Erkan Old Settlement sits on the southeastern side of Xiyu Island, Penghu, and is the best-preserved traditional settlement in the archipelago. It is known for its clusters of stone-built houses, most dating to the late Qing dynasty and early Republic period. The buildings are arranged in terraced rows along the hillside, with walls carefully laid from local basalt; despite more than a century of exposure to sea winds, the structures remain standing. In recognition of its traditional architecture, folk crafts, and way of life, the settlement was added to a preservation programme in 1989 and officially designated a “Traditional Settlement Special Zone” in 2001 — the first such designation in Taiwan. It draws architects, photographers, and cultural travellers each year.
Highlights
The defining feature of Erkan Old Settlement is its complete ensemble of Minnan-style stone buildings. Each house has walls carefully laid with black or grey basalt; most roofs are in traditional tile construction, and some doorframes and window lattices retain fine wood carving. Walking the winding stone-paved lanes that rise and fall through the settlement, visitors encounter everyday scenes: salted fish drying in the sun, tomato plants, handmade crafts on display. Residents have not left — they continue their daily lives within the old houses, giving the settlement a genuine sense of living community.
Several traditional craftspeople are based here: a specialist in traditional ceramic repair works inside one of the old houses, where visitors can stop and watch a demonstration. Wind lion deity figurines, lacquerware, and woven crafts are also sold in settlement shops. Every courtyard and window frame offers material for photographers; the texture of basalt walls contrasted with climbing vines in early morning light, and the long shadows cast by the house clusters at dusk, are particularly atmospheric.
Getting There and Nearby
From Xiyu Fishermen’s Association stop, the settlement entrance is a 5-minute walk. If arriving at Shengming Camp stop, allow 12–15 minutes on foot. There are no roads for motorized vehicles inside the settlement — stone-paved paths connect all areas, suited to a 30–40 minute stroll.
Opening hours: 8 AM–5 PM, open year-round.
Nearby: about 1.5 km to the south is Zhuwan Dayi Temple (a traditional temple); to the north, a coastal trail leads to the Niuxin Mountain Lookout (about 2 km, with views over Magong Bay); Xiyu Lighthouse is about 3–4 km away (around 10 minutes by motorized vehicle). Please park in the open lot at the settlement entrance or near Xiyu Fishermen’s Association; do not drive motorized vehicles onto the stone-paved lanes inside the settlement. Motorcycle riders are also advised to park on the settlement perimeter.