Fisherman's Wharf Visitor Center Introduction
Xiyu is named for its location on the west side of Penghu Island, and it is also known as "Fishermen's Island," due to the rich marine resources in the Taiwan Strait since ancient times. Many fishing boats operate in the waters to the west of Xiyu, which is why Fishermen's Island was once a term used by Europeans to refer to the Penghu archipelago. The Fishermen's Island Visitor Center is located on the Xiyu side of the Penghu Cross-Sea Bridge. The center features rich exhibitions and professional guides who explain the cultural characteristics of Xiyu. Visitors can also go up to the observation deck to view the side profile of the Cross-Sea Bridge. Across from the visitor center stands the statue of Old Fisherman, which has been in Xiyu for over 30 years, symbolizing the prosperity of the fishing industry in Xiyu. However, after years of exposure to sunlight and sea winds, the once-glorious statue became tarnished and rusty. It was polished and refurbished in 2021, restoring its original appearance. In front of the visitor center, there is a sculpture called "Fish Leaping with Abundance" created by artist Hong Yi for Fishermen's Island. This colorful and eye-catching piece is themed around the county fish of Penghu, the brown-marbled grouper, and is designed to reflect Penghu's culture, nature, and ecology. It aims to raise awareness of Penghu's marine ecological environment through imaginative sculpture.
