Tongliang Great Banyan | Penghu Attraction

The Tongliang Great Banyan was planted in 1673 and is over 350 years old. Its aerial roots have spread outward to form a vast canopy covering more than 2,000 square meters — the largest single-tree canopy in Penghu. The banyan stands in the forecourt of Bao'an Temple in Tongliang Village and is the most distinctive natural landmark in Baisha Township, as well as an important gathering place for the local community.

Highlights of Tongliang Great Banyan

The Tongliang Great Banyan is a Bengal fig (Ficus benghalensis). This species continuously sends out aerial roots from its main trunk; once the roots touch the ground they form prop roots, gradually creating a forest-like canopy structure. This particular tree has produced an enormous number of aerial roots, and the prop roots surrounding the main trunk create a space that resembles a grove. It is one of the largest Bengal figs in Taiwan.

The banyan stands adjacent to Bao'an Temple in Tongliang, and the temple forecourt under the enormous canopy forms a distinctive community gathering space. That a banyan has thrived here for over three hundred years in Penghu's strong seasonal winds is remarkable in itself. The space beneath the canopy is spacious and remains a daily gathering spot where villagers come to cool off — a living example of traditional community life.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Visit

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Observe the Aerial Root StructureCircle the tree and observe the aerial roots of varying thickness extending from the main trunk and the process by which they take root in the ground — a direct way to understand how the Bengal fig grows.

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Sense the Scale of the CanopyWalk to the edge of the canopy, then look back toward the main trunk. Only then can you feel the actual scale of 2,000 square meters — far greater than any ordinary street tree.

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Visit Bao'an Temple at the Same TimeBao'an Temple is right next to the banyan. The temple itself preserves the layout of a village worship space; observing the tree and the temple together helps you understand the community's cultural background.

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Avoid Midday HeatPenghu summer sun is intense. Although the canopy provides shade, ground temperatures at noon are still high. Morning or after 3 pm is more comfortable.

Practical Information

Getting There & Time

Located in Tongliang Village, Baisha Township. About 20–30 minutes by scooter from Magong City, heading north along Provincial Highway 20.
Open all day; no admission fee. Visitable year-round; more crowded in summer, quieter on weekdays.
Allow about 20–30 minutes; can be combined with nearby attractions.

Nearby Connections

Tongliang Village is close to the Baisha end of the Penghu Great Bridge; worth stopping at the bridge walkway to look out over the Penghu Inner Sea.
Continue north on Highway 20 or head to Jibei Harbor to take a boat to Jibei Sand Spit (check official schedules for ferry times).

Sources: Spot context notes. Photos pending Dio's on-site photography.

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