Dongji (東吉), Xiji (西吉), Dongyuping (東嶼坪) and Xiyuping (西嶼坪) make up four islets of Penghu. In recent years, due to the rectification of the Marine National Park Headquarters (MNPH) as well as local hotel owners’ efforts, Penghu has become a prime location for tourists.
A few years ago, the port of Tainan opened a one hour route to Dongji; now, an hour away people can experience the sunshine, beach and nature of Penghu. According to MNPH’s statistics, in June of 2019, 10,722 people entered the island; in June of 2020, 8,792 people entered the island and July is predicted to have a record-breaking number of people.
▲台南開通到東吉的航線之後，從台南將軍港坐船只要1個多小時，根據國家公園的統計，108年6月登島人數為10,722人，109年6月有8,792人，7月預計登島人數將創歷史新高。｜A few years ago, the port of Tainan opened a one hour route to Dongji; now, an hour away people can experience the sunshine, beach and nature of Penghu.（NOWnews）目前台南－東吉由「東吉福氣號」客輪負責營運，每週三有一個航次往返，周六由台南前往東吉，週日回航台南，「東吉福氣號」客輪可承載147人，船長在行經知名的西吉藍洞、鐵鉆嶼等景點時，會自動巡航讓旅客順道觀賞拍照，是一個兼具交通與遊樂的超級遊艇。
Currently in Tainan, the Dongji Blessing (東吉福氣號) passenger ship, with a maximum capacity of 147 people, has a round trip every Wednesday, a trip from Tainan to Dongji every Saturday and from Dongji back to Tainan on Sundays.
During the route, the ship goes by famous destinations such as Xiji “Blue Cave” (西吉藍洞) and Tie Zuan Islet (鐵砧嶼).
▲「東吉福氣號」客輪可承載147人，船長在行經知名的西吉藍洞、鐵鉆嶼等景點時，會自動巡航讓旅客順道觀賞拍照，是一個兼具交通與遊樂的超級遊艇。｜Currently in Tainan, the Dongji Blessing (東吉福氣號) passenger ship, with a maximum capacity of 147 people, has a round trip every Wednesday, a trip from Tainan to Dongji every Saturday and from Dongji back to Tainan on Sundays.（NOWnews） 東吉全島面積只有1.54平方公里，但是因位置相當重要，自古即為台澎之間海運貿易的轉運站，古代即為澎湖坐船到台灣的中繼站，島上有一座知名的東吉燈塔，佇立在岸邊指引著在大海中航行的船隻，住民最多達2000人以上，因此有「小上海」之稱。
The island of Dongji is only 1.54 kilometers squared; however, due to the importance of its location, it has been a transshipment station for maritime trade between the rest of Taiwan and Penghu. On the island, there is the well-known Dongji Lighthouse (東吉燈塔), which supposedly help guide ships sailing at sea. Previously, residents in Dongji made up more than 2000 people, thus, Dongji is also known as “Little Shanghai.”
▲東吉島是古代從澎湖坐船到台灣的中繼站，島上有一座知名的東吉燈塔，佇立在岸邊指引著在大海中航行的船隻，當地住民最多達2000人以上，因此有「小上海」之稱。｜The island of Dongji is only 1.54 kilometers squared; however, due to the importance of its location, it has been a transshipment station for maritime trade between the rest of Taiwan and Penghu.（NOWnews）不過因海洋資源枯竭、人口外流等因素，目前島上住民人數已不到20人，這幾年海管處在基礎建設頗為用心，加上陸續有民宿、旅遊業者近駐，島嶼似乎又有了活力。
Yet, due to the depletion of marine resources and the outflow of population, the number of residents on the island is currently less than 20. In recent years, the marine Management Department dedicated themselves to infrastructure construction. With the influx of tourists recently, the island seems to be “alive” again.
Park management official Hsu Shao-liang (徐紹良) said that there are many hotels in business on island, however there are not enough fine restaurants for tourists to dine at. Thus, Hsu especially found a retired chef to make boxed food for at Dongji’s Management Station.
▲旅客在東吉可享受湛藍的天、清澈的海，看著大自然鬼斧神工的柱狀玄武岩，遠離都市塵囂，盡情來場海洋之旅。｜Travelers can enjoy the clear blue sky and nature, away from the hustle of the cities.（NOWnews）東吉唯一的一間雜貨店提供價錢公道的冷飲及泡麵，碼頭涼亭內還有80歲的阿婆唱著動聽優美的褒歌，賣好喝的道地風茹茶，旅客在這裡享受湛藍的天、清澈的海，看著大自然鬼斧神工的柱狀玄武岩，遠離都市塵囂，盡情來場海洋之旅。
Dongji’s only store allows tourists to buy affordable cold drinks or instant noodles. The 80-years-old grandma sings in the marina pavilion and sells delicious local wind tea. Travelers can enjoy the clear blue sky and nature, away from the hustle of the cities.
