The island of Hujingyu is divided by two mountains, Dongshan and Xishan. The village lies in a flat area between the two mountains. Dongshan is a restricted military area and is closed to the public. After ROC forces withdrew from Xishan, the area was reborn as Hujing Xishan Park.
The most striking sights in Xishan Park are the white marble statues of the Buddhist goddess Guanyin and the Eighteen Arhats, monks who are said to have attained enlightenment. The subjects’ features and the drapery lines of their robes are all vividly rendered. Each monk wears a different expression. The Guanyin statue was too large to be transported to Hujing in one piece, so it was cut into three equal sections and reassembled after it had reached the island!
On your walk through the park, did you notice all the agave thickets along the trail? Drought resistant and highly adaptable, the plant is found all over Penghu. But watch out for the spines––they’re so sharp that agave was once planted along the shoreline as a defense measure!
Hujing is renowned for its centipede wine, cactus juice, and fresh fish soup. The village abounds in plump red-footed centipedes, and centipede wine is said to be an effective treatment for rheumatism and skin diseases. Alas, laws have now placed restrictions on the concoction––people can still make it for personal use but can't sell it. Although that Hujing specialty is no longer available, you can still enjoy cactus juice and fresh fish soup!