Caiyuan Leisure Fishing Area Introduction
The Penghu Pioneer Museum was originally the "Governor's Residence of Penghu County," built in 1933. It served as the official residence for the Penghu magistrate during the Japanese colonial period and after World War II. The architectural feature of this building is its blend of Japanese and Western styles, also known as a hybrid of Japanese and Western architecture, utilizing local materials from Penghu. The Caiyuan Recreational Fishery Area is located in the southeastern part of Magong City, in Neiwai. After years of development, it has become a diversified ecological park. The area includes Shuanghu Park, Xingren Reservoir, Caiyuan Life Memorial Park, the eastern side of Caiyuan Harbor, and the intertidal zone of Caiyuan Fish Ponds, covering approximately 82 hectares. As early as the Japanese colonial period, fish ponds were constructed along the eastern coast of Caiyuan, which later expanded gradually. Here, one can observe the county bird of Penghu, the Snipe Lark, throughout the year. In winter, migratory birds such as ducks and even endangered Black-faced Spoonbills often come here to winter, and fish-eating eagles can also be spotted. The diverse ecology is due to the wetlands of Caiyuan, which host hundreds of plant species, including mangrove plants such as Kandelia candel, Heritiera littoralis, and Thespesia populnea, providing food sources for various organisms. The abundant ecological resources make Caiyuan an excellent place for observing nature and birdwatching. In addition to ecology, Caiyuan is a seaside fishing village where residents primarily engage in coastal fisheries and intertidal gathering. In 1973, after successful guidance from the Fisheries Research Institute of Taiwan in oyster farming within Caiyuan Bay, the oyster cultivation industry thrived and became a major economic sector in the area. Here, one can see piles of oyster shells and admire artistic works created by artists using oyster shells. In recent years, coastal cage aquaculture has also become a key part of Penghu's fishing industry. With the development of fishing tourism, visitors can learn about the artificial cage aquaculture methods at marine ranches and participate in various activities such as fishing for snapper, squid, or enjoying grilled oysters and oyster noodles. The Caiyuan Recreational Fishery Area is indeed a multifunctional park that combines ecology, conservation, and tourism.
