Taiwan has so much more to offer beyond Taipei. This winter, we had the chance to join a family camp on Penghu, an outer island just a 45-minute flight from the city. From beachcombing in the ocean breeze to enjoying cactus ice cream surrounded by the sounds of waves and seagulls, Penghu showcases a different side of Taiwan.
Table of contents:
Meet the Camp Organizers
人人創學 (pronounced Rénrén Chuàngxué) is a Taiwan-based organization focused on innovative education and experiential learning. The name represents every learner and participant and symbolizes the connections between people—holding hands, big and small, as we explore the world together. Founded by Teacher Huang, the organization designs programs for children that encourage creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration, often through outdoor activities and cultural experiences.
Ms. Huang, an elementary school teacher, organizes a variety of camps that take children on adventures across Taiwan. These camps explore diverse environments, including mountains, cities, and coastal areas, offering students off-the-beaten-path experiences that help them connect with the beautiful country of Taiwan.
Camp Activities
Teacher Huang and Awei have thoughtfully designed a family camp in Penghu packed with outdoor adventures and rich cultural experiences. From exploring the island’s stunning landscapes to immersing in local traditions, every activity is carefully planned to be educational and unforgettable for all ages.
Our 3-day itinerary was packed with activities, so many that it’s hard to list them all! Here are some of the most memorable highlights from our adventure.
Taxidermy Fish DIY
One of my most memorable experiences was visiting 年年有鰆, an organization dedicated to promoting sustainable fishing practices and raising awareness about marine conservation. We learned how to identify fish using a special guidebook and discovered different ways to preserve fish for science. We also learned about sustainable fishing and how Penghu makes sure nothing is wasted. We even learned the Chinese names for some fish body parts!
The best part was making our taxidermy fish, 魚標本 (Yú biāoběn). We carefully pinned the fins and used a special chemical to keep the fish in place. This was a first for us and such a cool experience. When our fish specimen is ready, it will be sent to our relative’s house in Taiwan as a special souvenir from our trip.
Fish Auction Frenzy
In the afternoon, we joined Chef Seven and Penghu locals at the fish auction to participate in 搶魚 (qiǎng yú), or “fighting for fish” straight off the returning fishing boats. There was much excitement as we rushed from one dock to another, meeting the boats as they pulled in. Each of us picked out a fresh fish, still flopping in the baskets!
We returned to Chef Seven’s hostel with our fresh catch, where he taught us how to slice sashimi. The fish was also seared, miso-grilled, and cooked in a comforting soup. It was an ocean-to-table feast to remember!
Printing with Fresh Fish
One of the hands-on activities I was most looking forward to was Gyotaku, or 魚拓 (Yútà). It’s a traditional Japanese art where you put ink on a fish and press rice paper over it to make a print. The result is a life-size representation of the fish, including its scales, fins, and other features.. Fishermen used to do this to record their catches before cameras, but now it’s also a popular art form.
I’ve wanted to try it for so long, and now I have a special piece of art to remember this amazing trip. It will hang on the wall at home to bring good luck!
The Masked Women of Nanliao Village
We spent half a day exploring Nanlio Village, a once-thriving farming community now transformed into a historic travel destination. The village is famous for its “masked ladies” (蒙面女朗, Méng miàn nǚ lǎng), a tradition where women covered their faces to protect their skin from the harsh sun and salty air. As we walked through the village, we saw ancient coral stone houses and abandoned ruins reclaimed by nature and learned about everyday life. The kids got to pump water from the old well, which is still in use to this day!
Peanuts are a major agricultural product here, and we had the chance to roast our peanuts using hot sand, a traditional method that adds a unique flavor. This hands-on experience made for a fun and memorable DIY souvenir.
Downtown Magong Walking Tour
We started the walking tour at Penghu Tianhou Temple, located in the heart of Magong City. The temple is the oldest Mazu Temple in Taiwan. Deeply rooted in Penghu’s maritime culture, it is said to have been partly built from salvaged ships. Wood is scarce in Penghu, and many buildings are made of rock and coral, which makes the temple’s wooden architecture particularly unique.
