To mark the 2025 International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the Penghu County People with Disabilities Service Association held the “Move for Inclusion” community walk and fun challenge event today (26th) at the International Plaza. Penghu County Magistrate Chen Kuang-fu and County Council Speaker Chen Yu-jen attended the event in person to express their encouragement and support for persons with disabilities, their families, and the wider community. Through walking, performances, public awareness activities, and interactive games, the event aimed to deepen understanding and acceptance and to foster a more inclusive society.Magistrate Chen expressed his appreciation to the Association for organizing such a meaningful event. He emphasized that this activity was not only part of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities series but also a key initiative under the county government’s policy to “understand invisible disabilities and eliminate misunderstanding and discrimination.” He hoped that community integration events like this would allow every individual with a disability to participate freely and walk proudly in society.Chen further noted that the county government has long been committed to improving accessibility and promoting inclusive services, while continuing to connect local community resources to provide comprehensive support for persons with disabilities in education, employment, and daily life. He called on society to replace prejudice with understanding and discrimination with acceptance, joining hands to build an environment of equality, friendliness, and inclusion.Speaker Chen Yu-jen remarked that for many persons with disabilities, stepping outside their homes can be a great act of courage. He shared insights from his recent meeting with an inspiring dance group dedicated to public service, noting how the performers exemplify independence, confidence, and self-reliance. He affirmed that the County Council will continue to collaborate closely with the county government to create a more accessible and barrier-free living environment.The event drew more than 130 participants, including members from Happiness Station, Sunshine Clubhouse, Elderly Recreation Center, Huimin Opportunity Center, Penghu Marine & Fishery Vocational High School Special Education Class, and the Penghu County Slow-Flying Angels Service Association. Also in attendance were Deputy Speaker Lan Kai-yuan, Councilors Su Yu-te and Hsu Kuo-cheng, Magong City Mayor Huang Chien-chung, and Hong Chang-ching, demonstrating society’s care and collective support for persons with disabilities in Penghu.

　The special exhibition, “The Pearl of the Age of Exploration – NPM Treasures Gather in Penghu”, jointly curated by the Penghu County Government and the National Palace Museum, came to a successful close today (Aug. 17) at the Penghu Living Museum after a three-month run. Penghu County Magistrate Chen Kuang-fu revisited the exhibition in the afternoon to once again admire the splendor of the national treasures and personally extend his appreciation to the dedicated staff. He also presided over a student lottery draw, adding five bonus prizes on the spot. In total, 35 students were awarded, bringing this landmark cultural event to a celebratory conclusion.　　Magistrate Chen highlighted the enthusiastic response since the exhibition’s opening, noting the steady flow of school groups, local residents, and tourists. Many visitors left the venue expressing admiration and praise. The exhibition showcased 15 national treasures, including the Qing-era Meat-shaped Stone, Ming-era Chenghua Chicken Cup in Doucai Painted Enamels, Qing-era Right-Spiraling Conch, Northern Song-era Narcissus Basin with Bluish-green Glaze Ru Ware, and the Song and Liao Dynasty Jade Plate with Dragon Pattern. These masterpieces were displayed alongside 13 precious local artifacts from Penghu, offering visitors a deeper understanding of the archipelago’s significance during the Age of Exploration. The exhibition not only enhanced local cultural identity but also enriched visitors’ experience.　　To deepen the exhibition’s educational significance and encourage student participation, the county government subsidized transportation for students from remote outlying islands and prepared 10 iPads along with 20 gift vouchers worth NT$1,000 each for the student lottery. The aim, he said, was to ensure that every student had the opportunity to engage with the artifacts, learn about their hometown’s history, and strengthen both cultural literacy and motivation for learning.　　Magistrate Chen emphasized that partnering with the National Palace Museum to bring national treasures to the outlying islands was a rare and invaluable opportunity. The success of the exhibition, he noted, was the result of close coordination and teamwork across all county departments. Looking ahead, Magistrate Chen pledged that the county government will continue to align resources from different sectors and introduce more high-quality cultural and artistic exhibitions to Penghu—making culture and the arts an integral part of everyday life on the islands.

