Qimei Martyrs' Tomb is a historical monument commemorating seven women who reportedly drowned themselves in a well during the Ming dynasty's Jiajing era; the island, once called 'Dayu,' was renamed Qimei in 1949 in their memory, making the tomb the township's most important spiritual landmark.
The legend of the Qimei Martyrs' Tomb is set during the Jiajing era of the Ming dynasty (1522–1566), when seven women reportedly threw themselves into a well to preserve their chastity. The island was originally named 'Dayu' (Big Islet) and was renamed Qimei in 1949 because of this account — a name still in use today.
Highlights of Qimei Martyrs' Tomb
The Qimei Martyrs' Tomb is located in Nangang Village and features a memorial pavilion, a stone stele, and interpretive facilities. The seven fragrant-flower plants on the tomb mound are of the Plumeria genus; the blooming season runs mainly from late spring through summer (approximately April to September), when the flowers give off a delicate fragrance that complements the stele and pavilion to create a quiet commemorative space. The historical account is very old and some details can no longer be fully verified from written records, but as a site of physical memory for the history of Penghu's outer islands, the preservation significance of this place is no less than the literal content of the history it carries.
Qimei Township was originally named 'Xiao Liuqiu Island' and was only renamed Qimei in 1949 because of this historical account. The renaming itself reflects how the islanders identified with and interpreted this history. The inscription on the stele records the events in classical Chinese, and reading it offers a sense of the language of the era. The area around the tomb is tranquil; it is about 5 to 10 minutes by car from Qimei Harbor and is well-suited for a short visit of around 20 to 30 minutes between the Twin-Heart Stone Weir or Dashi Longcheng itinerary.
How to make the most of it
Practical information
Getting there & timing
- Qimei Township requires a ferry to reach; check the Penghu County Government or shipping company's official website for ferry schedules. Departures vary by season; there are more sailings during peak season (June to August).
- On the island, it is recommended to rent an electric bicycle or scooter. The tomb is in Nangang Village, about a 10-minute ride from Qimei Harbor, with ample parking nearby.
Nearby connections
- Qimei Martyrs' Tomb, the Twin-Heart Stone Weir, Little Taiwan Landform, and Dashi Longcheng Scenic Area are all on Qimei Island and can be planned as a full-day island loop; each point is within 15 minutes of the others.
- There are local snack shops near Qimei Harbor where you can have a meal before boarding the ferry back.
Sources: compiled from context facts and Penghu County historical records. Photos pending Dio's on-site photography.
Frequently Asked Questions
During which dynasty is the Qimei Martyrs' Tomb legend set?
It is set during the Ming dynasty's Jiajing era (1522–1566), when the seven women died as pirates invaded the island.
What was Qimei Island originally called?
It was originally named 'Dayu,' renamed Qimei in 1949 because of this historical account.
What do the plants on the tomb symbolize?
Later generations planted seven fragrant-flower plants (plumeria) on the tomb, each representing one of the women, blooming mainly from late spring through summer.
Sources
- 七美人塚－維基百科 — 傳說年代（嘉靖年間）與島名沿革（原名大嶼，1949年更名七美）