Waian Fishing Harbor sits in Waian Village at the far western tip of Xiyu and is one of Penghu County’s significant fishing bases. This is not a tourist harbor — it is a genuine working port. Fishing boats head out before dawn and return in the morning, at which point the dock fills immediately with unloading, weighing, and auctioning activity. The pace is brisk and entirely indifferent to visitors. It is precisely this quality that gives Waian Fishing Harbor an authenticity that most tourist attractions cannot replicate. The harbor sits right alongside Waian Village, with the Sansian Pagodas hill only a short walk away; from the hilltop, the entire harbor and the open Taiwan Strait to the west stretch into view.
Highlights
Early morning is the most active time at Waian Fishing Harbor. Fishing boats come in one after another, and fishermen unload the previous night’s catch — hairtail fish stacked silver-bright in wooden crates, squid still faintly moving on deck, the smell of the sea mixing with diesel engines. Local traders occasionally buy or sell directly at the dock; with some luck, visitors can purchase that day’s fresh catch at a fair price. The scene is among the most direct expressions of Penghu’s fishing culture and makes rich material for documentary-style photography.
The Waian Sansian Pagodas, built in 1937 during the Japanese colonial period (Shōwa era), stand on the hill beside the harbor and are one of Xiyu’s most recognizable landmarks. Three white pagodas crown the summit, reached by a 5–8 minute uphill walk from the harbor. The view from the top spans the entire harbor and open sea; looking west, the Taiwan Strait lies completely unobstructed. At sunset, the sky fills with orange and red in all directions, making this one of the finest sunset-viewing spots in Xiyu.
Getting There and Nearby Attractions
Waian is at the far western end of Xiyu. From Magong city center, you first cross the Penghu Cross-Sea Bridge (approximately 25 minutes), then continue west along the Xiyu coastal road for another 20 minutes to reach Waian Village — roughly 45 minutes in total. No bus routes run directly to Waian; the Xiyu bus line terminates at Hejie Village, so a scooter rental or private vehicle is needed for the final stretch. Free roadside parking is available near the harbor with ample space.
Waian Village preserves the traditional Penghu stone-built settlement layout — low stone walls, old coral-limestone facades, and sea views combine to create a quietly rural scene worth exploring on foot for 20–30 minutes. About 3 km to the south is Neian Beach (a sheltered bay beach on Penghu’s main island, suitable for swimming). About 8 km to the east is the Xiaomen Whale Cave (a coastal erosion geological feature). The two sites pair well with a half-day to full-day circuit of Xiyu.