Watch Disney-themed fireworks light up the night sky in Taiwan's beautiful Penghu archipelago!
The 2023 Penghu Fireworks Festival has kicked off, with this year’s theme centering around Disney’s 100th anniversary! Prepare to feast your eyes on a combo show of fireworks and drone performances showing classic characters like Mickey and Minnie, Ariel from The Little Mermaid, and Alice and her friends in Wonderland!
There are so many great spots to watch this exciting show from like Magong City, but did you know you can also enjoy the fireworks on a boat or while stand-up paddle boarding? Time to pack your bags and fill in your itineraries – here’s a guide to planning your most special Penghu Fireworks Festival viewing trip with Klook!
🔥 Everything you need before traveling to Penghu
🏖 Island hopping
⛵ Water sports and snorkeling
🍽 Where to eat
Where, when, and what time to watch the 2023 Penghu Fireworks Festival
Catch this summer’s most brilliant sight across the night sky in Penghu, Taiwan! The iconic festival has a test run on 13 April and launches in full swing from 20 April to 29 June.
This year’s going to be extra festive, with the Penghu Fireworks Festival entering its 21st year this 2023. There’ll be 700 drones per show, with the number increasing to 900 for the opening and closing ceremonies. Can’t wait to see your Disney faves and unique shapes color the sky? Here’s where and when to see them!
2023 Penghu International Fireworks Festival Schedule & Location
- Trial run: 13 April at 20:00
- Dates: Every Monday and Thursday from 20 April to 29 June, starting at 21:00
- Location: Guanyinting Park (No. 7, Jieshou Road, Magong City, Penghu County)
Penghu Fireworks Festival Island Shows
- Jibei Island: Friday, 12 May at 20:00
- Qimei Island: Wednesday, 24 May at 20:00
- Wangan Island: Saturday, 10 June at 20:00
Note that island venues will have a 10-minute fireworks show.
The fireworks are set off during high tide and will last about 20 minutes, illuminating the night sky and reflecting on the sparkling sea. Talk about a romantic display! And more good news: this year, we’ve got optimal and stable wind direction for the drone performances and fireworks displays!
Klook Tip: Want to take good photos of the fireworks? Here are some pro tips!
- Pay attention to the weather and wind direction. On the day of, check your weather app so you can choose the best viewing and shooting spot!
- Pick a viewing or shooting location in Guanyinting Park. If the wind comes from the north, stand on the right side facing the Xiying Rainbow Bridge. If the wind comes from the south, stand near the left side of the park facing the Jinguitou Fort.
- Use a wide-angle lens. For budding and veteran photographers, we recommend the following settings: Set the aperture to F9 - F11, ISO to 100 or 200, and use longer shutter speeds.
How to get to (and around) Penghu County for the fireworks festival
🛫 By Plane
The fastest and most convenient way to arrive in Penghu County is by domestic flight. You’ll save more time than if you were to take a ferry and you can enjoy views from up high of Taiwan and the magnificent Taiwan Strait! There are flights to Penghu Airport from Taipei Songshan Airport, Siaogang Airport in Kaohsiung, Taichung Airport, Tainan Airport, and Chiayi Airport. The flights are operated by two major airlines, Uni Air and Mandarin Airlines. If your travel budget allows, fly to Penghu for a vacation this year!
📍 Reminder: Whether taking a plane or a ferry, you need to bring your passport for inspection.
🚢 By Ferry
We recommend taking the high-speed rail to Chiayi train station and then taking a car to Budai Port to hop on a ferry to Penghu Island. You can use Klook to book a high-speed rail and national train ticket. Non-Taiwanese travelers can enjoy a discount of up to 20% off on the train ticket, which will further reduce your transportation budget!
Travel time by train and ferry
- From Taichung to Chiayi: A one-way trip by train takes about 150 minutes.
- From Chiayi to Penghu: A one-way trip by ferry takes about 75-90 minutes.
🚗 Rent a car – or scooter – for easy travel around Penghu!
Now, the main island of Penghu is quite large, and the distance between attractions can be quite far but no worries, there are many modes of transport on the island!
