The four-month-long “2026 Penghu International Fireworks Festival—Dragon Ball Z Penghu Summer Fireworks Festival” came to a dazzling close tonight (the 25th) at Guanyinting Recreation Area. The event opened with a performance by a local group, the Penghu Youth Symphony Orchestra. They were followed by “Healing Diva” Freya Lim, powerhouse singer Kimberley Chen, and Golden Melody Award-winning rock band MIXER, taking the stage one after another and filling Guanyinting with beloved hit after beloved hit. Audience members switched on their phone lights, waving them enthusiastically to the music and singing along in unison as they came together to welcome the night's grand finale: the drone show and fireworks display.　　At 9 p.m., some 700 drones slowly rose into the night sky to the music. Familiar characters including Goku, Majin Buu, and Gotenks appeared one after another, recreating iconic scenes from Dragon Ball Z. The much-anticipated Shenron also made an awe-inspiring appearance, along with a dolphin design created exclusively for the closing night and unveiled for the first time, adding a surprise to the night sky over the Penghu Islands. The 12-minute grand finale fireworks show soon followed, bursting spectacularly overhead. Fireworks at different heights layered and crossed in a dazzling display, lighting up the Penghu night sky with brilliant colors and bringing this year's fireworks celebration to a perfect close.　　Penghu County Deputy Magistrate Lin Jie-shin expressed his sincere appreciation to visitors from across Taiwan and around the world who braved the elements to gather at the venue and take part in the final fireworks celebration of the year. Held over four months, the fireworks festival featured a total of 33 events, with each one creating wonderful and treasured memories. The success of a large-scale event depends on the dedication and hard work of a massive team behind the scenes. He gave special thanks to Penghu’s Tourism Department, Police Bureau, Public Health Bureau, Fire Bureau, Public Transport Management Office, Education Department, Environmental Protection Bureau, and other agencies for working together to ensure the event ran smoothly.　　Lin noted that Penghu was named one of Booking.com's “Most Welcoming Cities in the World” this year. This recognition belongs not only to Penghu, but also reflects the collective efforts of local residents and tourism professionals. He also expressed hope that every visitor to Penghu would be able to experience its warmth and beauty firsthand.　　Lin also stated that the excitement will continue even after the fireworks festival comes to an end. A diverse lineup of events will follow, including the Penghu National Scenic Area Headquarters’s Penghu Music Festival Autumn Madness Season, the Penghu Cross Island Marathon, the Penghu County Government's eight-sport competitions, and the Penghu Winter Great March. To continue promoting tourism during the fall and winter, the Penghu County Government has also launched a three-pronged fall and winter tourism promotion program. The offers include accommodation subsidies introduced in coordination with the central government, with discounts of up to NT$1,000 for the first night and NT$1,500 for the second night; a grand prize drawing from mid-October to mid-December for unlimited flights to Penghu for one year; and subsidies of up to NT$600,000 for businesses, organizations, academic institutions, and other entities holding meetings, forums, and seminars in Penghu. Through a range of promotions and events, the Penghu County Government hopes to keep Penghu's tourism momentum going and warmly invites everyone to return to the Penghu Islands this fall and winter to experience the charm of the islands in different seasons.　　Penghu County Council Speaker Chen Yu-jen said that with this year's Dragon Ball Z-themed event coming to a successful close, he would like to express special thanks to all of the County Government tea

The Penghu County Government held a special lecture on county governance at National Penghu University of Science and Technology on August 21, inviting Greta Wen, CEO of the Artificial Intelligence Foundation, to deliver a presentation titled “Urban Governance in the AI Era.” Wen shared insights into trends in artificial intelligence and its applications in public governance, smart cities, and government services, helping County Government personnel keep pace with digital transformation and develop innovative approaches to governance.Penghu County Deputy Magistrate Lin Chieh-hsing said artificial intelligence has become a major global trend, transforming not only how industries operate but also how governments formulate policies and deliver public services. He expressed hope that the lecture would help County Government personnel better understand the development and practical applications of AI and incorporate technology into administrative processes and policy planning, thereby improving government efficiency and service quality and delivering smarter, more convenient public services.Wen noted that differences in backgrounds, circumstances, and languages give rise to different bodies of knowledge, worldviews, and needs. When adopting AI, she said, public-sector organizations should therefore understand the differing circumstances of both their own organizations and the people they serve, and make effective use of AI as a problem-solving tool. She emphasized that government should shift its perspective from administrative processes to the public experience, placing user needs at the heart of service innovation. Public-sector personnel must also continue developing their capacity to learn and adapt in order to keep pace with rapid change in the AI era.The lecture covered a wide range of topics, including the evolution of artificial intelligence, AI literacy, data governance, smart cities, and AI ethics. Practical case studies were also presented to help County Government personnel understand emerging AI trends and potential applications, strengthen their approach to smart governance, and bring new momentum to efforts to improve administrative efficiency and the quality of public services.

