Hujing Island Recreation Area Introduction
Hujing Island is the seventh largest island in the Penghu archipelago, located seven nautical miles from Magong City. The island features spectacular columnar basalt formations. One of the old eight scenic spots in Penghu, Hujing Chengyuan, offers a clear view of the seabed when the tide recedes, seen from the sea cliffs. According to legend, a tiger once hid in a dried-up cave on the southeastern side of the island, hence the name "Hujing" (Tiger Well). Another theory suggests that the well on the island that produces sweet spring water is called "Haojing," which sounds similar to "Hujing" in Minnan dialect. Both theories have not been conclusively verified and are provided for reference and inspiration. The island is divided into two mountains—East Mountain and West Mountain—where the villages are situated between them on a narrow area formed by coral fragments. East Mountain is currently a military restricted area; West Mountain has been developed into a recreational park by the Penghu Management Office after the National Army's military withdrawal, with remnants of trenches constructed by the Japanese military during World War II. This area has recently been mistakenly referred to as the "Command Post of Isoroku Yamamoto's Southern Advance," but it solely houses a small naval unit commanded by a lieutenant. Mentioning Hujing Island brings to mind the legend of the "Hujing Sunken City," evoking curiosity and leaving much to ponder. The legend speaks of a dilapidated city wall hidden at the bottom of the waters around Hujing. The truth remains a mystery, leading to two divergent opinions in academia. One theory suggests that the ancient sunken city is merely a façade caused by the unique topography of barrel-shaped basalt rock formations extending into the sea; the other asserts that historical literature is not baseless, as ancient texts and numerous local legends regarding the unusual landscape here enhance the island's mystery.
