Why is this expansive tract of grassland called Niumuping, or in English “cow prairie”? Look in the direction of the ocean and you’ll find out! It’s because there’s a big rock shaped like a cow floating on the surface, so they called the grassy area atop the cliff “Cow Prairie.” The presence of slump structures in this place, indicate that the lava layers may have been deposited by volcanic eruptions in different periods. Thus, it’s speculated that Niumuping may be an ancient volcano crater, one of nine in the Penghu islands.
The trail down from Niumuping takes you to Niumuping Bay. The gravel beach is a mix of basalt, sand, and coral; there’s no other like it in Taiwan. You can swim, snorkel, dig for wild oysters, and go fishing in the bay. But beware: the seabed here is a coral reef, so your hook might get caught on the reef before you hook a fish!
Besides being a good place for grazing cattle, Niumuping is also an excellent spot for camping. You can feel the vastness of the sky and the grassland and enjoy the green grass and blue sea. What better way to spend a holiday?