Penghu Trans-Oceanic Bridge

The Penghu Trans-Oceanic Bridge has a total length of 2,494 meters. It spans the Houmen Waterway between Baisha and Xiyu islands, a passage known for its rapid currents, reportedly reaching 3 meters per second, making it the second most dangerous current in Penghu waters. During the winter northeast monsoon season, the waves become particularly turbulent, making navigation difficult. To address the transportation challenges to and from Yuweng Island, construction of the trans-oceanic bridge began in 1965 and was completed and opened to traffic in 1970. Later, due to severe corrosion and collapse of parts of the bridge, the land embankment was widened in 1984, and a new double-lane bridge was completed and opened to traffic in 1996. From a distance, it resembles a long rainbow over the sea, not only offering tourist value but also ensuring smooth and unimpeded traffic between Xiyu and Baisha. To this day, the northern sea area at the Xiyu end of the bridge still retains early concrete pillars and frames, while weathered bridge piers remain on the Xiyu side. These remnants illustrate how electricity was once transmitted to Xiyu via high-voltage power lines across the sea, and serve as a poignant reminder of the old bridge's eventual retirement after fulfilling its mission.