The Penghu County Government has partnered with the international OCEANMAN organization for the first time this year, officially obtaining event licensing to host the 2026 PENGHU OCEANMAN. The event will take place on June 13 and 14 in the waters off Guanyinting in Penghu. This year's competition marks Penghu's official inclusion in the OCEANMAN World Series, joining internationally renowned race destinations such as Spain, Italy, and Boston. A total of 2,550 participants have registered for the event, including 150 international athletes from 23 countries, setting a new participation record and further showcasing Penghu's exceptional marine environment to the world.Speaking at the press conference, Penghu County Deputy Magistrate Lin Chieh-hsing said Penghu is blessed with outstanding marine resources, while its residents consistently rank among the nation's most active participants in sports. The addition of the "International" designation and the OCEANMAN brand marks Penghu's official entry onto the global stage of international sporting events.Lin noted that since Magistrate Chen Kuang-fu took office, the county government has been committed to developing Penghu into a premier destination for sports tourism. In addition to summer water sports events, Penghu also hosts a variety of winter sporting activities, including the Chrysanthemum Island Cup. He expressed hope that the central government would continue supporting the upgrading of baseball and softball facilities across the county, enabling diversified sporting events to further boost year-round tourism and local economic development.Fang Jui-wen, Director-General of the Sports for All Agency, also attended the event. He announced that the Agency's Water Safety Navigation Team will host the 2026 Taiwan Water Safety Navigation Project - Water Safety First, Everyone on Board during the competition at Guanyinting. The event will feature stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), kayaking experiences, water safety education, and interactive sailing promotion booths. Residents and visitors are encouraged to participate, enjoying water sports while enhancing their water safety knowledge and skills.Competition events on June 13 will include the OCEANMAN 10 km race and the Challenge 2 km race. On June 14, events will include the 5 km Open Water Swim, the 5 km Stand-Up Paddleboard Race, as well as the Children's Experience Event, Family Experience Event, and the 500 m Three-Person Relay Experience Event.According to the Education Department, this year's event has been upgraded across the board. Special event ambassadors include Hsu Wen-erh, the first Taiwanese woman to successfully swim across the English Channel; Daniel Huang, a current member of Taiwan's Deaf National Team; and the A Wei’s School of Adapted Physical Education Team. Through their participation, the organizers hope to promote the values of inclusive sports and equal opportunities while adding greater inspiration and warmth to this international competition.