I found downtown Magong quite touristy, with many shops selling rocks, coral, and other typical souvenirs. In the winter, there are fewer people, and only the shops on the main street were open. While the area was beautiful, the charming old street’s shops were closed, which was a bit disappointing.
Twilight at the Fish Market
In the darkness before dawn, we walked from our hotel to the fish market. The streets were eerily silent at first, but as we neared the docks, the atmosphere came alive. The air buzzed with fishermen shouting, and blinking lights illuminated the largest seafood distribution center in Penghu.
We watched as fishing crews worked swiftly to unload their catch. Buyers chased after auctioneers, ready to bid on each fresh batch of seafood as it arrived. It was the earliest my kids have ever gotten up for any activity, and I was dreading it myself, but it was a lively, fast-paced scene that made it a truly unforgettable experience.
We saw many fish species we had never encountered before. The sights were astonishing: forklifts moving pallets of fish, live eels squirming around, massive sharks, and deep sea fish bloated from the pressure changes. One of the most fascinating was the spotted guitarfish, which looks like a mix between a shark and a stingray with its unique shape. Surprisingly, it’s a type of ray, not a shark!
Beach Time and Shelling
It was a surprisingly warm winter day, and our guide, Awei, gave us the option to spend extra time at the beach. I took a leisurely walk along the shore, collecting shells, while my kids dug sand forts. We stumbled upon some unexpected treasures: an old coin, a rusty key, and a massive lobster carcass that the kids couldn’t resist playing with. I even found large cowrie shells, which turned out to still be alive, so we carefully returned them to the ocean.
Tongliang Village Rest Stop
We made a quick stop at Tongliang Village, where we posed for photos under the 300-year-old Tongliang Great Banyan Tree. During the summer, the tree’s massive roots provide a cool escape from the scorching sun, covering the entire courtyard in front of Baoan Temple with shade. Incredibly, the roots come from just one tree!
Penghu is famous not only for its seafood but also for a unique prickly plant that thrives in its dry, windy environment. Known as prickly pear in English and 仙人掌 (Xiānrénzhǎng) in Mandarin, this cactus was actually introduced to Penghu from the Americas and is not native to the island. A popular treat made from it is cactus sorbet. Although a must-try while in Penghu, I preferred the peanut ice, another local favorite. Both are perfect for cooling off and enjoying the flavors of Penghu!
Summer Activities
In addition to the activities offered during the winter camp, the summer program includes exciting water sports and ocean exploration. Get ready to cool off in the refreshing ocean and enjoy plenty of fun on the beach! Here are some of the summer activities you won’t want to miss.
Tidal Zone Experience
Learn about Penghu’s marine ecosystem, its conservation challenges, and the local fishing culture. Engage with marine conservation experts to understand sustainable practices and the importance of protecting the ocean. Then, join a guided Intertidal Zone Exploration to spot fascinating creatures like hermit crabs, starfish, and sea urchins, and learn about their habitats and ecological roles.
Kayaking and Paddlebaoarding
Feel the gentle rhythm of the waves beneath your board or canoe as we explore the island’s stunning coral reefs and marvel at the unique volcanic rock formations that dot the shoreline.
Ocean to Table Adventures
Start by learning traditional handline fishing, a sustainable method used by local fishermen, and feel the thrill of catching your own fish. Then, discover how fish are preserved using a traditional fish kiln, participating in cooking and drying activities. Finally, join a cooking workshop to turn your fresh catch into delicious traditional dishes while learning about Penghu’s fishing culture and sustainable practices. These hands-on activities offer a fun and meaningful way to connect with the ocean, local traditions, and the food on your table.
Penghu Camp Accomodations
The camp arranges accommodations, and we stayed at the newly built 4-star Discovery Hotel, known for its modern and stylish rooms, including clubhouse family suites.
The hotel’s amenities are perfect for families, including a pool, gym, playhouse, and even a rooftop basketball court. For those looking to relax, there’s a spa and massage center.