The three-month-long 2025 Penghu International Fireworks Festival came to a spectacular close tonight (29th) at Guanyin Pavilion Park, drawing a crowd of 12,000 locals and visitors from home and abroad.Penghu County Magistrate Chen Kuang-fu joined the crowd and online viewers for the countdown, witnessing the spectacular moment when tens of thousands of fireworks lit up the Penghu night sky in succession. The dazzling display marked a perfect close to this summer’s festivities, with a promise to gather again next year.　　Magistrate Chen highlighted this year’s special collaboration with Peanuts, which brought beloved characters such as Charlie Brown and Snoopy into the festival, delighting families and visitors of all ages. In addition to the main stage at Guanyin Pavilion, fireworks shows extended to offshore islands including Qimei, Jibei, and Wangan, while cultural activities in Baisha, Huxi, and Xiyu showcased Penghu’s rich natural scenery and vibrant local traditions.　　Chen expressed heartfelt gratitude to sponsors, local businesses, and the hardworking event teams. He emphasized that the success of the festival was made possible by everyone’s collective effort, leaving visitors with unforgettable memories while boosting Penghu’s tourism development.　　Although the fireworks festival has drawn to a close, Chen noted that Penghu’s warm hospitality and beauty continue to shine year-round, with every corner of the islands ready to welcome visitors. Beyond its breathtaking landscapes, Penghu also offers cultural highlights such as the Penghu Fossil Museum’s “Legends of the Penghu Channel” permanent exhibition, which presents natural wonders spanning tens of millions of years, and the special exhibition “The Pearl of the Age of Exploration: NPM National Treasures Gather in Penghu” in collaboration with the National Palace Museum, featuring 15 selected national treasures and 13 local artifacts.　　Looking ahead, Penghu has a full calendar of exciting events in the second half of the year, including the Penghu County Judao Cup National Junior Soft Baseball Championship, Penghu Music Festival, Penghu Cycling Festival, Penghu Cross Island Marathon, and autumn-winter military tourism activities. Chen warmly invited visitors to return across the seasons and experience the diverse and captivating charm of Penghu.

To mark World Sea Turtle Day on June 16, the Penghu County Government hosted a sea turtle release event this afternoon at Shili Beach. Ten rehabilitated sea turtles were returned to the ocean in a moving ceremony attended by Penghu County Magistrate Chen Kuang-Fu, Ocean Affairs Council Minister Kuan Bi-Ling, Ocean Conservation Administration Director-General Lu Shiau-Yun, along with representatives and students from Dayi Temple, Shili Elementary School, and Pengnan Junior High School. The event celebrated the vitality of marine life and the collective efforts behind ocean conservation.Magistrate Chen expressed his appreciation for the timely reports from concerned citizens, the swift response of Coast Guard Administration personnel, and the long-term expert care provided by the team at the Penghu Marine Biology Research Center. These joint efforts made it possible for the 10 turtles to regain their health and return to their natural habitat. With favorable weather, tide, and timing, over a hundred people gathered to send the turtles off, demonstrating not only respect for the sea but also reverence for life itself.Magistrate Chen emphasized that the ocean is both the mother of life and the heart of Penghu. The county government has been actively promoting marine conservation initiatives, including fish fry releases, coral restoration, the removal of ghost nets, and beach cleanup efforts. Through experiential learning, it also seeks to instill the values of “knowing, loving, and embracing the ocean” in the next generation, ensuring that Penghu’s rich marine ecology thrives sustainably.Minister Kuan Bi-Ling noted that since the establishment of the Marine Wildlife Rescue Network, a total of 274 sea turtles have been successfully returned to the ocean. The central government also continues to support conservation through initiatives such as installing turtle-friendly lighting and protecting nesting habitats. These efforts are paying off: over 30,000 sea turtles have successfully nested on Taiping Island, demonstrating significant progress in ecological restoration.According to the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, these 10 turtles were previously rescued from areas such as Wang’an Island, having been found stranded due to poor health or weather conditions. They were reported by local residents and Coast Guard units and transferred by the Marine Conservation Division to the Penghu Marine Biology Research Center for rehabilitation. Notably, one of the released turtles had been rescued by Dayi Temple last year after being found stranded at Xingren Reservoir. Thanks to the collaborative efforts and careful care of various organizations, the turtle made a full recovery and now returns to the ocean—making today’s release especially meaningful.