At the "Good Governance, Positive Public Response" Local Government Satisfaction Survey press conference held today (May 27) at the NTUH International Convention Center, China Times announced the results of its nationwide survey of local government performance. Penghu County delivered an outstanding performance, earning the Gold Award for Social Welfare and Silver Awards in five additional categories: public safety, transportation, arts and culture, age-friendly initiatives, and overall happiness. The results reflect strong public recognition of the county government's sustained efforts in local development and social care.　　Senior Executive Officer Wang Kuo-yu accepted the awards on behalf of the Penghu County Government. He said that under the leadership of Magistrate Chen Kuang-fu, the county government has, over the past three years, adhered to the principles of prudent fiscal management and efficient resource allocation, strengthening the county's financial foundation while maximizing the impact of limited public resources. At the same time, the county has continued investing in social welfare, education, family support, and youth development. In response to the challenges of an aging population, declining birth rates, and youth outmigration, the county government has adopted "care for all generations and shared prosperity" as its governing vision. From senior care and child-rearing support to youth development and family well-being, Penghu is committed to building a happy and livable island community where older adults can age with dignity, young people can confidently build families, and more households choose to settle and thrive.　　According to household registration statistics released by the Ministry of the Interior covering February through April 2026, Penghu ranked among the top three counties and cities nationwide in crude birth rate for three consecutive months, placing first nationwide in both February and March. The county also ranked among the nation's top three in crude marriage rate for the same three-month period, taking first place in two of those months. Wang said these results demonstrate that the county government's family support, child-rearing, and marriage promotion policies have begun delivering tangible results, giving more young people the confidence to build their futures, raise families, and have children in Penghu.　　Addressing senior care, Wang noted that more than 20% of Penghu's population is now aged 65 or above, prompting the county to actively implement a range of age-friendly policies. Since taking office, Magistrate Chen has introduced denture subsidies for older adults, providing up to NT$50,000 for full dentures and NT$25,000 for partial dentures to help restore chewing function and improve quality of life. The county has also expanded publicly funded vaccinations, including pneumococcal and shingles vaccines, to safeguard seniors' health, while increasing annual Senior Citizens' Festival gift payments to NT$15,000 to provide additional care and support.　　The county has also continued strengthening elder care services by expanding community care stations and senior fitness clubs, encouraging older adults to participate in community activities through shared meals, exercise, and social engagement. At the same time, Penghu has integrated long-term care and healthcare resources, expanded residential care capacity, strengthened dementia care services, and established designated dementia care centers in partnership with medical institutions to provide coordinated, continuous care. Meal delivery and regular home visits are also available for seniors living alone, ensuring they receive care and companionship comparable to that of family members.　　The county government has continued expanding support for families with young children by increasing childbirth subsidies to NT$4,688 and raising monthly childcare allowances to NT$3,000. Publicly funded vaccinations against rotavirus and e

Penghu’s premier annual sporting event, the 2026 IRONMAN Penghu, officially takes place on April 11 and 12, drawing nearly 1,000 athletes from 50 countries to Penghu. Competitors will test their endurance through ocean swimming, cycling, and marathon running, completing an extraordinary 226 km course spanning one city and three townships, bringing international energy and sporting excitement to the islands.According to Deputy Magistrate Lin Chieh-hsing, Penghu’s long coastline, wide-open roads, distinctive temple-dotted landscapes, and warm local culture have helped the IRONMAN event earn global recognition. For three consecutive years, the race has been voted by athletes worldwide as one of the “Most Desired Races to Join the Following Year,” highlighting Penghu’s unique appeal and value as a host city for international sporting events. This year also marks the first time that “Penghu” has been officially incorporated into the event title, symbolizing the islands’ emergence as a major international triathlon destination.Lin noted that through the spirit of triathlon competition—combining swimming, cycling, and running—the county government hopes to advance Magistrate Chen Kuang-fu’s vision of building a “sports city.” Beyond promoting public participation in sports, the county also aims to establish Penghu as a key destination for sports enthusiasts worldwide and a leading example of a sports-oriented city in Taiwan. This year’s “2026 PENGHU OCEANMAN” event has also partnered with international open-water competition brand OCEANMAN, bringing Penghu’s crystal-blue waters onto the global stage and further strengthening its image as a sports city. At the same time, international sporting events continue to stimulate local tourism-related industries, including hospitality, dining, and transportation, creating mutually beneficial outcomes for both tourism and the economy while enhancing Penghu’s international visibility.The two-day event begins on April 11 with IRONKIDS Penghu, featuring 180 young participants competing in a 0.2 km ocean swim and a 1.6 km run, showcasing the next generation’s athletic potential. On April 12, 900 athletes will enter the waters off Shili Beach for a 3.8 km ocean swim, followed by a cycling course that crosses the iconic Penghu Great Bridge and loops around Siyu Township three times, taking on Penghu’s famous strong coastal winds. Competitors will then complete a 42.2 km marathon, putting both physical endurance and mental determination to the ultimate test.

