South and North Stone Pagodas of Suo Harbor Introduction
In winter, the weather in Penghu can be harsh, often accompanied by strong winds. As a result, residents commonly set up talismans, such as the Shi Gandan or stone pagodas, to ward off the winds and malevolent forces. On both the north and south sides of Suo Harbor, there are stone pagodas; the northern pagoda is called the Zi Pagoda, and the southern one is known as the Wu Pagoda. Collectively referred to as the Ziwu Treasure Pagoda, they are the most magnificent wind-stabilizing pagodas in Penghu. Initially, the stone pagoda had seven tiers, but after it collapsed, it was rebuilt into a nine-tier structure following divine instructions, which is the tall form we see today. The nine-tiered conical shape is constructed using black basalt stones, presenting a step-like appearance that ascends progressively. At the top of the pagoda, there is a stone tablet inscribed with the meaning "Layer upon layer, counted upon counted, climbing to the nine deities, may we keep forever." Originally, there was a lot of sand by the beach near the stone pagoda; however, over the years, strong northeast monsoon winds have blown the sand southward, causing it to gradually disappear. This has led to a local saying: "Suo Harbor took a grain of mountain, and the sand of Zhu Mu was taken to a cove," referring to the sand of Suo Harbor being blown away to the southern beaches. Therefore, the residents built the two stone pagodas not only to compensate for the loss of the supporting mountains affecting the feng shui but also to pray that the beach sands would no longer be blown away. The stone pagodas, with no high mountains surrounding them, also serve as landmarks for fishermen to identify their location at sea. Nearby, there are the famous Suo Harbor Fishing Port and Suo Harbor Fish Market, where fishing boats with plentiful catches return every morning and afternoon for competitive bidding and retail activities, offering the freshest seasonal seafood. For those interested in observing the underwater world, the nearby Hang Bay recreational area provides opportunities for diving to better understand the waters of Penghu!
North and South Stone Pagodas of Suo Gang
