for all ages.

Nanliao Village 南寮村湖東社區

In the past, Nanliao and Beiliao were collectively called Guibi Harbor, but they later separated into two villages. Because it was farther inland, Nanliao pursued farming while seaside Beiliao developed its fishing industry. Agriculture has never thrived in Penghu, and people left Nanliao in large quantities early on, but many well-preserved traditional coral stone buildings still stand here. These structures feature red tiles and stone walls distinctively. Single-family dwellings, three-winged courtyard houses, and compounds once housed extended families. Among them, the Xufan’s Old Residence is the most representative.

The house was built from 1851 to 1861 during the Qing Dynasty. Architecturally, it is a traditional three-part southern Fujian-style house consisting of a main hall with three bays, two symmetrical wing rooms, one on the east and one on the west, and an atrium. The walls of the main structure are made of coral stone, and the house is still well-preserved after several renovations. Owing to its past association with a Taoist priest and its aesthetic value, the Penghu County Culture Bureau has listed Xufan’s Old Residence as a historic architecture.

Many visitors have come here recently to see the animal faces local artists make with fishing bobbers. Thousands of colorful creations hang in lanes and alleys surrounding the coral stone buildings. Combined with the mottled light and shadows at play on the ground, they create a dazzling scene and have become a popular attraction.

Jun. 11 Firld Trip at Penghu archipelago

Dongyupingyu Islet 東嶼坪嶼

Among the four southern islands, only Dongyupingyu was formed by Penghu volcanic lava, taking shape as basalt mesa. Basalt jointing is everywhere on the island, and there are sea trenches, sea caves, and sea erosion columns on the east and north shores. There are gravel beaches composed of coral debris on the south and west sides, but steep columnar basalt sea cliffs occupy most of the shoreline. Beside the pier on the southwest side is a mass of rock composed of breccia and geologic dikes––locals call it “the tower.”

Dongyu Pingyu is composed of two landmasses, north and south, or "front mountain" and "back mountain.” The northern landmass is the back mountain; there you can see the ruins of “vegetable houses” that once protected crops, as well as terraced fields built to conform to the terrain, a rare sight in Penghu. The village is in a low, flat valley between the front and back mountains called “Shagouzai." Houses extend from south to north near the harbor, along the leeward side of the hill. Two stone towers, Golden Dragon Pagoda and Chifu Pagoda, guard the island.

The looping trail around the front and back mountains will take you to Chifu Pagoda. From there, follow the shoreline trail, and you’ll come to the “front mountain,” towering at the edge of Dongyuping harbor. From that vantage point, you can take in all the island’s scenery, natural and cultural, from any angle. The nearby ocean is rich in marine ecology, abounding with coral reefs. The purple staghorn coral is stunning, a dreamlike “underwater lavender forest”––once you see it, you won’t want to leave!

Qimei Township 七美

Qimei is the southernmost island in the Penghu archipelago. There is a moving story behind the name of the island, which means Seven Beauties. According to the legend, seven maidens were doing their laundry beside a well long ago when they were attacked by Japanese pirates; unwilling to submit to insult at the hands of the scoundrels, they all killed themselves by leaping into the well. The local residents filled in the well and left it as a tomb, from which, later on, sprouted seven trees. It is still there: the Tomb of the Seven Beauties. In earlier times the island was known as Widow's Island, and there is a story behind this name too. Even today, on the shore below the Qimei Lighthouse, there is a stone formation known as Watching for Husband Rock. The stone is in the form of a reclining woman, who is said to have turned to stone there waiting for the return of her fisherman husband. There is a road all around the island, which makes travel convenient. Nanhu Fishing Harbor has more activity than any other place on Qimei, and its lighthouse is the southernmost one in the Penghu islands. In the vicinity of Yueli Harbor there is a Stone Lion formation which, along with much of the terrain here, is formed of columnar basalt left from the volcanoes that produced the islands.

Hujing and Tongpan Island 虎井、桶盤

Tongpan features a typical basalt mesa landform with a shoreline bounded by cliffs made up of well-developed, neatly stacked basalt columns. These spectacular formations have given the island its nickname: "The Yellowstone Park of the Penghu." A paved pathway circling the island gives access to its spectacular scenic attractions.

On a sea-eroded platform on the southwest side of the island is a stepped basin, created by upwelling basalt lava, which is known as the "Lotus Terrace." The shoreline is given additional allure by a beehive-shaped basalt formation called "Cat Rock." Fuhai Temple, located near the dock. It is dedicated primarily to the plague god surnamed Wen, and its ornate decor helps make it the most popular temple in the outlying islands of Penghu. Large coral forests on the nearby seabed make this a fine spot for snorkeling.

Like Tongpan, Hujing is surrounded by column basalt cliffs, beneath which the water is exceptionally clear. Perhaps the transparency of the water here helps explain the legend of the sunken fortress.

In the 17th century, it is said, the Dutch came here and built a fortress that later sank into the sea in the midst of a battle. Scholars who have come to explore the area in recent years have made no significant discoveries, leaving the sunken fortress a 300-year mystery.

Hujing Island (Tiger Well Island) is the 7th largest island of Penghu Archipelago. The unique contour of the island affords some of most majestic cliffs especially on the east and west. It's named according to a legend that there was once a tiger crouching in a dry cave at the southeast of the island. The Hujing Island is surrounded by column basalt cliffs, beneath which the water is crystal clear. You are able to see brick wall structure built by the Dutch underneath during low tide. Rumors have it that there is a sunken city on the seabed. Whether the myth is true or not, further proof as well as your visit are expected.