Travelogue of Xiyu Township, Penghu: A Poetic Battlefield Under the Azure Sky

When people think of Penghu, they often picture its white sandy beaches and the dazzling night skies of the Fireworks Festival. But for me, Xiyu Township in Penghu is the true embodiment of history, nature, and the majestic solitude of the island. This time, I ventured to the farthest edge of Xiyu, standing at the intersection of clear skies and the vast ocean, embarking on an island journey far removed from the hustle and bustle. From the hillside overlooking Xiyu's village, I saw a settlement tightly nestled against the mountain, with overlapping rooftops resembling layers of gray-white coral deposited between the mountains and the sea. Backed by green hills and facing the harbor, fishing boats were neatly moored, seemingly waiting for the next tide to set sail. The sea breeze swept through, clouds billowed, and the entire village appeared pure and serene under the blue sky. Further afield stood Xiyu's most iconic military relic. I arrived at the old artillery site of Xitai, where two long-barreled cement gun emplacements stood like the claws of a giant beast embedded in the ground, silently gazing out to sea. The gun barrels, long rusted and silent, still exuded an undeniable aura of intimidation against the backdrop of history and geography. Nearby, a recently constructed observation platform allowed visitors to walk slowly along elevated wooden paths, with wild grass wetlands beneath their feet and a vast horizon of sea and sky in the distance. Standing at the end of the platform, gazing out at Damao and Xiaomao Islets and the southern sea of Penghu, I felt a sense of awe at the vastness. The sky was clear and cloudless, the water was vividly blue and deep, and this place was not just a tourist spot but a spiritual landmark at the edge of the nation. Even though the guns have long fallen silent, this land still remembers the sounds of wind, cannon fire, and the resilient footsteps of islanders throughout history. Sunlight poured down, the shadow of the artillery reflected in the puddles, and the surrounding grass swayed as if nature was slowly reclaiming the remnants of war. What remains is a peaceful landscape co-written by the island and its people. This place is not bustling, yet it moves you; it is not flashy, yet it possesses a profound beauty. Xiyu is not just the western part of Penghu but a place where past history and present peace meet. If you are willing to slow down and leave the lively city center of the main island, take a trip to Xiyu. The wind there will tell you about the steadfastness of the sea; the artillery and the sky will take you through time to witness the deepest soul of an island.