The Penghu Bay Bridge (澎湖跨海大橋) is 2,494 metres long and 10.8 metres wide, completed in March 1996. It is the most important transport link between Penghu’s main island and the Xiyu area. The original cross-sea bridge was completed in 1970; the current second-generation bridge broke ground in 1984, was completed in 1996 at a cost of NT$1.028 billion, and remains in service today. For any visitor entering or leaving Penghu, crossing the bridge is unavoidable. Beyond its practical function, it has become a popular photography stop for self-driving visitors, offering distinctive open-sea views at sunrise and sunset.
Highlights
The most striking moments on the Penghu Bay Bridge come at sunrise or sunset. Traveling from Magong to Baisha at sunrise, the bridge is illuminated in warm golden light; on days with exceptional visibility, the silhouette of Taiwan’s mountains may be discernible in the distance (Penghu lies roughly 47 km west of the Taiwan main island, and sightlines depend on atmospheric conditions). In the evening, shooting into the backlight produces bold silhouettes of the bridge’s steel structure. On clear days, the view spans the open waters surrounding Penghu—sea breezes sweep across the basalt coast, and waves crash on the rocks—a direct reminder of Penghu’s remote island geography. Riding a scooter across, the northeast monsoon winds provide an immediate, physical reminder that this is a genuine open-sea crossing.
Getting There and Nearby
The Penghu Bay Bridge has no bus service and must be reached by car, scooter, or taxi. From Magong city center, drive approximately 15 minutes along the island ring road toward Baisha to reach the bridge entrance; from Baisha Township in the opposite direction, allow 5–10 minutes. Parking is available at both ends of the bridge. Nearby attractions include Tongliang Banyan in Baisha Township (a banyan tree over 300 years old), Watong Beach, and Guanyinting Coastal Park on the Magong side—all within a 10-minute drive and easily combined into a round-island itinerary.
Penghu transport note: The Penghu Bay Bridge is one of the most frequently visited spots for photography. Stopping at sunrise or in the late afternoon provides the best light. If you don’t have a rental vehicle, many half-day island tours from Magong include the bridge as a stop.