Penghu Cross-Sea Bridge Introduction
The Penghu Cross-Sea Bridge has a total length of 2,494 meters, spanning the Houmen waterway between the islands of Baisha and Xiyu. The water flow is rapid, with a reported speed of up to 3 meters per second, making it the second most dangerous current in the waters of Penghu. During the winter northeast monsoon, the waves become particularly turbulent, making navigation difficult. Therefore, construction of the cross-sea bridge began in 1965, and it was completed and opened to traffic in 1970 to resolve the transportation difficulties between Fisherman’s Island and other areas. Subsequently, due to severe corrosion and bridge collapse, the land dam was widened in 1984, and the new two-lane bridge was completed and opened in 1996. The bridge, resembling a rainbow over the sea, is not only a tourist attraction but also facilitates smooth transportation between Xiyu and Baisha. To this day, the northern sea area at the west end of the bridge still retains early cement columns and frames, while weather-beaten bridge piers on the Xiyu side illustrate the history of early electricity in Xiyu being transmitted over the sea through high-voltage power lines, marking the poignant history of the old bridge's retirement. Dacang Island – A Great Place to Admire the Cross-Sea Bridge Dacang Island is located in the inner sea surrounded by the islands of Magong, Baisha, and Xiyu in Penghu, and is known as the "Pearl of the Inner Sea of Penghu." From Dacang, the cross-sea bridge appears like a rainbow in the sky, with an unobstructed view of the ocean. The journey from Magong Chongguang Village (Houkutan) by boat takes about 20 minutes. Dacang Island is the only inhabited island in the inner sea of Penghu, and its name may have originated from the well-known fishing ground nearby, early referred to as "Dawuy Cang" (Big Fish Warehouse). The coastline around Dacang Island is gentle, and during low tide, the intertidal zone is vast, featuring five large stone traps that are particularly distinctive. Star-Gazing Information The Penghu Cross-Sea Bridge is a landmark of Penghu and one of the must-visit photo spots for tourists. Capturing the words "Penghu" in photographs to prove their visit is something tourists most desire to do. Near the bridgehead at the Tongliang end, visitors can also enjoy the cactus ice recommended by the famous director Wu Nien-Jen, a sweet and sour treat that leaves a lasting impression.
