“The Pearl Scattered in the Taiwan Strait” Zhang Longcheng: Welcome to Penghu for Love

Zhang Longcheng stated that in July, tourist numbers had grown by 8%, with expectations that the summer peak season would see an overall increase of 10% compared to the previous year. However, the air crash on July 23 caused an abrupt 25% drop in visitors in August — at least 40,000 fewer travelers than the same month last year, resulting in an overall decline of 13%.Zhang Longcheng said: “Although the air crash did impact Penghu’s tourism market, it was a single accident. Travelers are generally aware of flight safety, and I believe they will return to Penghu soon.”Starting October 1, the Penghu County Government, in collaboration with the Penghu National Scenic Area Administration and TransAsia Airways, plans to distribute NT$7.5 million in tourism consumption vouchers — NT$100 per voucher, with each traveler eligible for NT$500 — in a joint effort to revive the shrinking tourist numbers during the peak season.

As Penghu gradually recovers from the tragedy, it also quietly enters what is generally considered the traditional low season for tourism. Zhang Longcheng noted that during autumn and winter, the scenic area administration plans to promote in-depth, themed travel experiences. Examples include the recently concluded “Penghu International Ocean & Beach Sports Carnival,” the “Penghu Marathon” and “Bicycle Secrets” series in November — where visitors can cycle to watch sunrises and sunsets — and the highlight event of winter: the “Quest for the Love Stone God.” All aim to offer visitors a “different side of Penghu.”

 
▲ The beautiful Penghu Archipelago always gives off a romantic vibe perfect for love. (Left image / Provided by Penghu National Scenic Area Administration; Right image / Photo by Reporter Chen Ming-jen)


 
▲ Zhang Longcheng also recommends visitors explore Penghu by bicycle. The biking routes planned by the scenic area administration take riders through countryside paths and scenic beach trails. (Photo / Reporter Chen Ming-jen)

Zhang Longcheng emphasized that many travelers only think of Penghu during summer, but through autumn and winter tourism planning, the goal is to shift public perception — starting with niche and themed travel. For example, since October, the scenic area administration has launched the “Authentic Winter in Huxi: Explore Ancient Houses in the North, Feel the Waves in the South” one-day tour, promoting the increasingly popular “Parting of the Red Sea” S-shaped trail between Qibi Mountain and Chi Islet, as well as ox-cart rides in Nanliao. Visitors can also bake sweet potatoes in local homes, experience cow dung pits, play with traditional stone mills, and more. Zhang said: “Summer isn’t the only time to visit. We hope you can gain a deeper understanding of Penghu and truly fall in love with its charm and warmth!”

Earlier this year, Penghu launched the “Lovers’ Secret Route,” connecting the North and South Towers in Suogang, the Qibi Mountain wave-walking trail, the romantic Lover’s Bridge, and the nation’s oldest Tianhou Temple, forming a heart-shaped island loop. This helped boost off-season tourist numbers by 5%. Zhang Longcheng estimates that from this year to early next year, there could be another increase of over 5%. The upcoming “Quest for the Love Stone God” promises highlights — details are being kept under wraps for now, but he hopes visitors will stay tuned to Penghu, as special travel routes will be offered later.


▲ In-depth tourism will be a key direction for Penghu’s future development in tourism. (Photo / Provided by Penghu National Scenic Area Administration)