Slow Travel on Jiangjun Islet, Wang’an, Penghu | Step into Jiangjun Temple, Island Faith, and the Everyday Rhythm of Island 77
- leisure time
- Apr 18
- 5 min read
Some places do not impress you the moment you arrive. Instead, after you stay a little longer, your heart gradually becomes quiet.
Jiangjun Islet is exactly that kind of place.
As you approach by sea, the first things you notice are the clear blue water, the low shoreline, and a kind of stillness that feels very different from the main island. There is little of the usual tourist bustle here, and even time seems to slow down. The wind moves in steadily from the sea, the village rests calmly on the island, and relaxed cats wander in and out of the shade. It is the kind of place that stays with you.
Jiangjun Islet lies in the southern waters of Wang’an, Penghu. It is not a large island, but it has a rhythm entirely its own. The settlement, the coastline, the temples, even the small grocery shops of daily life, do not feel like separate attractions. They are simply part of the island’s everyday fabric. Walking here does not feel like sightseeing so much as briefly stepping into another way of living—something quieter, simpler, and deeply at ease.
To me, the most captivating part of Jiangjun Islet is its temples.
Jiangjun Temple stands quietly on the island, ornate yet never ostentatious. Only when you draw closer do you realize that its true charm does not lie in grandeur, but in detail. The eaves, the coffered ceiling, the carvings, the colors—every corner has been crafted with remarkable care. When you look up, you notice that the ceiling is not filled with the usual auspicious motifs, but with seafood familiar to the people of Penghu. Shrimp, crabs, and fish are placed within the temple like blessings, and like wishes.
There is something deeply moving about that.
Because then you understand that, for the people of the island, faith has never been something distant. It is tied to the sea, to a life shaped by fishing, and to the hope of returning safely each day and bringing home a good catch. Those images of the sea painted on the ceiling are, in many ways, the most honest prayer this island holds.
And the beauty of Jiangjun Islet does not end at the temple.
The air on the island feels light, the roads are quiet, and the sea is always close by. It is not an empty kind of silence, but one that gently allows you to relax. Here, there is no real need to plan too much. Walking, watching the sea, sitting still for a while—all of it feels natural. Your body slows down first, and then your mind follows.
Interestingly, even the island’s small grocery shop holds details that make you stop and look. A beautiful sea fan hangs on the wall, and somehow it fits perfectly within the island’s marine atmosphere. It is more than decoration; it feels like a quiet reminder. Jiangjun Islet was once closely connected to the history of Penghu’s agate and red coral industries, and the island’s relationship with the sea has never been merely scenic. It has always been something woven deeply into everyday life and collective memory.
To experience Jiangjun Islet more deeply, it is not enough to simply wander through the village. You can also follow Island 77 and come to know these waters in a different way.
At Jiangjun Harbor, Island 77 offers more than just accommodation. Its services include scuba diving, introductory diving experiences, stand-up paddleboarding, day trips to the Southern Four Islands, private boat charters, and beach barbecues. Rather than feeling like a standard packaged itinerary, it offers a more gradual way of drawing closer to Jiangjun Islet. Spend the day out at sea, taking in the clear, transparent blue of Penghu’s southern waters; then return to the island and wander through its temples and village lanes, noticing the finer details. It is a rhythm that feels natural here, and one that suits Jiangjun Islet perfectly.
Jiangjun Islet is not the kind of place you rush through just to check off a list of sights.
It is better experienced with a little time to spare—to look up at the ceiling of a temple, to remember the way the sea breeze moves along the shore, and to understand why a sea fan hanging on the wall of a small grocery shop can feel more evocative than many carefully curated decorations. What makes this island so memorable is not excitement or crowds, but the quiet way it has preserved island life, local faith, and an everyday sense of beauty.
If the kind of travel you love is not only about taking photos and ticking off destinations, but about truly stepping into the texture of a place, then Jiangjun Islet is well worth the journey. From the intricate craftsmanship of Jiangjun Temple to the sea-based experiences offered by Island 77, what stays with you here is not only the scenery, but also a sense of calm that feels increasingly rare.
Travel Information | Island 77 Reservations and Ferry Service from Magong to Wang’an
If you would like to experience Jiangjun Islet more fully, you can do more than stroll through the village, visit the temples, and settle into the island’s quiet rhythm—you can also plan time on the water in advance. Located at Jiangjun Harbor, Island 77 currently offers accommodation along with a range of experience-based services, including scuba diving, introductory diving, SUP, day tours to the Southern Four Islands, customized boat charters, and beach barbecues. It is an ideal way to combine a cultural walk through Jiangjun Islet with time spent out on the sea, all within the same trip.
Travelers can make reservations and inquiries directly through the official website.
For bookings and assistance, please contact +886-6-990-2303.
Address: No. 111-1, Jiangjun’ao, Wang’an Township, Penghu County, Taiwan.
在交通安排上，從馬公前往望安，目前可參考澎湖縣政府公共車船管理處公告的南海交通船資訊。
South Visitor Center
South Sea Tourist Pier Waiting RoomNo. 100, Xinying Road, Magong City
For ferry tickets in Magong, please contact +886-6-921-3822 ext. 102 or 103.
The Wang’an ticket office is located inside the FamilyMart Wang’an Store, and the contact number is +886-6-999-1486.
According to the most recent ferry schedule announced by the Penghu County Government, the regular ferry from Magong to Wang’an commonly departs at 9:30 AM and arrives in Wang’an at approximately 10:20 AM.
The return ferry from Wang’an to Magong commonly departs at 2:30 PM and arrives in Magong at around 3:20 PM.
That said, ferry services to the outlying islands may still change depending on sea conditions, wind, and monthly schedule adjustments, so it is best to check the official ferry page for the latest timetable before departure.
During peak travel seasons, special event days, or other busy periods on the South Sea route, tickets often sell out quickly. It is recommended to reserve ferry tickets in advance and arrange your accommodation and island activities early as well. That way, once you arrive at Jiangjun Islet, you can slow down and enjoy the journey without rushing between transfers or missing the island’s quieter, more memorable details.
Visitor Reminder | A Small Gesture of Respect When Visiting Temples
When visiting temples on Jiangjun Islet, it helps to keep a few simple things in mind:
Keep your voice low and avoid loud or playful behavior.
Be respectful of local worshippers and avoid disturbing or photographing them at close range.
Before taking photos, observe whether there are any areas where photography may not be appropriate.
Dress neatly and appropriately, avoiding anything overly casual.
If you would like to offer incense or pray, it is best to first ask about local customs and the proper flow of worship.
A temple is not only a beautiful place to visit during your journey, but also an important part of local faith and everyday life. A little more understanding and respect can make the experience more meaningful, and the journey itself more graceful.
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