I wish the camp skipped the tourist trap shopping street and allowed us to spend the 3 hours at the hotel’s onsite extreme sports facility.
Conveniently located, the hotel is connected to high-end shops and sits across from the fish market, with the traditional morning market just a short walk away, making it easy to explore local attractions.
Please be aware that accommodations are based on availability.
Dining and Meals
All meals were included, and they were packed with seafood—so much seafood! As soon as we arrived, we headed straight to a restaurant for a seafood lunch of stir-fried clams, steamed whole fish, boiled prawns, and many other delicious dishes. That evening, we enjoyed a lavish seafood hot pot filled with fresh crab and oysters.
On this trip, I tried sea snails for the first time and learned something new. You have to remove a rock, called the operculum, from the snail’s foot before eating it. I was surprised to realize that these are the same button-like shells I have been finding on the beach all along!
My kids were thrilled with our hotel’s all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet, offering endless chef-driven dishes and fresh fruits. There are many restaurants downstairs and a small supermarket next door.
Getting to Penghu
Travel to Penghu was arranged by the camp. You can reach Penghu from Taiwan by a short flight or a ferry. Our flight from Songshan Airport took about 45 minutes. If you prefer to travel by sea, the ferry from Kaohsiung takes approximately 4 hours. The ferry does not operate in bad weather and is unavailable during the winter months. If you get seasick, flying is a better option.
Camp Language
The camp is conducted entirely in Mandarin, with some use of Taiwanese (Taigi). All preparatory materials provided by the camp are in Chinese. While the camp is not limited to overseas Taiwanese families, the majority of participants are Taiwanese parents living abroad who bring their children for cultural immersion. Approximately 20% of the participants are local Taiwanese families.
This is not a formal language learning camp—there is no structured language instruction or curriculum. However, it offers a great opportunity for full Mandarin immersion, especially for children with an intermediate to advanced proficiency level.
Summer or Winter Camp?
Penghu is best known as a summer destination. Its crystal blue waters are perfect for snorkeling, diving, and water sports. Temperatures can reach up to 34°C (93°F), but the constant sea breeze makes the warmth more tolerable than Taipei’s stifling humidity. The same camp organizer hosts a summer camp packed with countless water activities that the kids will forget about the heat.
I would recommend the summer camp. The cost is significantly lower than the winter camp. More families tend to join during the summer, and the lively energy of having more children around makes the experience even more fun and memorable. It’s a great opportunity for kids to make new friends and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Penghu at its best!
If you can only go in the winter, I still recommend it. Expect a more relaxed vibe where you can slow down and fully appreciate the island’s natural beauty. For winter 2024, registration was low and the camp was canceled twice but at the last minute one other family joined the camp. Keep in mind that many businesses close during the winter months, but on the plus side, activities will not be packed with tourists. We lucked out and enjoyed mild weather and barely needed our jackets.
How to Register for Camp
Camp package includes tour bus and guide, any activity tickets, meals, and hotel accommodations, travel insurance, and flights or ferry. Camp price may vary based on accommodation, transportation options, and availability of activities during each season.
This camp is one of the more expensive activities we’ve done in our years of traveling to Taiwan. It would have been cheaper to plan a DIY trip, but I wanted my kids to have the chance to meet and connect with other children. The experience of bonding with peers, sharing adventures, and learning together in a group setting was worth the extra cost.
Summer Camp Fees
The 2025 summer camp is 4 days and 3 nights. Pricing is based on the hotel accommodations that you choose.
Per Person: NT 22,300 ($679 USD) to NT 22,900 ($697 USD)
Winter Camp Fees
The 2024 winter camp was 3 days and 2 nights. This was the pricing structure for our group due to lower enrollment. Only two families had to cover the cost of the shuttle and tour guide. Here is an example of what I paid.
Per Person: NT 23,800 ($750 USD)
How To Register For Camp
Please reach out to the camp organizers, 人人創學 and Hand in Hand, for more information. When registration opens, they will send you a sign-up form. Please note that all communication and instructions are provided in Mandarin, so it’s helpful to have someone who can assist with translation if needed.
Related Articles
