Qimei Island lies at the southernmost tip of Penghu County and is a notable destination for travelers wanting to experience Penghu’s landscape and outer-island character. The island covers approximately 6.8 square kilometres and has a permanent population of around 500. It is known for its 700-year-old Twin-Heart Stone Weir — a heart-shaped traditional fish trap — and the basalt columnar joints of Longser Islet, combining volcanic geology with traditional maritime culture. Because there is no bus service, visitors must take a passenger ferry from Magong Harbour (approximately 1 hour each way). This makes Qimei feel more secluded than the main island and gives travelers a clearer sense of Penghu’s outer-island environment and traditional fishing-village life.
Highlights
Twin-Heart Stone Weir is Qimei’s most recognized landmark. Built by traditional fishermen using basalt and coral over 700 years ago, it is widely known for its distinctive double-heart outline and is considered a representative example of Penghu’s maritime culture and traditional fishing heritage. Part of the weir is submerged at high tide; the full double-heart shape is only visible once the tide recedes, and visitors who want to walk down into the weir itself can do so at low tide via the stone path beside the Jinlong Pagoda. The best photographs are usually taken in the window between high tide and low tide. Tides shift daily, so check the day’s Qimei tide forecast (Central Weather Administration or Tourism Administration website) before arriving on the island and leave flexibility in your schedule to avoid the high-tide window.
Longser Islet (locally called Longcheng or Shuanglonyan) features volcanic rock columns rising from the shoreline. A 600-metre stretch of alternating basalt and tuff layers has been shaped by wave erosion into a flat abrasion platform that takes on deep purple-red tones at sunset. This is one of the rarer examples of columnar jointing geology in Penghu, and the site is accessible to visitors at all hours.
Yuelewan Beach follows a crescent shape, with fine white coral-fragment sand and clear water, and is Qimei’s only officially designated swimming and snorkelling area. Facilities near the bay include sheltered camping areas and bathrooms (open 9 AM–5 PM), making it suitable for afternoon snorkelling, evening barbecues, or nighttime stargazing.
Little Taiwan and Zhongshe Village preserve Qimei’s traditional settlement character. Zhongshe Village contains well-preserved examples of traditional Penghu residential architecture — red-brick walls finished with lime mortar — and offers a view into earlier generations of outer-island life. The waters around Qimei also serve as a migratory corridor for birds in autumn and winter; birdwatchers may want to note seasonal species during those months.
Getting There and Around
There is no bus service to Qimei Island. Visitors must take the South Sea Star (南海之星) passenger ferry operated by Penghu County’s Public Vehicle and Vessel Management Office. The route runs Magong → Wangan → Qimei; the one-way journey takes approximately 1 hour 5 minutes. As of 2026, the regular scheduled departure from Magong is 09:30, with Qimei’s return sailing at 13:30 (an additional late-evening return runs during the summer Penghu Fireworks Festival season). For current schedules and online tickets, see the /ferry/ section of this site or visit the Penghu ferry ticketing system at auth.penghu-go.tw.
Qimei has no public transport. Getting between sights requires renting a scooter, hiring a private car, or joining a tour group. The Twin-Heart Stone Weir is on the northeast side of the island, roughly 3–4 km from Qimei Harbour; Longser Islet is to the west and Yuelewan Beach is to the south. If you are not renting a vehicle, joining a tour group is advisable, or ask your accommodation whether a shuttle service is available. Convenience stores and dining options on the island are limited — bring your own water and snacks.
To cover all the main sights (Twin-Heart Stone Weir, Longser Islet, Yuelewan Beach, Zhongshe Village), allow 4–6 hours on the island. Parking is available near guesthouses or in bays along the harbour front. Note that access to the Twin-Heart Stone Weir depends on tidal conditions; check tide times in advance and plan your visit accordingly.