Guanyin Pavilion, Penghu Introduction
Penghu Guanyin Pavilion is dedicated to the Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva of the South Sea and is one of the most representative ancient temples in Penghu. However, the Guanyin Pavilion is not only a center of faith but also served as an important strategic location. This area can control Dashan Islet and offers a distant view of Wugong Island and Baisha Township. There are records of military presence here as early as 1622, before Dutch rule, and this military configuration continued during the Ming Zheng and Qing Dynasty periods. With a history of over three hundred years, the Guanyin Pavilion has undergone several renovations, originally built in 1696, and the ancient bell pavilion was established at that time. However, it was severely damaged during the Sino-French War in 1885, and all artifacts, including two Avalokiteshvara statues and eighteen Arhats, were looted. Later, in 1891, the Penghu naval commander Wu Hongluo donated funds for reconstruction. In 1923, during the Japanese occupation, when the new Penghu government office was completed, the lion made of glutinous rice that originally stood in front of the Penghu government office was moved here. In 1959, during renovations, the Wanchao Pavilion was added on the left side, allowing visitors to appreciate the tides of the Taiwan Strait and one of Taiwan's eight scenic views, the sunset at Xiyu. Today, the Guanyin Pavilion Recreation Area has been updated with a waterfront recreational area, an international windsurfing competition center, a children's playground, and other sports and leisure facilities, becoming a popular water play and leisure spot for residents and visitors.
