Taiwan Food Atlas

Penghu Aquarium

Established by the Penghu National Scenic Area, with displays of local marine life and an interactive touch pool
📍 Penghu · Baisha Township · Qitou Village🎨 Cultural Area🔖 Penghu marine life exhibits · Touch pool · Indoor tourism venue

Penghu Aquarium is a public aquarium established in April 1998 by the Penghu National Scenic Area Administration in Qitou Village, Baisha Township — the largest indoor tourism venue in Penghu County. It displays roughly 152 species and nearly 1,600 specimens of fish, coral, and invertebrates commonly found in Penghu's waters, and includes a touch pool for close encounters with select marine life, making it a popular weather-proof stop for families.

According to Penghu Aquarium's official information and Wikipedia, the aquarium was established by the Penghu National Scenic Area Administration and opened in April 1998; it displays about 152 species and nearly 1,600 specimens of marine life, focused on species from the Taiwan Strait and South China Sea within roughly an 800 km radius of the site.

Highlights of Penghu Aquarium

The aquarium's core exhibition area is themed around the marine ecosystem of Penghu's waters. Large display tanks simulate a coral reef environment, showing the coexistence of various reef fish, coral, and invertebrates. The tanks are arranged based on the actual ecology of Penghu's adjacent waters, making this a good introductory channel for understanding the underwater biodiversity of Penghu — particularly useful for visitors who cannot snorkel or dive. The marine ecology education area provides species explanations and ocean conservation information and is suitable as an environmental education setting for all age groups.

The touch pool area has staff on hand to guide visitors; visitors are allowed to interact with certain low-sensitivity marine creatures — such as sea stars and sea urchins — under supervision. The aquarium has a dining area and souvenir shop, making it one of the few attractions in Penghu that offers complete indoor rest facilities. During peak season (June to August) it is crowded on holidays; a weekday visit or arriving shortly after opening is recommended to avoid the crowds. There is an admission fee; for the latest ticket prices, check the Penghu National Scenic Area Administration's official website.

How to make the most of it

🐟
Linger at the large display tanksThe coral reef simulation tanks are large with many species. It is worth spending 5 to 10 minutes in front of each tank observing the behavior patterns and interactions of the various fish species, rather than just passing through quickly.
🖐️
Touch pool hands-on experienceThe touch pool must be used according to staff instructions — touch gently, do not grab, to protect the animals and your own safety. It is a rare opportunity for children to feel the texture of marine creatures directly.
📚
Cross-reference the education area with the live exhibitsRead the species explanations in the education area first, then find the corresponding creatures in the display tanks. Cross-referencing knowledge with the real thing leads to a better learning outcome.
Rainy-day or northeast monsoon backup planPenghu's autumn and winter northeast monsoon is strong; when outdoor attraction conditions are poor, the aquarium is an excellent indoor alternative — unaffected by the weather and flexible for adjusting your itinerary.

Practical information

Getting there & timing

  • The aquarium is in Qitou Village, Baisha Township, about 30 minutes from Magong city center by scooter. It can be combined with Baisha Township attractions such as the Tongliang Ancient Banyan and the Cross-Sea Bridge into a single day's itinerary.
  • For opening hours and ticket prices, check the Penghu National Scenic Area Administration's official website for the latest information; do not rely on estimated figures from memory.

Nearby connections

  • Qitou Village is the departure point for ferries to Jibei Island; a combined itinerary of morning at the aquarium and afternoon ferry to Jibei is a common starting point for island-hopping in Penghu's northern sea.
  • The Tongliang Ancient Banyan in Baisha Township is about a 10-minute ride from the aquarium; with roots spread like a colonnade and a tree age of over 300 years, it makes for a good combined stop.

Sources: compiled from context facts and official information from the Penghu National Scenic Area Administration. Ticket prices and opening hours are subject to official announcements. Photos pending Dio's on-site photography.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Penghu Aquarium established?

Penghu Aquarium was established by the Penghu National Scenic Area Administration and opened in April 1998.

How many marine species does Penghu Aquarium display?

The aquarium displays about 152 species and nearly 1,600 specimens of marine life common to Penghu's waters.

Where is Penghu Aquarium located?

It is located in Qitou Village, Baisha Township, Penghu County, and is the county's largest indoor tourism venue.

Does Penghu Aquarium have a touch pool?

Yes, it has a touch pool where visitors can interact with low-sensitivity marine creatures like sea stars and sea urchins under staff guidance.

Sources