The fort was commissioned by Liu Mingchuan during the late Qing Dynasty to modernize Taiwan's maritime defenses.
The structure is partially buried or camouflaged with earth berms to function as a semi-subterranean battery, a technique used to mitigate damage from naval bombardment.
The military facility was strategically positioned to cross-fire with the nearby Xiyu Xitai fort to cover the entrance of the Xiyu Channel.
It is one of the few surviving examples of Qing-era 'Western-style' coastal artillery batteries in the Penghu archipelago.
The masonry incorporates local Penghu basalt and coral stone, adapted for durability against the region's high-salinity maritime climate.
Xiyu Dongtai is a historical coastal defense fortification located on Penghu's Xiyu Island, originally constructed during the Qing Dynasty to protect Magong Harbor. It served as a strategic military outpost throughout the Japanese colonial period and into the mid-20th century. The site features well-preserved earth-covered barracks, ammunition depots, and cannon platforms built into the terrain to minimize visibility from the sea. The layout utilizes traditional lime, stone, and brick construction techniques common to Penghu architecture of the late 19th century. Visitors can explore the underground tunnels and modular military rooms that remain standing today. The fortification is situated on a high point providing clear visual command over the Penghu Channel. It is currently managed as a preserved historic site by the Penghu National Scenic Area Administration. Ongoing conservation efforts aim to maintain the structural integrity of the vaulted stone chambers.
The arched entrance to the main barracks, which frames the architectural symmetry against the coastal backdrop.
Bring a flashlight or use your phone light, as the interior tunnels can be dimly lit.
Wear sturdy, closed-toe walking shoes to navigate the uneven stone pathways and historic ramparts.
Apply sunscreen and bring a hat, as there is very limited natural shade throughout the exposed grounds.
Do not wander off the marked paths, as the surrounding terrain is uneven and features steep cliff edges.
Do not climb on the unrestored stone walls or enter restricted sections marked by signage.
