After arriving in Penghu, besides tasting hearty seafood in Magong city and admiring the stunning basalt wonders, in southern Penghu there's an excellent vacation paradise that lets you instantly "steal half a day of leisure in life". Of course, you can't miss those dreamy beaches kissed by the sun. I think the beach I'm introducing today is even more beautiful than the dreamy beaches I introduced before, that is Shili Beach
Name: 嵵裡沙灘 (Shili Beach)
Address: 澎湖縣馬公市嵵裡里
Phone: (886)6-9216521 (Penghu National Scenic Area Administration) / (886)0-9216445 (Penghu Travel)
Hours: Open 24 hours (open year-round)
From Magong city, follow County Road 204 then turn onto County Road 201 for about 20 minutes by car. You'll see the scenery along the way change from urban hustle to quaint fishing village charm. If you spot the imposing Wenwang Temple on the way, it means you've entered the Shili settlement area. This Wenwang Temple is the local center of faith—not just a striking building, but the starting point to delve into Shili's cultural context
Walking along the coastline, all you see is azure sea and endless white sand. We noticed an antique-style pavilion beside Shili Beach, its vermilion pillars and emerald eaves standing out vividly against the blue sky and white clouds. Though it looks like an extension of Wenwang Temple from afar, with the right angle it can also become a great spot for influencer photos!
Sitting here gazing into the distance, the boundless blue where sea meets sky opens the heart; the gentle sea breeze brushes your face, and the sound of waves in your ears makes all worries seem to blow away, leaving only serene tranquility. The atmosphere here is truly perfect for zoning out and letting a busy mind breathe
Occasionally large waves crash in. We waited a while to capture this scene and finally succeeded—it's truly beautiful here~
This beach stretching nearly a kilometer, its most attractive feature is the pure white shell sand made of fine coral and shell fragments
Shimmering with a charming glow under the sun. Though composed of shell fragments, it feels solid underfoot and doesn't stick to your feet. Paired with the emerald green hills in the distance and the azure sea, it forms a striking contrast, creating a breathtaking natural painting
Step closer to feel the fine texture of this beach—it's truly formed by countless tiny shells and coral debris deposited over millions of years, creating a unique "shell beach" landscape. Even walking barefoot on it feels comfortable with no prickling
Here you can stroll or run freely on the sand, feeling the gentle touch under your feet. Besides tiny shell fragments, there are also colorful coral pieces that enrich the sand's hues. Still, we suggest not taking any home—keeping this beautiful beach as it is is the best choice
Leaving the beach and turning your gaze to the sea, you'll find Shili Beach's water is astonishingly clear!
The water color transitions from transparent light green at the beach's edge to deep azure further out, sparkling brilliantly under the sun like a giant sapphire. The sea here is calm with small waves, perfect for swimming and water play, and also a great spot to try SUP stand-up paddling or transparent kayaking. If you're a surfing enthusiast, Shili Beach's steady waves also offer a nice surfing experience
Looking around the beach, you'll see some simple yet modern buildings. There's a recreation service center and spots for water activity operators. It provides well-equipped changing rooms, showers, and more, so you can freshen up easily after playing in the water. There are also rentals for beach tents, umbrellas, and beach chairs. Nearby is a white restaurant with large floor-to-ceiling windows—Lanka Restaurant (click for more details on Lanka Restaurant)
While dining at Lanka Restaurant, we spotted this handsome surfer in the distance, confidently carrying his surfboard toward the sea! Sapphire-like waves rolled toward him—the blue waves that day were incredibly beautiful. If I could surf, I'd definitely want to surf here too. Though Shili Beach isn't a massive-wave surfing mecca like some outer islands, its calm waters and smaller waves make it an excellent choice for beginners or those who prefer relaxed surfing
After enjoying Shili Beach, there are several nearby attractions worth visiting! Next, you can head to the nearby Penghu Marine Conservation Education Center to learn about Penghu's marine ecosystem restoration and species breeding efforts. It's air-conditioned and great for families!