As the cross-strait situation became more peaceful, many military camps in Kinmen were gradually decommissioned. These facilities that once witnessed military affairs are being revitalized and repurposed. They have been transformed into tourist attractions and environmental education sites to help drive tourism and expand the use of unique local resources.

Escape Hustle and Bustle of Cities, Explore Ocean Paradise

South Penghu is located at about 70 minutes away from Jiangjun Fishing Harbor in Tainan. Visitors can take a boat ride to enjoy the view of a world-renowned sea cave nearby, known locally as the “Stove Cage.” The columnar basalts along the sea cliffs stretch for hundreds of meters, offering a spectacular view. Dongyuping Island offers an expansive view of terraced rice paddies and a variety of interesting landforms, while the underwater world does not pale in comparison with the Great Barrier Reef in Australia! The waters of Xiyuping Island are home to an extremely high coverage of stunning corals, making the entire land and sea area invaluable to conservation and ecotourism.

Hands-on Environmental Education Experience: Explore Marine National Park

The establishment of the South Penghu Marine National Park symbolizes a new milestone in marine conservation! Every year, the Marine National Park Headquarters invites the public to take a boat ride and experience an itinerary that combines ecotourism and environmental education. Participants will be able to visit the islands in person to experience the unknown culture and history of Penghu, as well as immersing themselves in the basalt islands and the stories told. Even though traditional settlements have declined, it is still possible to catch a glimpse of the prosperous bygone days through the remains of architecture. The whole experience is as if entering a time capsule.

Results of Ecological Trail Project: Precious Heritage of Islands

From 2020 to 2023, the Marine National Park Headquarters and volunteers on handmade trail construction working holidays had completed the Front Mountain Trail in Dongyuping Island, and Bagua Mountain Trail and Donggong Trail in Dongji Island. In 2023, the Headquarters organized environmental education activities centered around handmade trail construction, incorporating culture and stargazing to convey concepts of eco-friendliness, and encourage participants to reflect on the emotional connection between people and nature.

Furthermore, the Marine National Park Headquarters has published a number of books, including Re-create the Sequestered, Songs of Island, and Birds of South Penghu Marine National Park. It has also conducted on-site investigations of geological landscapes, history and culture, and marine ecology. Furthermore, a series of exhibitions on achievements of conservation research to be held at the Headquarters office located in Nanzih District, Kaohsiung are in the pipeline.

Stories on land development and utilization spanning over two centuries will be narrated through text, images, and films based on research and studies accumulated over the years. Guided tours by experts have been arranged to attract visitors of all ages to participate in the learning experience. Such tours serve to convey concepts of national park conservation so that everyone can join in the protection of oceans.