Tongpan Island lies roughly 7 km southwest of Magong and is considered the most geologically significant of Penghu’s 64 islands. The entire island is a classic basalt mesa encircled by regularly arranged hexagonal columnar basalt formations. The distinctive rock landscape has earned it the local nickname “Penghu’s Yellowstone.” The island’s actual resident population is approximately 20–30 (household-registration numbers are higher, but most registered residents have relocated to Magong), and the community relies on ferry service to connect with Magong City. A paved perimeter trail links all the geological features, and visitors notice the ordered arrangement of the volcanic formations.
Highlights
The southwest coast holds the island’s most notable scenery. On the wave-cut platform, concentric circular depressions formed by upwelling basalt lava are called Lotus Platform (蓮花臺) — remnants of an ancient volcanic vent. The depressions are arranged like lotus petals and collect seawater at low tide, making the area a popular photography subject. Nearby, Maogong Rock (貓公石) is a formation of honeycomb-patterned basalt with fine hexagonal jointing and deep brown coloration. Along the perimeter trail, the basalt columns stand at uniform heights in neat rows — an appearance almost architectural, yet entirely natural, formed as basalt lava cooled approximately 9 million years ago. The island’s only cultural site is Fuhai Temple (福海宮), dedicated to the island’s patron deity Lord Wen (溫府王爺). The temple is modest in scale but well-attended, serving as one of the faith centers among Penghu’s outer islands.
Getting There
No bus service is available. Tongpan Island is accessible only by ferry. From Magong, head northeast along Beigang Road toward the commercial port; the South Sea Visitor Center is approximately 1.2 km northeast of Magong Commercial Harbour and operates as the outer-island ferry terminal commissioned by Magong City Office. After purchasing a ticket, board the vessel marked Tongpan Star at the dock. The round-trip fare is approximately NT$240 (confirmed per Magong City Office announcements for 2025–2026; verify at the ticket window for any updates). Multiple daily round-trips run during the summer tourist season (April–September); during winter the northeast monsoon significantly reduces sailings, and departures may be suspended entirely — confirm the schedule with Magong City Office before setting out.
The paved perimeter trail can be walked in about 30 minutes. Bring plenty of water, sun protection, and a windproof jacket before boarding, as there are no food or drink facilities on the island. After visiting Tongpan, nearby outer-island destinations include Huayu Island (approximately 10 minutes by ferry) and Hujing Island (approximately 15 minutes by ferry), both reachable by purchasing tickets at the South Sea Visitor Center, making a three-island day trip feasible. See /ferry/ for Penghu ferry timetables and fares.
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