Siyan Well (四眼井) is the best-preserved ancient water facility in Magong, built in 1592 during the early Ming dynasty at the northern end of Zhongyang Old Street. Its defining feature is four circular openings arranged in a row — originally a single large well, later covered with granite slabs to create four separate draw points so that multiple people could fetch water at the same time without waiting. The well is approximately 5.6 metres deep, with a total diameter of about 2 metres. Its water comes from an underground freshwater layer and served as the primary drinking water source for early settlers on Penghu’s main island. The well is now a recognized cultural heritage site and a frequent stop on walking tours of Magong.
Features
The well’s design reflects practical communal thinking: four openings in a single row let four people draw water simultaneously, reducing wait times during periods of high demand. The stone masonry surrounding the shaft has been preserved, and the wear marks on the well rim record more than 430 years of daily use. Although the well no longer serves as a water source, its scale, location, and construction give a clear picture of the population density and water needs of early Magong harbor settlement, illustrating how Penghu’s ancestors adapted to local conditions. During the Japanese colonial period it was known as the “Four-Eye Well” (四目井); after 1945 the name changed to 四眼井. Zhongyang Old Street was historically called “Big Well Street” (大井街) after this very structure.
Getting There & Surroundings
The well is a 3-minute walk from Magong Bus Terminal: head along Zhongzheng Road in the direction of Tianhou Temple. If arriving by bus, alight at the Zhongzheng Road stop — the well is in the alley directly opposite, at the northern end of Zhongyang Old Street. Tianhou Temple is about 100 metres away, and the popular ice dessert shops and traditional snack stalls along Zhongyang Old Street are within 1–3 minutes on foot. Qianyitang Historic House, a short distance further, is also worth a visit. For a half-day cultural loop, a suggested walking route is: Siyan Well → Tianhou Temple → Zhongyang Old Street → Qianyitang, covering the circuit in roughly 15–20 minutes of walking. Guanyin Pavilion is about 15 minutes’ walk further afield for those with more time. Parking is available at the Magong City public car park, approximately 200 metres away.