Four-eyedwell

In the heart of the oldest quarter of Magong lies a remarkable monument to the engineering of the past — the Four-Eyed Well. This unique historical site, located on the Taiwan archipelago, is a deep stone shaft covered by a massive slab with four circular openings. The well earned its unusual name from these "eyes," which allowed locals to draw water simultaneously from different sides.

Four-Eyed Well. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

It is considered one of the oldest water sources in the region and holds the status of a Class 3 Historical Monument. The well is approximately 5.6 meters deep. Its design was not only practical for the needs of a busy market but also safe: the narrow openings protected people from accidentally falling into the water.

Today, this site has become an important cultural landmark surrounded by traditional architecture. The Four-Eyed Well is not just an ancient reservoir, but a living testament to how ingenuity helped people manage daily life in a coastal environment where clean fresh water was always worth its weight in gold.

For more information before your visit, you can use the official contact details of the tourism administration.

The main reason tourists visit is the chance to touch a piece of living history. You can examine the unique stone slab with its four openings, study the ancient masonry, and take atmospheric photos against the backdrop of traditional buildings. The well is located on the famous Zhongyang Old Street, where a walk feels like a small journey through time among carved wooden facades and red lanterns.

A visit to the well pairs perfectly with exploring other iconic sites. Very close by is the Tianhou Temple — the oldest Mazu temple in Taiwan, which impresses with its coral walls and intricate carvings. Also within walking distance are the ancient Shuncheng Gate and Chenghuang Temple, forming a complete sightseeing route through the old city.

In the evening, life around the well doesn't slow down. You can stop by cozy cafes or head to the nearby night markets to try local delicacies: famous oyster omelets, the freshest seafood, or grilled squid. Since the site is accessible around the clock, it can be visited during a morning walk or as part of an evening promenade under the glow of lanterns.

Finding this attraction is easy: it is located at No. 40, Zhongyang St, in the very heart of the city's historical district. If you are already in the center, the easiest way to reach the well is on foot or by rented scooter — the most popular way to get around the Penghu Islands.

For those arriving from other regions via Magong Airport (MZG), a taxi or bus ride will take about 10–15 minutes. From the city's main port and pier, a walk through the picturesque narrow streets to the well takes between 10 and 20 minutes.

Travelers from Taipei usually choose a domestic flight (about 1 hour), then take bus No. 1 or a taxi to the central district. For easy navigation, you can use the direct link to Google Maps.

Although the exact date of the well's creation remains a mystery, historians believe it was dug during the Yuan or Ming Dynasties (between the 14th and 17th centuries). This makes it one of the oldest surviving hydraulic engineering structures on the archipelago. In those times, fresh water was a rare and precious resource, so creating such a deep and reliable source was vital for the settlement's development.

The well's design—a stone cavity 5.6 meters deep—reflects the engineering ingenuity of ancient craftsmen. The use of a massive stone slab with holes not only allowed several people to draw water simultaneously but also served as a safety measure, preventing children from falling into the deep shaft.

Over the centuries, the well has been a centerpiece for the residents of Zhongyang Street, which developed as an important maritime trade hub. During the Qing Dynasty, the site was already mentioned as a significant engineering monument. Today, it is officially recognized as a Class 3 Historical Site, serving as a reminder of the importance of fresh water in island life in centuries past.

If your goal is only to see the well itself and take a few photos, 30–60 minutes will be sufficient. The site is compact, and information plaques allow you to quickly learn about its history.

However, we recommend setting aside 2–3 hours for this area. This will allow you to stroll leisurely along the adjacent Zhongyang Old Street, browse the souvenir shops, visit the nearby ancient temples, and fully experience the authentic atmosphere of Magong's historic center.

One of the best things about this attraction is its accessibility. The Four-Eyed Well is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

You can visit at any time that suits you — whether it's early morning, when the old streets are still empty, or late evening, when the historic quarter is filled with the soft glow of lights. There are no scheduled breaks or days off.

The area surrounding the well is steeped in history, and exploring nearby locations will help you dive deeper into the atmosphere of the old port. A walk through the narrow alleys will reveal ancient temples and old city fortifications.