Magong history

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of Magong (formerly known as Makung) is rooted deep in the past, making it one of the oldest settlements in the region. The city emerged long before the active development of the island of Taiwan itself.

• Name Origin: The city's name comes from the ancient Tianhou Temple, dedicated to the sea goddess Mazu. Initially, the settlement was called "Magong-ao", which translates as "Bay of the Palace of Mazu".
• Time of Foundation: The formation of the settlement around the temple began in the late 16th — early 17th century, during the Ming Dynasty era. The Tianhou Temple itself is officially recognised as the oldest on Taiwan and the Penghu Islands.

Key Factors of Development

The transformation of a small settlement into an important urban centre was driven by several strategic reasons:

• Geographical Location: Magong is situated in a natural harbour of the Penghu archipelago. This location served as an ideal stopover for ships crossing the turbulent Taiwan Strait between the mainland and the island of Taiwan.
• Strategic Outpost: The convenient bay quickly attracted the attention of the military and officials. The city became an administrative and defensive centre, controlling maritime routes in the region.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

Life in early Magong was inextricably linked to the sea, which defined its cultural and economic structure.

• Economy: The basis of prosperity was fishing and maritime trade. The city functioned as an important logistics hub where sailors replenished supplies and waited out bad weather.
• Spiritual Life: The veneration of the goddess Mazu became the core of social life. The temple was not merely a religious structure but also a centre around which residential quarters and trading shops expanded.

Major Milestones in the History of Magong

The city's history is inextricably linked with the development of the Penghu archipelago, which has served as an important transit point in the Taiwan Strait for centuries. Below is a chronology of key events that formed the modern appearance of Magong.

• 1281: The Yuan Dynasty establishes an inspection agency on the islands, which is considered the beginning of the region's official administrative history.
• 1592: The Tianhou Temple, dedicated to the sea goddess Mazu, is founded and is recognised as the oldest temple in the territory of Taiwan.
• 1604: Dutch Admiral Wybrand van Warwijck lands in the harbour, marking one of the first documented contacts with Europeans.
• 1684: The archipelago officially becomes part of the Qing Empire, and the settlement strengthens its status as an administrative centre.
• 1885: During the Sino-French War, French troops temporarily occupy Magong, using it as a strategic base.
• 1887: Governor Liu Mingchuan initiates the construction of a city wall for protection against external threats; fragments of it (Shuncheng Gate) have survived to this day.
• 1895: As a result of the Treaty of Shimonoseki, the islands pass under Japanese administration, and infrastructure modernisation begins in the city.
• 1920: The Japanese administration implements a reform, officially establishing the name Magong (Mako) and the status of a town.
• 1945: After the end of the Second World War, control over the city and the archipelago passes to the government of the Republic of China.
• 1981: Magong receives the status of a county-administered city, becoming the official capital of Penghu County.
• 1991: The expansion of Magong Airport is completed, significantly increasing the flow of tourists to the islands.
• 2002: A large-scale reconstruction of the historic Zhongyang Street takes place, turning it into a popular cultural attraction.

Stages of the City's Formation and Development

Magong's development progressed from a small fishing harbour to the administrative and tourist centre of the Penghu archipelago. Each era left its mark on the city's layout and economy.

• Construction of the Tianhou Temple as a City-Forming Centre. Since its foundation in the 16th century, the temple served not only as a religious shrine but also as a centre of public life. It was around the temple that the first trading quarters and residential buildings began to form, defining the chaotic yet cosy layout of the old city.
• Construction of Fortress Walls (Late 19th Century). The erection of city fortifications and gates (including the preserved Shuncheng Gate) officially consolidated the settlement's status as a strategically important administrative point, ensuring safety for population growth and trade.
• Modernisation of the Port and Infrastructure (Early 20th Century). During the period of Japanese administration, the city received an impulse towards industrialisation: the harbour was expanded to accommodate large vessels, water supply and electrical networks were laid, and a regular street layout was introduced, which formed the basis of the modern city map.
• Obtaining City Status (1981). The transformation from a town to a county-administered city (the capital of Penghu County) allowed for centralised management of the archipelago, attracting state investments in the social sphere and improving the quality of the urban environment.
• Transport Integration and Airport Expansion. The reconstruction of the airport and the maritime terminal turned the isolated island city into an accessible resort. This event became a catalyst for reorienting the economy from traditional fishing to the service and hospitality sector.
• Revitalisation of the Historical Quarter (Zhongyang Street). The project to restore the city's oldest street in the 2000s helped preserve unique coral stone architecture and created a main attraction point for cultural tourism, revitalising small businesses in the centre of Magong.