The opening ceremony for the special exhibition “The Pearl of the Age of Exploration - NPM National Treasures Gather in Penghu” was held today (May 16) at the Penghu Living Museum. The exhibit features 15 precious national treasures from the National Palace Museum (NPM), including the Meat-Shaped Stone from the Qing Dynasty, the Doucai Chicken Cup from the Chenghua era of the Ming Dynasty, and the Right-spiraling Conch from the Qianlong era of the Qing Dynasty, along with 13 cultural artifacts from Penghu’s local collections. The exhibition will be open to the public from May 17 to August 17 on the second floor of the Penghu Living Museum. Magistrate Chen Kuang-Fu warmly invites residents and tourists alike to take this opportunity to explore the museum and embark on a historical journey into Penghu’s illustrious role during the Age of Exploration.　　The opening ceremony featured a lively performance by the Qiqi Children's Dance Troupe and was attended by a host of distinguished guests, including government officials, council members, and the Director of the National Palace Museum, Hsiao Tsung-Huang, along with the NPM curatorial team, who all came together to witness this cultural milestone.　　Magistrate Chen Kuang-Fu stated that as the National Palace Museum celebrates its centennial, Penghu County is honored to collaborate with the museum to bring 15 carefully selected national treasures across the sea for this special exhibition. By integrating these precious artifacts with Penghu’s rich tourism resources, wartime history, and deep cultural heritage, the exhibition offers both residents and visitors a rare opportunity to experience a unique blend of culture and tourism. Through the chance to view these national treasures up close, the public can not only learn about history and gain a deeper understanding of Penghu, but also reconnect with the narratives of their homeland - personally experiencing the spirit of the seafarers who once braved the winds and waves to defy fate. This exhibition not only highlights Penghu’s significant role during the Age of Exploration but also allows local residents to reconnect with their history through the lens of cultural artifacts, further deepening their sense of identity and emotional connection to their homeland.　　Chen Kuang-Fu also extended his gratitude to the NPM curatorial team for their professionalism and trust, as well as to the local government, police, and cultural workers whose joint efforts made this high-caliber exhibition possible - bringing Penghu an unprecedented cultural event.　　Director Hsiao Tsung-Huang expressed his joy in being part of this cross-temporal cultural celebration. Historically, Penghu has been a vital hub in East Asian maritime trade, rich in cultural heritage and diversity. This exhibition tells the story of the Age of Exploration, promotes cultural accessibility, and advances the vision of a “Palace Museum for All.” Hidden gems in the exhibit include rarities like the Ru Ware Narcissus Basin in Bluish-green Glaze from the Northern Song Dynasty and the Jade Plate with Dragon Pattern, offering visitors an unforgettable cultural experience.　　According to the Cultural Affairs Bureau, the exhibition consists of two major sections: the Artifact Gallery and the Digital Exhibition Zone. The artifact section presents NPM’s collection of cultural relics, maps, and documents alongside local archaeological finds, marine life specimens, and historical landmarks, highlighting Penghu’s pivotal role in the Age of Exploration and its rich cultural exchange. The digital zone, themed “The Pilot of the Black Strait,” offers a fully immersive experience through digital technology, combining Qing-era documents, maps, and local museum resources to vividly recreate maritime stories of the Ming and Qing dynasties - deepening visitors’ understanding of Penghu’s connection to maritime history.

