Penghu Cross-Sea Bridge

Penghu Cross-Sea Bridge

The Penghu Cross-Sea Bridge is located in Penghu County, Taiwan, connecting the two major islands of Baisha and Xiyu. It is one of the main transportation routes in the Penghu Archipelago. From afar, the bridge resembles a long rainbow soaring across the sky, dominating the Taiwan Strait. Not only does it ensure smooth traffic flow in the region, but it also holds great tourist appeal, attracting many visitors every year who come specifically to see it.

Before the construction of the cross-sea bridge, the only way to travel between the islands of Baisha and Xiyu was by boat through the Houmen Channel. However, the currents in the channel were extremely strong, flowing at speeds of over three meters per second under normal conditions, and becoming even more dangerous during the strong winds of winter. After years of surveying, the government began constructing the bridge in 1965, and it was completed and officially opened to traffic in 1970. Since then, residents of the two islands have been able to travel between them and to the main island of Penghu via land instead of the previously perilous sea route.

Over the years, the original bridge suffered from erosion caused by tides and sea winds, and increasing traffic volume gradually made it unserviceable. Reconstruction began in 1983, and the project was completed in 1996. The newly rebuilt bridge is 2,494 meters long and 13 meters wide, with a dual-lane roadway that is 9.5 meters wide and pedestrian walkways that are 3.5 meters wide. It is one of the largest deep-sea bridges in East Asia.

Penghu Cross-Sea Bridge

Must-visit reason: One of the largest deep-sea bridges in East Asia