Xiyu Ammunition Depot Introduction
National Historic Site: Western Islet Ammunition Depot Military Cultural Park. The Western Islet Ammunition Depot, as the name suggests, is mainly used for storing artillery ammunition. There are two types of cave-style ammunition depots: single-cavity and double-cavity, which store two different types of gunpowder—smokeless and smoky. The cave ammunition depot features a double-layer wall and vaulted structure. First, a round arch-shaped cave is excavated in the bedrock of the mountain, which is then stacked with concrete blocks to form the outer depot structure. The inner depot space is built using reinforced concrete. To store smokeless powder, in addition to maintaining constant temperature and humidity, the side walls are covered with copper sheets to completely isolate electromagnetic pulses and moisture. The earth-cave-style ammunition depot, on the other hand, is an above-ground structure with its outer walls made of stacked stone, internal walls constructed from wooden panels, and a raised wooden floor for moisture prevention. The roof framework employs a steel truss, and the roofing tiles used are cultural tiles, specifically blackened tiles. A lightning rod is also installed on the roof for protection against lightning strikes. Both types of ammunition depots are rare military architecture from the early Japanese occupation in Taiwan, showcasing the distinctive construction techniques of that period, and have been designated as County Historic Sites for restoration and preservation. Source: Penghu National Scenic Area Administration. Closing Days: Every Monday, Tuesday, and national holidays, as well as other necessary closures announced by the park, and government-declared natural disaster cessation days. Special openings for holidays or events may occur. Note: The lunch break is from 12:00 to 14:00, and entry is not allowed within 30 minutes of closing.
