Xiyu Ammunition Depot Introduction
National Historic Site of the West Islet Ammunition Depot Military Cultural Park. As the name suggests, the West Islet Ammunition Depot was primarily used for storing artillery ammunition. The cave-style ammunition depot includes both single and double caverns for dry storage, which store two different types of gunpowder: smokeless and black powder. The cave-style ammunition depot utilizes a double-walled vaulted structure. A circular arched cave is excavated on a rock bed within the mountain, constructed with stacked concrete blocks forming the outer storage structure, and an inner space built with reinforced concrete. To store smokeless powder, the depot maintains constant temperature and humidity, and the walls are lined with copper plates to effectively isolate electromagnetic pulses and moisture. The earthen ammunition depot, on the other hand, is an above-ground structure with outer walls made of stacked stone, inner walls made of wooden panels and raised wooden flooring for moisture prevention. The roof uses a steel truss framework and is covered with cultural tiles, specifically darkened tiles, with a lightning rod installed to prevent lightning strikes. These two types of ammunition depots are rare military architectural examples from the early Japanese colonial period in Taiwan, showcasing the unique construction techniques of that time, and have been designated as county historic sites for preservation and restoration. Source: Penghu National Scenic Area Administration. Closing times: every Monday, Tuesday, national holidays, and other necessary closures announced by the park, as well as government-declared natural disaster days. Open for visits in conjunction with special holidays or events. Note: Lunch break from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM, entry is prohibited 30 minutes before closing.
