PenghuPlay Recommendations

Whale Cave sits on Penghu's Xi-Yu Xiao-Men Islet - a black columnar-basalt sea arch shaped like a whale, formed by long-term sea erosion. A path circles the cave entrance, where you can hear waves crashing and study the rock fractures - good for photos and short strolls. Nearby are the Xiao-Men Geology Museum and Xiao-Men Beach, plus local bites like squid vermicelli. The scenery is dramatic, perfect for a half-day trip, and admission is free.

Qi-Mei Double-Heart Stone Weir on Penghu's Qi-Mei Island is a well-preserved traditional fishing structure shaped like two linked hearts. Built of basalt and coral reef, it uses tidal principles to trap fish in the intertidal zone, blending history and romance. The best viewing is around low tide, when the full double-heart outline appears and the clear water reveals marine life; a path lets visitors walk closer and experience the weir. It often appears in commercials and music videos and has become Penghu's signature landmark, fitting couples, families, and lovers of nature and culture.

Abalone Waterfall sits in the Chi-Xi Rock Waterfall area on Xi-Yu's west coast in Penghu. At low tide, square abalone farming pools meet columnar basalt, creating a one-of-a-kind 'rock waterfall' landscape. Entry is through a 'sea dragon palace' channel with an easy walking path for relaxed strolling. Low tide is the best time, when blue sky, white clouds, and clear water combine into a popular Instagram scene. Check the tide chart beforehand, wear comfortable shoes, and watch for slippery rocks and seaside safety. Beyond a natural wonder, it is a must-visit for photographers and ocean lovers alike.

Shuang-Liu Waterfall sits in the Shuang-Liu National Forest Recreation Area (technically Shi-Zi Township, Pingtung County) and is one of southern Taiwan's most popular summer escapes. The park has four trails; the most popular is the Waterfall Trail, passing Rainbow Bridge, Mao-Shan Trail, and White-Banyan Trail, running about 3 kilometers and taking 1.5 to 2 hours one-way. The roughly 25-meter falls roar with power, and summer temperatures here run 3-5 degrees cooler than outside, offering a refreshing break for families, seniors, and water-loving travelers. Designed for both wading and hiking, the trails suit all ages, especially travelers seeking cool relief in summer heat. Trails are free with no posted hours or tickets, so visitors can explore the nature at any time.

Shuang-Liu National Forest Recreation Area sits beside the southern South-Link Highway in Pingtung and is a low-altitude subtropical-rainforest summer escape where rainforest and waterfall coexist. Inside, the roughly 3-kilometer Shuang-Liu Waterfall Trail leads to a roughly 25-meter waterfall - water is plentiful in summer and still flowing in winter. Dense trees and rich negative ions drop the temperature several degrees as you walk the shaded paths, fitting for family wading, hiking, and environmental education. Facilities are complete with easy parking, making it a cool midway stop for travelers heading to Kenting.

Heaven Road in Bai-Sha's Hou-Liao Village was once the old Dong-Gang pier and is now a popular secret seascape photo spot. Fishing boats dock along both sides of the road, and the water shimmers blue-green; morning front-lighting and afternoon back-lighting both capture beautiful shadow play. Only parking is provided on-site, with no lifeguards - it suits photos and seascape viewing, but entering the water is not allowed. Most visitors arrive by scooter or car, with an empty lot by the pier for both scooters and cars.