On the 15th day of the Lunar New Year, Penghu’s annual Lantern Festival celebrations officially got underway in vibrant fashion. Representing the Penghu County Government, Deputy Magistrate Lin Chieh-hsing visited Suogang Beiji Temple this afternoon (March 3), where he joined distinguished guests in offering incense prayers and participating in a ribbon-cutting blessing ceremony. Guided by temple masters, he also performed the traditional eye-dotting ritual for the Golden Turtle, praying for favorable weather and prosperity across all industries in the coming year. Lin later traveled to Shanshui Shangdi Temple to welcome the “Golden Spirit Turtle” back to its home temple. He joined temple representatives for a ribbon-cutting ceremony and distributed candy to local residents to share the festive spirit, wishing everyone good fortune and success in the Year of the Horse.　　In the evening, Lin attended the Lantern Festival blessing ceremony at Wenwang Temple in Wai’an, Siyu Township, where he joined local residents in lighting lanterns and praying for hope and peace in the new year.　　Lin noted that the “Penghu Shangyuan Turtle Praying Tradition” stands alongside the Sky Lantern Festival in northern Taiwan, the Beehive Fireworks Festival in southern Taiwan, and Handan celebrations in eastern Taiwan as one of Taiwan’s four major Lantern Festival folk traditions. Last year, it was also officially registered as an item of intangible cultural heritage. Over the past century, the turtle praying tradition (Khit-ku) has continued to grow “bigger with every prayer” through the continuation of local faith and customs. What began with traditional glutinous rice turtle cakes has evolved into creative offerings such as rice turtles, golden turtles, and cabbage turtles, reflecting both the vitality of Penghu’s folk beliefs and the evolution of local culture.　　Lin pointed out that the Lantern Festival is Penghu’s biggest annual celebration. As the local saying goes, “The Lunar New Year lasts three days, but Shangyuan lasts three nights,” highlighting how Penghu’s Lantern Festival festivities are even livelier than the Lunar New Year itself. During the Lantern Festival period, more than 100 temples across the county join together in celebration, organizing a wide variety of activities that combine temple history with local highlights, inviting residents and visitors alike to step into temple courtyards to pray for peace and experience the rich cultural heritage of Penghu.　　Lin also noted that the “2026 Super Turtle – Explore Penghu Lantern Festival Stamp Rally and Lucky Draw” campaign has officially launched, inviting residents and tourists to spend the three-day Lantern Festival visiting temples across Penghu. Through collecting commemorative stamps, participants can gain deeper insight into local religious traditions and cultural stories while building emotional connections with the islands through the festive experience.　　Lin added that the county magistrate was recently injured during an official engagement and expressed gratitude for the public’s concern and well wishes. During this season of Lantern Festival blessings, special prayers were also offered for the magistrate’s speedy recovery and return to public service, so he may continue leading Penghu forward.　　During the Lantern Festival period, Suogang Beiji Temple has organized a series of festive activities, including blessings for a massive 9.75 kg Golden Turtle and a divination block (jiaobei) challenge featuring a golden squid. Outside the temple, visitors can also participate in wealth blessing activities, family-friendly lantern riddle games, crossing the Peace Bridge for blessings, and a local market, inviting the public to celebrate the Lantern Festival together.　　The “Golden Diamond Spirit Turtle” at Shanshui Shangdi Temple is the largest golden turtle in Penghu and one of the highlights of the annual Lantern Festival. Thanks to additional offerings made in fulfill

Penghu County Magistrate Chen Kuang-fu visited Chihkan Village in Baisha Township today (Feb. 11) to personally deliver Spring Festival meal care packages to local elderly residents living alone. During the visit, he spoke with the seniors, asked about their daily lives, and reminded them that temperatures have been fluctuating, encouraging them to “eat well and keep warm.” As the seniors received the generously prepared meal boxes, smiles lit up their faces and their gratitude was evident, creating a lively and heartwarming atmosphere.Chen noted that meal delivery services for seniors will be temporarily suspended for four days during the Lunar New Year holiday period (from Lunar New Year’s Eve through the third day