This morning (26th), the Penghu County Government held the opening ceremony of “Legends of the Penghu Channel” at the plaza in front of the Penghu Fossil Museum. The event featured a lively performance by the Wen Ao Percussion Family and the Ming Yuan Preschool, kicking off the ceremony with energy. Magistrate Chen Kuang-Fu was present to witness with distinguished guests the unveiling of the museum’s two prized treasures: the fossil of “Penghusuchus pani” and the skeletal specimen of the “Bryde’s whale,” a symbol rooted in Taiwan’s traditional sea deity beliefs. Attendees also toured the newly curated permanent exhibition “Legends of the Penghu Channel,” uncovering the remarkable story of Penghu’s natural history through fossils and exhibits.　　Magistrate Chen Kuang-Fu said that Penghu has a long geological history and a rich story of biological evolution. These precious fossil resources are treasured national assets of Penghu. The Penghu Fossil Museum displays fossils of ancient creatures such as the straight-tusked elephant and the Elaphurus, recovered from the Penghu Channel dating back 40,000 to 10,000 years ago. It also features the “Penghusuchus pani,” a prehistoric terrestrial apex predator discovered by Mr. Pan Ming-Kuo in Neian, Xiyu, dating back 15 to 17 million years ago and measuring 4.6 meters long, as well as the Bryde’s whale skeletal specimen stranded in the waters off Jibei. From excavation, restoration, to mounting, these rare treasures have been meticulously studied by experts and are now fully presented to the public, highlighting Penghu’s crucial role in geology and paleontology.　　Magistrate Chen Kuang-Fu noted that the county government carefully planned and refurbished the Penghu Fossil Museum, providing vivid, systematic displays and various science education activities that allow children and visitors to learn while having fun. The goal is to spark curiosity about paleontology and Earth’s history, cultivate a spirit of love for nature and science, and deepen understanding and appreciation of ancient life stories.　　The museum is divided into three main themed exhibition areas: the first floor hosts “Legends of the Penghu Channel,” while the second floor features “The Ancient Apex Predator Penghusuchus pani” and the “Giant Marine Beasts Whale Hall.” The exhibits are rich and highly interactive and the museum sincerely invites residents and tourists to visit, travel through the time tunnel, and explore Penghu’s geological wonders.　　Councilor Su Chen-Hsiu-Se, Secretary General Cheng Chia-Wei, Deputy Magistrate Lin Chieh-Hsing, Cultural Affairs Bureau Director Chen Yu-Yun, Tourism Department Director Chen Mei-Ling, General Affairs Department Director Chen Ching-Hui, Environmental Protection Bureau Director Tsai Chi-Hsien, Public Transport Management Office Director Ma Chin-Tsu, Industrial Development & Investment Promotion Committee Secretary Chang Hao-Tse, National Museum of Natural Science Researcher Yang Tzu-Jui, Penghusuchus pani fossil discoverer Mr. Pan Ming-Kuo, natural history worker Lin Chang-Hsing, and exhibition curator Mr. Hsiao Yu-Fu all attended, contributing to writing a new chapter of Penghu’s geological and cultural heritage.

In May, the “2025 Penghu International Fireworks Festival” will debut with great fanfare. The Penghu County Government held a press conference at the Discovery Hotel in Penghu this afternoon (28th). The press conference was personally presided over by County Magistrate Chen Kuang-Fu, who assumed the role of the spokesperson for the Fireworks Festival. He and Speaker Chen Yu-Ren, Councilor Chen Hsiu-She, Councilor Lui Huang Chun-Chin, Director Lin Yung-Tien from Councilor Ou Chung-Kai’s Service Center, Deputy Magistrate Lin Chieh-Hsing, Secretary-general Yang Shu-Shun, Director-general Chen Mei-Ling of the Tourism Department and Director-general Chen Yu-Yun of the Bureau of Cultural Affairs, as well as representatives from all sides and guests, extended a warm invitation to domestic and foreign tourists to visit Penghu. In Penghu, they can marvel at the spectacular fireworks displays and drone light shows alongside the Snoopy family, as well as feel the passion and charm of the world’s most breathtaking bay.According to Chen Kuang-Fu, the 2025 Penghu International Fireworks Festival, which has garnered widespread support and anticipation, is in its 23rd year this year. Snoopy and other well-known family members have been invited to make appearances in Penghu, as part of collaborative marketing with the “75th Anniversary of Peanuts,” to ensure that everyone is entertained during their summer of a lifetime. This year, in addition to the main venue fireworks display, performances on Qimei, Wangan, Jibei and other outlying islands are also planned. In addition, three “local exclusive venues,” including “Paisha Anchovy Fish Festival,” “Summer Music Hits in Huxi” and “Journey to the West in Xiyu,” as well as other themes, incorporate local culture and features. The general public is invited to delve deeply into the beauty of Paisha, Huxi and Xiyu, witnessing Penghu’s diverse appearance under the brilliant night sky and technological lighting.According