Architectural Appearance and Urban Planning

Magong's architecture represents a unique fusion reflecting the history of the colonisation of the Pescadores (Penghu). Due to strong monsoon winds and a scarcity of timber, a distinctive island style formed here, which was later complemented by elements of military fortification, Japanese colonial architecture, and modern functionalism.

Traditional Architecture and the Qing Era (17th–19th Centuries)

Early development formed spontaneously around the harbour and temples. The main feature of this period was the use of local materials, particularly coral stone (laogushi) and basalt, for protection against the harsh climate.

• Southern Min Style: Characteristic of temple architecture and the oldest residential quarters. The brightest example is the Tianhou Temple — the oldest temple in Taiwan. It is distinguished by exquisite wood carving, stone bas-reliefs, and curved "swallowtail" roofs.
• Vernacular Architecture: On the historic Zhongyang (Central Street), traditional shophouses have been preserved. They are distinguished by low facades, narrow doors, and massive walls made of coral limestone designed to withstand salty winds.
• Military Architecture: In the late 19th century, city walls were erected for protection against external threats. The Shuncheng Gate (Small West Gate) has survived to this day — a specimen of Qing Dynasty fortification art made of stone and brick.

Japanese Colonial Period (1895–1945)

During this time, planned urbanisation began in Magong: a regular grid of streets was introduced, utilities were laid, and administrative buildings were constructed in a mixed style.

• Eclecticism and the "Imperial Crown" Style: Japanese architects combined Western structural solutions with Eastern decorative elements. A landmark building is the Former Penghu Prefecture Administration (now Penghu Reclamation Hall). Built in the 1930s, the building stands out with its Japanese-style tiled roof atop a European facade with arched windows.
• Infrastructure Facilities: During this period, post office buildings, police headquarters, and customs offices were built, many of which combined brickwork with elements of Baroque or Modernism of that time.

Modern Stage (Since 1945)

Post-war development of the city was characterised by a utilitarian approach, the use of reinforced concrete, and the expansion of city limits beyond the historical walls. In recent decades, the focus has shifted to creating tourism infrastructure and revitalising heritage.

• Functionalism and Postmodernism: Most residential and commercial buildings from the second half of the 20th century are built in a concise style. Modern public buildings, such as the Penghu Living Museum, often use motifs of local natural features in their design, for example, the shapes of basalt columns.
• Landscape Architecture: An important element of the urban landscape is the Xiying Rainbow Bridge in Guanyinting Park. This steel structure has become a symbol of modern Magong and the venue for annual fireworks festivals.

Distinguished Personalities

The history and culture of Magong are inextricably linked with the names of military commanders, scholars, and musicians. Their legacy is preserved in city monuments, museums, and songs known far beyond the archipelago.

Historical Figures

• Shen Yurong (1557–1628): A Ming Dynasty General who played a key role in the city's history. He is known for convincing the Dutch fleet to leave Penghu without a single shot fired through diplomatic negotiations in 1604. In honour of this event, a historical stele is installed in the Tianhou Temple, which is the oldest stone monument in Taiwan.
• Cai Tinglan (1801–1859): A prominent scholar and official of the Qing era. He became the first and only resident of Penghu to pass the highest imperial examination and receive the title of "Jinshi". His ancestral home in Magong (the Jinshi Residence) is today an architectural monument and is open to tourists.
• Amédée Courbet (1827–1885): A French Admiral who led the campaign in the Pescadores Islands during the Sino-French War. He passed away on board his flagship in Magong harbour immediately after the end of hostilities. A monument to the admiral and a burial site for French sailors have been preserved in the city.

Culture and Art

• Pan Anbang (1961–2013): A famous Taiwanese pop singer and native of Magong. His hit "Grandma's Penghu Bay" became the unofficial anthem of the islands, bringing them fame throughout the Chinese-speaking world. His childhood home in the Juancun settlement has been turned into a memorial museum attracting many fans.
• Chang Yu-sheng (1966–1997): A talented singer, composer, and producer born in Magong. Known for his unique high-pitched voice and contribution to the development of Asian pop music. A memorial park named after him and a museum housing the artist's personal belongings and recordings have been created in the city.