Dongji Island lies in the outer southern islands of the Penghu archipelago and is a well-known island-hopping destination. The island’s most prominent feature is Dongji Lighthouse, a maritime navigation aid with over a century of history. Dongji is small in area with a sparse population and retains the quiet character of a remote outlying island. Deep-sea fishing vessels regularly call here for supplies, so the island functions as both a working fishing community and a day-trip destination.
Highlights
Dongji Lighthouse
Dongji Lighthouse is the principal maritime navigation aid for the southern Penghu sea area. Its history dates to 1911 during the Japanese colonial period, when it was built as an iron cylindrical tower to serve the demands of deep-sea navigation at the time. It was demolished in 1937 due to deterioration and rebuilt in 1938 (late Japanese colonial period) as a reinforced-concrete round tower, with distinctive black-and-white horizontal stripes painted on the exterior to improve recognition at distance.
The surviving tower stands 24.4 metres (80 ft) tall and is equipped with a third-order Fresnel lens and an incandescent light source with a range of many kilometres. The exterior is plain and functional. The white tower set against the blue sky and sea, with black-and-white stripes clearly defined in sunlight, is most photogenic at sunrise and sunset.
Island Scenery and Fishing Industry
Although Dongji Island is small, it is an important stopover for deep-sea fishing vessels. The natural anchorage on the island’s southern side regularly shelters over a dozen large fishing boats. During a visit, travellers can observe the practical workings of Penghu’s fishing industry: daily crew supply runs, vessel maintenance, and fishing gear preparation.
The surrounding waters are rich in marine life and support important deep-sea fishing grounds, which also attracts migratory birds. During the autumn and winter transit season, migratory birds occasionally rest on the rocky outcrops around the island, and birdwatchers may spot herons, terns, and other species.
Getting There
There is no bus service to Dongji Island. The outer southern islands of the Penghu archipelago have no scheduled bus transport; reaching the island requires taking a ferry or joining a travel agency island-hopping tour.
The main route to Dongji Island is by ferry from Magong Harbour (the tourist pier). Depending on vessel type and sea conditions, the crossing takes approximately 30–60 minutes. Many Penghu travel agencies offer “Southern Sea Island-Hopping” packages that typically combine Dongji Island, Xiji Island, Wang-an, Qimei, and other outer islands, including ferry transfers, guided commentary, and a simple meal. Tours range from a half-day to a full day and suit both independent travellers and group tours.
Seasonality has a significant impact: summer (May–September) is the peak season for island visits, with frequent ferry departures, stable weather, and good conditions for climbing the tower and photography. In winter (October through March), the northeast monsoon creates rough seas; ferry services are often suspended or reduced without notice, sailing conditions can be rough, and time ashore may be shortened. Check weather forecasts and ferry operating announcements a few days before departure.
The island has no accommodation or food service; most visitors make a day trip. If you plan to stay longer, bring your own water and food. There are basic toilet facilities near the landing point, though amenities are limited.
The Southern Sea Scenic Area of Penghu National Scenic Area (which includes Dongji Island, Xiji Island, Wang-an, and other outer islands) has interpretive signboards and safety notices at landing sites; visitors should follow on-site instructions. For ferry schedules and tour information, contact the Penghu Tourism website or reach out directly to Penghu travel agencies or Magong Harbour pier operators.
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