to Chen Kuang-Fu, the Penghu International Fireworks Festival is becoming increasingly thrilling with each passing year. To offer a better visual experience for the general public, professional fireworks teams from five countries, including Italy, France, Russia, Morocco and Malaysia, have been invited to set off fireworks in Penghu. This will enable tourists to enjoy a world-class fireworks display at the Guanyin Temple. He expressed gratitude to Lion Travel Service Co., Ltd., Doublelife International Co., Ltd., Shin Kong Life Insurance Co., Ltd., Four Points by Sheraton Penghu and Profond Corporation for supporting the performances. He also thanked everyone for their enthusiastic sponsorship and support, which helped promote local tourism and boost Penghu’s overall economic development. According to Chen Kuan-Fu, Penghu’s splendor this summer is eagerly anticipated. In addition to the Penghu International Fireworks Festival, the 2025 Ironman Taiwan, the swimming across Penghu Bay, and other international competitions will be held consecutively. Meanwhile, the ancient “Penhusuchus” and the ocean giant “Balaenoptera brydei” will make notable appearances. Furthermore, the county government has worked with the National Palace Museum to launch a special exhibition entitled “Maritime Pearls from the Age of Discovery: National Treasures from the National Palace Museum Collectively Showcasing in Penghu.” This exhibition will introduce Penghu to valuable national treasures, thereby broadening the connotation of cultural tourism. In June, the “Doulos Hope,” Asia’s largest floating library, will also dock, bringing a plethora of books and knowledge. Schedule for 2025 Penghu International Fireworks Festival Fireworks Fireworks and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Performance Time 21:00P.M. (20:00P.M. for the outlying islands).Event date: Venue: Guanyin Temple Fireworks test site: April 28, 2025 (Mon)May 5, 2025 (Opening Ceremony) to June 26, 2025 (Every Monday through Thursday)July 1

The Penghu County Government held the lucky draw event for the "2025 Like Penghu: Journey with the Island Turtle" stamp collection activity on the afternoon of the 17th at the Penghu County Cultural Affairs Bureau Library. County Magistrate Chen Kuang-fu personally hosted the event alongside Deputy Magistrate Lin Chieh-hsing, Secretary General Yang Shu-shun, and Cultural Affairs Bureau Director Chen Yu-yun, drawing the names of lucky winners. The event was conducted with transparency and fairness, overseen by the Government Civil Ethics Units and livestreamed online, allowing the public to share in the joy. Magistrate Chen congratulated all the winners and expressed his hope to reunite with everyone again next year to celebrate the Lantern Festival spirit in Penghu.　　Chen noted that this year’s cross-departmental effort by the county government drew more than 10,000 participants and received an enthusiastic public response. Centered around Penghu’s centuries-old Ciguei" (meaning “praying for turtles”) Lantern Festival tradition, the event welcomed both locals and visitors to experience the island’s unique New Year customs. Through visiting multiple temples ("temple running"), participants not only gained a deeper understanding of Penghu’s geography, temple history, and cultural roots, but also helped inspire younger generations to connect with their heritage. The initiative aims to instill cultural pride and awareness from a young age, encouraging children to learn about local stories and share Penghu’s beauty with the world, while boosting cultural tourism.　　Chen emphasized that Penghu is not only home to "one of the world’s most beautiful bays" but also offers a rich cultural heritage. The island features a high concentration of temples, many of which have stood for over a century. This year’s event successfully brought together 24 temples in joint participation. Looking ahead, the county government hopes to further expand the scale by inviting even more temples to join, creating a fun and educational cultural experience. The goal is to establish “Journey with the Island Turtle” as one of the most anticipated Lantern Festival traditions each year. The county government will continue promoting Penghu’s rich and diverse culture by integrating cultural heritage with tourism resources to boost local economic growth and let the island’s beauty and traditions shine even brighter.　　Director Chen Yu-yun noted that this was the county’s first attempt at organizing a temple collaboration of this kind and expressed gratitude to local residents and visitors for their enthusiastic participation. From planning and design to final execution, the event faced time constraints and certain limitations. However, with the solid support and feedback from all sectors, these experiences will serve as valuable insights for improving future editions of the event. Next year, the county government will strive to deliver an even more comprehensive event experience, offering the public a Lantern Festival celebration that is richer in content and deeper in cultural meaning, further strengthening the brand of Penghu’s Lantern Festival.