Taiwan Food Atlas

Erkan Village

A laogu stone traditional courtyard cluster of the Chen clan — the best-preserved historic settlement in Xiyu
📍 Penghu · Xiyu Township · Erkan Village⛩️ Historic Temple🔖 County-Designated Historic Site · Laogu Stone Courtyard Houses · Open-Air Village Museum

Erkan Village is a traditional settlement dominated by the Chen clan, with the laogu stone vernacular houses well preserved throughout. The Chen family's historic residence is a county-designated historic site. The settlement has been organized as an open-air museum; visitors can walk through the lanes and alleys to directly observe how Qing Dynasty Minnan courtyard house types were adapted to Penghu's environment.

Highlights of Erkan Village

The buildings in Erkan are constructed with laogu stone (coral reef limestone) walls and tiled roofs. The courtyard layout retains the traditional Minnan spatial types of side wings (hulong) and the main hall (zhengting). The settlement is well preserved overall; the lane width and building heights maintain their traditional proportions. Walking through it, you can sense the spatial atmosphere of a Qing Dynasty Penghu fishing village. The Chen family's historic residence is the most intact in the settlement, with a high level of architectural detail and decorative craftsmanship.

Erkan has an open-air village museum with thematic displays in some buildings introducing traditional household objects and the Chen clan's history. People still live in the settlement — it is not a purely exhibition space. Please respect residents' privacy, and do not enter private residences that are not open to the public. Photographing building exteriors is fine; only enter marked open areas when going inside.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Visit

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Look Closely at the Laogu Stone MasonryThe stone wall construction in Erkan is clearly visible. Different bonding patterns reflect different construction periods and functions — compare with the laogu stone buildings in Magong for contrast.
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Walk Every Lane and AlleyThe settlement is compact. Enter along the main lane and then cut through the side alleys — this is the way to experience the spatial layering of the settlement rather than just seeing the two sides of the main path.
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Enter the Open Exhibition SpacesThe museum displays cover traditional life and Chen clan history. The individual themed galleries are small but concrete; reading them with the interpretation panels helps you understand the settlement's culture.
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Respect the ResidentsPeople still live in the settlement. Keep noise down, do not enter spaces marked as private residences, and be friendly in any interaction with residents.

Practical Information

Getting There & Time

  • Located in Erkan Village, Xiyu Township. From Magong City, cross the Penghu Great Bridge and head south — about 40–50 minutes by scooter. Parking is available at the village entrance.
  • The settlement is open all day; museum gallery rooms have their own hours. Plan to arrive by 4 pm at the latest.
  • Allow 1–1.5 hours, including walking the lanes and visiting the exhibitions.

Nearby Connections

  • Daguoye Basalt Columns (Chidong Village) is about 10–15 minutes by scooter — combine both as a Xiyu afternoon pairing of cultural heritage and natural landscape.
  • Xiyu West Fort and Yuwengdao Lighthouse are farther south from Erkan; include them for a full-day Xiyu itinerary.

Sources: Cultural Heritage Bureau, Ministry of Culture (county-designated historic site records); spot context notes. Photos pending Dio's on-site photography.

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