In order to promote the Shigandang (carved rock guardians) culture, the Penghu National Scenic Area Administration has organized the “Rock Solid Winter Tour Experience” which shall be provided in Penghu between January 1st 2015 and March 31st 2015. The event will encourage more tourists to take their time when visiting Penghu to discover the mythical guardians of our villages, neighborhoods, streets, and alleys as well as the legendary folklore and stories behind them. This unique experience will let people discover that a winter tour of Penghu offers rock solid fun.
Director, Zhang Long-Cheng expressed that Shigandang (carved rock guardians) are mainly used to ward off evil, suppress cold winds, evade malevolent spirits, and ensure the peace of the neighborhood and health of the residents. They are often placed at the entrances of villages, ventilations, the coast, bridges, road intersections, and even doorways. Penghu is surrounded by ocean on all sides and is subject to strong winds and large waves during winter. The culture of Shigandang arose to ensure the safety of the villages and the surrounding areas during this time. The Penghu region has the highest number of Shigandang in the whole of Taiwan, and Penghu Shigandang comes in different shapes and forms. Such variety was a result of cultural interaction between the natural environment and the history of immigration in the region. Shigandang not only symbolizes the daily faith of the Penghu people, it is also Penghu's unique cultural feature. The purpose of having visitors explore Penghu to find various Shigandang is to provide a unique definition that goes beyond the traditional history of Shigandang and to create a new form of in-depth hands-on local tourism. Visitors will gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the Penghu lifestyle as well as the intertwining history and culture of Shigandang guardians.
To market the event and improve the interactivity of the program, this “Rock Solid Winter Tour Experience” event has specifically released a brochure that visitors could use to collect stamps to exchange for various souvenirs. Any visitor arriving at Penghu between January 1st and March 31st 2015 can use their arrival air ticket stub (or ship ticket) to receive an Event Brochure and Shigandang Collector's Card from either the Penghu Airport Visitor Center or this Administration's Penghu Visitor Center. Visitors who successfully fill their card with 4 or more Shigandang (rock guardian) stamps will be able to exchange the card for one limited edition mug. A total of 3000 mugs are available, and the event will continue while they last. Additionally, those who collect 6 stamps can participate in a lucky-draw activity to stand a chance in winning a OH! BEAR USB thumb drive (a total of 100 items are available). Additionally, those who take pictures with 2 or more Shigandang and upload it to this Administration's Chrysanthemum Island Fans Club will be given a pack of poker cards from this Administration.