If you’re looking for a more free and flexible way to travel, you can rent a scooter in Penghu!
Scared of sunburn or sensitive to the summer heat? Then renting a car is your best bet! This way, you’re free to tick off everything on your travel itinerary whether that’s mountain climbing or heading to your meetup locations for island hopping. Renting a car via Klook is easy and convenient and there are multiple models to choose from depending on your needs, budget, and travel group size!
Unique ways to watch the Penghu Fireworks
Skip the onshore crowds and experience the best and most breathtaking view of the fireworks from the sea! Check out these limited sea tours for the 2023 Penghu Fireworks Festival!
Fireworks Cruise From Nanhai Visitor Center
The hottest attraction for this year’s Penghu Fireworks Festival is a luxurious fireworks cruise! With a professional captain at the helm, you'll be taken to the best spot on the sea to admire the spectacular fireworks from different angles – plus, a delicious meal and a refreshing beer or drink!
Night Stand-Up Paddleboarding Group Experience
Pick a nighttime stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) session and enjoy the fun of watching fireworks on the sea! Don’t be scared, the paddleboard may be lightweight and buoyant but it’s super stable and won’t be easily shaken whether you’re standing or kneeling. It’s beginner-friendly too and a coach will be there to guide you along the way!
Fireworks Cruise with Seafood Meal and Freeflow Bar
Don't want to squeeze among the crowd on shore to watch the fireworks? Get on a sailing boat, enjoy a leisurely dinner with drinks, and participate in Penghu's annual grand festival with a view! It’s a perfect romantic getaway for couples or a chill night for your friend group!
Must-do activities in Penghu for the fireworks festival
Source: Klook
Penghu is a popular summer destination in Taiwan, not just for the iconic Fireworks Festival but also for its beautiful seascapes, beaches, and (of course) plenty of sunshine! The Penghu archipelago comprises some 90 small and large islands, with the main Penghu Island being the largest. Some islands are uninhabited, ecologically protected, and off-limits but others can easily be visited via boat or ferry, making Penghu County an underrated but extraordinary island-hopping destination!
Each of the outer islands offers a completely different charm and, in recent years, the most popular islands are Qimei, Wang’an, and Jibei. Aside from beautiful scenery and clear waters, there are loads of water activities for both thrill seekers and chill seekers!
Source: KLOOK
You can purchase tickets for your next island hopping adventure at one of the visitor centers on the island – or you can travel stress-free by booking a tour right here on Klook! Do note that the ferry and boat schedules can change depending on the weather conditions.
Still pining for more Penghu after watching the fireworks? Pack your bags, swimmies, and sunnies, and head to Penghu’s outer islands for a breath of fresh air and stunning views of the sea!
Jinguazi Island Snorkeling Day Tour
Go snorkeling in the only national marine park in Taiwan, the South Penghu Marine National Park! Admire the rich and beautiful underwater world of Penghu at this world-class snorkeling spot. Slap on your goggles and snorkeling gear and come meet all the colorful fish living in the ultra-blue coral. After snorkeling, take a break on the boat and enjoy a delicious Taiwanese lunch above water. Want to sea more of the marine national park? The day is yours for near-unlimited fun under the sun with even more water activities like fishing, kayaking, and speedboating!
Transparent kayaking in Penghu
Head to a beautiful coral reef beach in Xiyu and get on a transparent kayak to best see the rich and colorful underwater scenery without having to swim or snorkel! A professional instructor will guide you along the way to make the experience both fun and safe! This activity is limited to the summers only so don’t miss the blue sky and an even bluer sea!
Stand-Up Paddleboarding Group Experience
Alternatively, go stand up paddleboarding and enjoy the refreshing feeling of the sea breeze. No prior experience is needed, though being able to swim is obviously a must since you can pair this activity with a refreshing snorkeling experience! From on-land instruction to a water simulation, the friendly instructors are there to help you master the skills needed to SUP! Ready to feel the thrill and chill of gliding on the sea surface then diving beneath it?
