East Islet, Xiyu Introduction
Xiyu Dongtai, also known as Dongtai Fortress, was initially constructed during the Guangxu period of the Qing Dynasty as a new coastal defense artillery position in Xiyu. However, before new artillery could be installed, the fortress was unable to retaliate against an attack by French forces during the Sino-French War, leading to the French capturing Xiyu and Magong. Later, after the Sino-French negotiations, the French withdrew from Penghu, and Liu Mingchuan repeatedly petitioned to strengthen the coastal defense of Penghu. In 1887, the construction of four artillery fortifications to defend Penghu began, one of which is Xiyu Dongtai. In March of the year following the First Sino-Japanese War, Japanese forces attacked Penghu, and Xiyu Fortress was able to exert some military power, causing significant casualties among the Japanese. During the Japanese occupation, the Japanese continued to use Xiyu Dongtai and expanded some facilities. After World War II, the military took over Xiyu Dongtai, which had lost its combat effectiveness, and built a few barracks. It was not until 1985 that Xiyu Xitai was designated a national historic site by the Ministry of the Interior, leading to the military's withdrawal. However, Xiyu Dongtai continued to house troops until it was designated a national historic site in 1991, and it wasn't until 2012 that it was transferred to the Penghu County Government. Xiyu Dongtai is roughly square in shape, with the entrance gate inscribed with the characters "Xiyu Dongtai" written by Liu Mingchuan. There is a trench between the inner and outer fortifications serving as a buffer. The main structure of the fortress is a mix of brick and stone, with the outer walls plastered with the latest cement of the time. Inside the fortress, in addition to gun placements, there are various spaces such as an arched official's hall, soldier's quarters, a hiding place, a small arsenal, and a main ammunition depot. Although smaller than Xiyu Xitai, it remains an important coastal defense site.
