Hujing Island Recreation Area Introduction
Tiger Well Island is the seventh largest island in the Penghu archipelago, located 7 nautical miles from Magong City. The island features impressive basalt columnar joints. One of the old eight scenic spots of Penghu, Tiger Well Clear Pool, offers a stunning view of the crystal-clear sea from the cliffs during low tide. According to legend, a tiger once hid in a dried-up cave on the southeastern side of the island, which is how it got the name "Tiger Well." There is also a theory that the name comes from a sweet spring on the island, known as "Good Well," which sounds similar to the Holo pronunciation of "Tiger Well," but these theories have not been conclusively proven and are provided for reference and inspiration only. The island is divided into two mountains, East and West, with villages situated between them on narrow land formed by coral fragments. The East Mountain is currently a military restricted zone, while the West Mountain has been developed into a park and recreational area by the Penghu Administration following the withdrawal of the military, preserving the remains of trenches built by the Japanese army during World War II. This area has recently been misreported as "Yamamoto Isoroku's Command Center," but it is actually just a small naval squadron commanded by a lieutenant. When Tiger Well Island is mentioned, one cannot help but think of the legend of "Tiger Well Sunken City," which leaves many questions unanswered. The legend speaks of a crumbling city wall hidden at the bottom of the Tiger Well sea area, and its true nature remains a mystery. This has led to two divergent views in academia: one argues that the so-called sunken city is merely the unique geological features of Tiger Well's columnar basalt extending into the sea, creating a mirage; the other believes that historical documentation cannot be dismissed, and not only are there records in old texts but local lore about this unusual landscape also adds to the mystique of Tiger Well Island.
