Qimei Martyrs' Tomb | Penghu Attraction

The Qimei Martyrs' Tomb commemorates a somber chapter of history: according to tradition, during the Jiajing reign of the Ming dynasty, Japanese pirates invaded the island and seven women collectively threw themselves into the same well to preserve their virtue. Later generations planted seven fragrant-flower plants on the tomb mound — each representing one of the women — and erected a stele and pavilion in their memory. In 1949, the island of Xiao Liuqiu was officially renamed Qimei Island, and the island's very name derives from this historical account. The tomb is the spiritual landmark of Qimei Township and one of the most significant examples of historical preservation in Penghu.

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

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Read the stele inscription to understand the contextThe stone stele on site records the full account; read it alongside the interpretive signs to understand the background of the event. This gives a much deeper appreciation of the historical weight behind the name 'Qimei' than simply taking photos.

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Fragrant-flower blooming season (April–September)The seven fragrant-flower plants on the tomb bloom from April to September. White or pale-yellow flowers open and carry a gentle fragrance in the air — the most complete sensory experience of a visit.

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Maintain a respectful demeanorThe tomb is the final resting place of the martyrs. When visiting, speak quietly; do not make noise or joke around. Do not climb on the tomb mound or move any items on site.

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Connect with the story behind the place nameBeyond taking commemorative photos, consider looking up the history of the renaming of Qimei Island to understand how a place name can carry collective memory — this is the unique human depth of this site.

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.

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