Penghu Island hopping experience
Can’t swim or dive? Tired of water activities, but still want to get close to the ocean? Then come on a sightseeing tour by boat and bus around Qimei and Wang'an! Enjoy the islands’ natural scenery and cultural landmarks such as Wangfu Rock, the Twin Hearts Stone Weir, Seven Beauties Tomb, and the well-preserved traditional houses in Zhongshe Village!
Night fishing for small squid in Penghu
Source: Klook
Hungry for more of Penghu? All aboard this fishing boat that takes you out at night to catch and eat some fresh squid! Every May until the mid-autumn festival, Penghu locals feast on this migratory squid that turns red when frightened and transparent when placed in a live fish tank! With enough patience and perseverance, you may surprise yourself with a bounteous catch that you can enjoy fresh and raw, sashimi style, or in a comforting bowl of rice noodle soup!
Where to stay in Penghu
Penghu has fewer star-rated hotels compared to Taiwan's main island, with more emphasis on homestays. But luckily, there are some great places to stay that you can book here on Klook!
Four Points by Sheraton Penghu
The Penghu Marriott Resort is the only five-star hotel in Penghu, managed by the Marriott Group. The luxurious rooms are decorated with warm colors in a comfortable and simple style. In addition to the rooms with gorgeous sea views, the Penghu Marriott Resort also boasts a stunning infinity pool. Plus! The hotel provides a range of family-friendly facilities, so it's suitable not just for couples and friends, but also for families with children. It's perfect for leisure and relaxation, not to mention quite Insta-worthy too!
Four Points by Sheraton Penghu
Address: No. 197, Xindian Road, Magong City, Penghu County, Taiwan 880
Phone: +886 6 926 6288
Discovery Hotel
澎湖住宿推薦｜澎澄飯店
If you're on a budget but still want to stay at a nice hotel, try the Discovery Hotel, which is only 300 meters away from Magong Nanhai Ferry Terminal. Not only is it convenient for island hopping, but the harbor view rooms face the sea so you can relax and watch the boats come and go! If you can, book the Luxury Room, which has a huge space of 80 square meters, an unbeatable sea view bathroom, and a separate living room, so you can enjoy a staycation after all that snorkeling!
Discovery Hotel Penghu
Address: No. 168, Tonghe Road, Magong City, Penghu County, Taiwan 880
Phone: +886 6 923 5678
Sun Palm B&B
澎湖民宿｜Source: IG @sunpalm585 授權Klook轉載
If you like island vacation vibes, Sunshine Palm B&B is located next to Shanshui Beach, with all-white buildings and a large swimming pool. Jump into the water anytime and stay in the B&B all day to relax if you’d like. Plus, most of the rooms in are equipped with balconies, where you can bask in the sun with your friends or significant other and watch the sunset!
Sun Palm B&B in Penghu
Address: No. 228, Wudelijimiaowu, Magong City, Penghu County, Taiwan 880
Phone: +886 6 992 0818
Camp on an uninhabited island in Penghu
Make your firework-viewing vacation extra special by camping on a deserted beach in Penghu! Once you reach the uninhabited island by boat, it's time for full-on fun under the sun! In the evening, enjoy a delicious self-service barbecue dinner and feast by the campfire. Participate in some unique nighttime activities in Penghu, like searching for the mysterious and magical blue fireflies in the intertidal zone! Finally, gather around the campfire, laugh, and play with friends and family, and spend an unforgettable night on the beach.
Glamping in Penghu by Penghu Camper Leisure Farm
Going to Penghu for the fireworks festival doesn't necessarily mean you have to stay in a hotel or a bed and breakfast. For the more adventurous souls, why not hop on the glamping trend here on the main island of Penghu? Each camping car has an independent entrance, air conditioning, and a balcony. The double room even has a queen size bed for a great nights' sleep!
Wake up to the soothing sound of waves, step out onto your balcony, and enjoy the sea view while enjoying breakfast! You can even stroll freely in the park to further admire the clear blue sky and the wide oceanscape. For an extra treat, head to a nearby secret beach that's 10 seconds away to play in the sand and waves with friends!
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