Guanyin Pavilion, Penghu Introduction
Penghu Guanyin Pavilion enshrines Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva of the South Sea and is a highly representative ancient temple in Penghu. However, Guanyin Pavilion is not only a center of faith but also served as an important strategic position. This area can control access to Dashany Island and offers views of Wuyong Island and Baisha Township. There are records of military garrisons in this area dating back to before 1622, during the Dutch colonial rule, and the military configuration continued in the Ming Zheng and Qing Dynasties. The Guanyin Pavilion, with a history of over 300 years, has undergone several renovations, initially built in 1696. The ancient bell pavilion also dates from this time; however, it was partially destroyed during the Sino-French War in 1885, with temple artifacts and two statues of Avalokitesvara, as well as eighteen Arhat statues, being plundered. In 1891, Wu Hongluo, the general of the Penghu Naval Station, donated funds for its reconstruction. In 1923, during the Japanese occupation, when the new Penghu county office building was completed, the lion statue made of glutinous rice from the previous county office was moved here. During the renovation in 1959, the Wanchao Pavilion was added on the left, allowing visitors to appreciate the ebb and flow of the Taiwan Strait and one of the Eight Views of Taiwan, the evening glow of Xiyu. The current Guanyin Pavilion recreational area has been updated with a hydrophilic recreation area, an international windsurfing competition center, a children's playground, and other sports and leisure facilities, making it a popular water play and leisure spot for residents and tourists.
