Starry Night Laurel ^中文版

Tucked away on the quiet outer edge of Xiyu Island in Penghu County, Xingye Guiguan (Star Night Laurel) is a hidden coastal retreat that promises slow, star-drenched getaways far from Taiwan’s crowded tourist hubs. Built with local volcanic stone and wrapped in wild laurel hedges that bloom with creamy white flowers in late summer, this low-key boutique accommodation lives up to its poetic name: on clear nights, unobstructed horizons and near-zero light pollution let the Milky Way spill across the sky, turning every evening into a private celestial show. Beyond the retreat’s own ocean-view decks and homemade sea salt gelato, three nearby attractions make this spot unmissable for any Penghu traveler.

The first stop, just a 10-minute walk from Xingye Guiguan, is Nei’an Ancient Coastal Trail, a gentle 3-kilometer path winding along weathered basalt cliffs. The trail passes secluded coves with vivid turquoise water, abandoned fishing huts draped in morning glories, and ends at a forgotten 19th-century fishing shrine perched above the ocean. Walk it at golden hour, when the setting sun turns the basalt rocks amber, and you’ll often spot wild sea turtles bobbing in the calm shallow bays.

Second, 15 minutes by scooter from the retreat is Tongliang Black Stone Forest, part of Penghu’s UNESCO-recognized Geopark. These towering columnar basalt formations were shaped by millennia of wind and salt spray, creating a maze of jagged dark rock that opens out to sweeping ocean views. Local guides lead low-impact hikes through the forest, pointing out hidden sea caves where cliff swallows nest and ancient petroglyphs carved by early Austronesian fishermen.

Third, a 20-minute drive away brings you to Xiyu Old Lighthouse, the oldest working lighthouse in Taiwan. The crisp white stone tower perched on a windswept headland offers panoramic views of the entire Penghu archipelago, and the surrounding park is dotted with decommissioned military bunkers turned small art spaces, perfect for slow afternoon wandering.

After a day of exploring, return to Xingye Guiguan for a barbecue of fresh catch caught that morning by local fishermen, then spread a blanket on the lawn to watch the stars. On many warm summer nights, you can even spot bioluminescent plankton glowing faintly in the rolling waves after dark. This retreat isn’t for fast-paced sightseers—it’s for anyone craving the quiet, wild magic of Penghu’s untroubled coast. (Word count: 487)