If you’ve ever been gently guided back on track after losing your way in Penghu, been offered a complimentary bowl of hot soup at a local eatery, or been invited to sit and chat at the corner of an old street, then you have already experienced the everyday warmth of one of the “most welcoming cities on earth.” International accommodation platform Booking.com recently announced its 2026 Traveller Review Awards, with Magong City in Penghu County named among the “Most Welcoming Cities on Earth” in recognition of its genuine and gracious hospitality, a distinction that has garnered strong affirmation from international travelers.
According to the Penghu National Scenic Area Headquarters (Penghu NSA Headquarters), this recognition is not the result of a single landmark or large-scale event. Rather, it reflects the overall experience accumulated throughout a traveler’s journey, from accommodation and dining to everyday street interactions. Strolling through the streets of Magong, from Zhongyang Old Street and Tianhou Temple to the everyday scenes along the fishing harbor, visitors encounter more than island scenery. They are welcomed by warm, unpretentious smiles that leave a lasting impression. It is this genuine human warmth that turns an ordinary journey into one of the most memorable experiences of traveling in Penghu.
With the Lunar New Year approaching next week, the Penghu NSA Headquarters has in recent years continued to promote its “Artisan-Guided Journeys” model of in-depth travel. Local craftspeople and storytellers who know their hometown intimately lead visitors into Penghu’s historic settlements, inviting them to experience the unhurried rhythm of island life. In Erkan Village on Xiyu, visitors can listen as guides recount stories woven through stone walls and generations of family memory. In Huazhai Village on Wangan, they can walk alongside coral-stone walls and immerse themselves in the tranquility and authenticity of an outlying island settlement. In Nanliao of Huxi, they can follow community residents in experiencing rural life and traditional handicrafts, rediscovering that Penghu is not defined by the sea alone, but also by its gentle and grounded everyday landscapes.
It is not only the Lunar New Year that draws visitors. The Lantern Festival that follows is even more vibrant. Right after the Spring Festival, Penghu enters one of its most iconic seasons. During the Lantern Festival period, the islands transform into a lively region that never seems to sleep. The Penghu NSA Headquarters particularly recommends experiencing the centuries-old Turtle Begging (Khit-ku) tradition, which a ritual of seeking turtle-shaped offerings for blessings. In earlier times, when residents relied on the sea for their livelihood, they prayed to the gods for turtle-shaped offerings symbolizing peace and good fortune, seeking safe voyages, abundant catches, and prosperous households. Equally exhilarating is the “Electronic Music Palanquin Parade,” which blends traditional religious processions with modern lighting and sound technology. Amid the rhythm of drums and glowing lights, it showcases the islanders’ passion and vitality, becoming one of Penghu’s most unmissable winter cultural spectacles.
By the shore, Penghu’s stories are even more closely intertwined with nature. Through guided visits to traditional stone fish weirs led by local elders, visitors step onto the intertidal flats and learn how residents a century ago worked with the tides, living in harmony with nature and using ingenuity to harvest the sea. These seemingly simple ways of life carry Penghu’s treasured maritime heritage and have become some of the most unforgettable immersive experiences for today’s travelers.
The Penghu NSA Headquarters also emphasizes that Penghu’s charm is not confined to a single season. Instead, it reveals a different character throughout the year.
In spring, visitors can take boat tours to observe terns or join professional cycling guides to explore hidden corners of old settlements and everyday local culture, sensing the island awakening from winter.
In summer, alongside the lively Penghu International Fireworks Festival, it is the perfect time for wading among fish weirs, exploring intertidal ecosystems and coral restoration sites, or enjoying water activities such as snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), and kayaking.
In autumn, travelers can cycle across islands in the sea breeze or participate in the Gaillardia Islands Penghu Cross-sea Marathon, discovering the dramatic beauty of basalt landscapes. In the evening, under gentle ocean winds, they can enjoy performances at the Penghu Music Festival and the Penghu Bay Rhapsody, immersing themselves in the romance of island nights.
In winter, visitors can explore historic courtyard houses and ancient temples, taking part in Penghu’s most representative seasonal folk traditions. In Baisha, communal banquets known as “Returning to One’s Mother’s Home” gatherings invite travelers to sit down together and share dishes. Amid the sound of drums and laughter, they can experience the most genuine and heartfelt holiday atmosphere of Penghu. For travelers, visiting Penghu in winter not only means avoiding the crowds, but also stepping into authentic local life and experiencing the distinctive warmth of this island community. To enhance travel convenience, the Penghu NSA Headquarters plans to complete the rollout of a mobile travel service PWA system later this year. With just a smartphone, visitors will be able to access multilingual information on transportation, attractions, and itineraries. Travelers are also encouraged to make use of the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Penghu Airport Express Route for easy transfers between Penghu Airport and various stops in downtown Magong, as well as the Magong North Ring Route, Huxi Route, and Pengnan Route leisure shuttle services. These routes provide convenient access to settlements such as Erkan and Nanliao, allowing visitors to explore Penghu comfortably without the need to drive.
Travelers are reminded that for a safe and enjoyable trip, they should prioritize booking legally registered hotels and guesthouses when planning their itineraries to ensure accommodation safety and service quality. Looking ahead, the Penghu NSA Headquarters will continue to enhance the travel environment through expanded multilingual services and digital tools, inviting visitors from Taiwan and abroad to experience Penghu throughout the year and discover the genuine warmth and hospitality that define this “Most Welcoming City on Earth.”