of the new year). To ensure that elderly residents living alone can enjoy the holiday with peace of mind, the county government has launched the “Embrace Seniors Living Alone, Care Never Stops” initiative. A total of 560 Spring Festival care packages have been prepared in advance, containing essential food and daily necessities for the holiday period. These supplies are delivered directly to the homes of seniors so that they will have adequate meals and daily necessities during the temporary suspension of meal services and can celebrate the New Year with reassurance.Penghu currently has 130 volunteers providing meal delivery services. Except during the holiday break, these volunteers provide warm and attentive support every day, strengthening the safety net for seniors living alone. During today’s visit, Chen also expressed his sincere appreciation to frontline volunteers, praising them as one of Penghu’s most heartwarming examples of community spirit and thanking them for their dedication and hard work.Chen emphasized that the county government team will continue to serve as the strongest support for older adults. In addition to implementing the “Care Never Stops” program during the holiday season, the county will continue to invest more resources in strengthening long-term care policies, with the hope that all seniors can enjoy healthy lives, safety, and longevity.

The Penghu County Government held the “Run in Penghu” themed road run on the 18th, drawing 2,300 participants who ran along the coastline, enjoying the sea breeze while experiencing Penghu’s distinctive slow-paced island lifestyle and sporting charm.Penghu County Magistrate Chen Kuang-fu stated that the county government integrates road running events with tourism experiences so that sports become more than physical activity, incorporating diverse values such as health, education, and travel. He expressed hope that Penghu will gradually establish a sports tourism brand unique to the islands and suitable year-round, attracting more visitors to discover and fall in love with Penghu through sports.Magistrate Chen also thanked the organizing team for thoughtfully planning the event, which skillfully combined themes of marine sustainability, seafood culture, and sports tourism. The event allowed participants not only to enjoy the race but also to gain deeper insight into Penghu’s winter marine culture and island lifestyle, successfully injecting new momentum into the county’s winter tourism.Chen noted that Penghu is not only known for its scenic beauty but is also a county well suited for sports. In recent years, the county government has actively sought to host national and international sporting events, including the Penghu Winter Basketball League (January 19–23), the IRONMAN International Triathlon on April 12, the Gaillardia Cup National Baseball Championship in August, and Penghu Regatta. The long-established Penghu Bay Open Water Swim will also partner this year with the international open-water swimming brand OCEANMAN, marking its official debut on the global stage. The county government will continue integrating sports with tourism and cultural resources to establish a signature sports tourism identity unique to Penghu.“Run in Penghu” marks Penghu County’s first major sporting event of 2026. In support of sports tourism policies, the Education Department combined the road run with seafood education and marine culture for the first time. All finishers received a “Penghu Seafood” certified grouper and a grouper dish, and registration filled quickly after the event was announced. Following instructions from the magistrate, organizers expanded participation quotas by adding 300 spots for the 11K Challenge Group, 100 groups for the 5K Family Division, and 100 spots for the 5K Leisure Group, allowing more people to take part.The event invited popular Korean cheerleader An Ji-hyun and Mai Shiranui from the classic SNK fighting game IP The King of Fighters as event ambassadors. They led runners from the County Government Plaza along city roads toward the Penghu Recreation Area. With a family division included, the route featured many heartwarming scenes of parents carrying children, pushing strollers, or walking hand in hand with their families.Multiple local-themed refreshment stations were set up along the course, offering Penghu specialties such as brown sugar cake, Fong Ru tea, and cactus ice, allowing runners to recharge while enjoying authentic island flavors. At the finish line, organizers also arranged a Penghu seafood market and cultural-creative booths, bringing together sports, tourism, cuisine, and culture to create a memorable experience for all participants.