With an investment of NT$67.81 million, the Penghu Siyu West Fort Visitor Center is now open

▲ The Penghu Siyu West Fort Visitor Center, with an investment of NT$6.781 million, is now officially open. (Photo / Provided by the Penghu National Scenic Area Administration)

Reported by Chen Tzu-yin / Compiled by staff

Yesterday (Oct. 10) morning, the Penghu National Scenic Area Administration announced the official opening of the Siyu West Fort Visitor Center. In addition to a ribbon-cutting ceremony, activities such as tug-of-war and rubber duck catching were held, inviting the public to participate and creating a lively atmosphere.

▲ The opening blessing ceremony at the event. (Photo / Provided by the Penghu National Scenic Area Administration)

The Penghu Administration has comprehensively planned the former site of the old shop, ticket office, public toilets, square, and parking facilities at the entrance of Siyu West Fort. According to the administration, the construction of the Siyu West Fort Visitor Center took two years, with a budget of approximately NT$67.81 million. The visitor center is divided into a service area and an exhibition area. It provides maps for sightseeing spots in the overall Siyu leisure system, displays introducing the internal architectural structure of the Siyu West Fort battery, brief introductions to the historical stories of the four major battles in Penghu, as well as exhibits showcasing famous military relics in Siyu Township, local festivals, specialties, basalt geology, and photos of recreational areas. There is also a shop, relevant tourism brochures, and professional consultation and interpretation services.

The Penghu Administration stated that the Siyu West Fort is located on the outer W Dangdiang of Siyu Township, Penghu County. It was constructed during the Qing Dynasty, specifically in the 21st year of the Guangxu reign (1886), as one of the four coastal defense batteries built by Wu Hongluo, the then Penghu Commander. In terms of military significance, it controls the inner sea entrances of Siyu, Tongpan Islet, and Hujing Islet, guards the western side of Penghu’s exit to the sea, and forms a crossfire network with the Jinlongtou Battery, making it a critical coastal defense site. Due to its high preservation value, it has been designated as a statutory cultural asset and a national historic site, further highlighting its value for war tourism culture. With the opening of the Siyu West Fort Visitor Center, it is hoped that it will help boost the tourism revenue of Siyu Township.