西嶼彈藥本庫

This attraction, newly opened in 2021, was always locked when I passed by it before. I never expected the ammunition depot to be right next to the road. This time, I returned home specifically to see how this depot, known as the Iron Wall, has transformed into a popular Instagram-worthy spot in Xiyu Township. Penghu, strategically located at the throat of the Taiwan Strait, was heavily guarded during the Japanese colonial period, monitoring ships passing through. This secluded hillside location became a military base for storing ammunition, and with two artillery batteries to the east and west, it offered a significant logistical advantage! During the Showa era, ammunition depots began to be constructed in earthen and cavern-style structures (commonly known as Iron Walls) to store ammunition. The earthen cave-style depots employed natural ventilation, with elevated wooden floors for cooling, ventilation ducts underneath, and lightning rods installed on the roof. This demonstrates the high standards set by the Japanese for managing ammunition depots at the time. The cave-like ammunition depot, a popular photo spot, is meticulously designed. A hole was initially dug into the mountainside, then sheathed in copper plates, essentially forming a Rafale cage to prevent the explosives from detonating due to electromagnetic pulses caused by lightning. Moisture- and corrosion-resistant construction also preserved this protective technique as a precious record. After the Nationalist Army took over, the site earned the reputation of being an impenetrable fortress due to its unique structure. After the withdrawal of the Nationalist Army, it was transformed into a tourist park (although the adjacent military zone was still in place). To promote tourism, it was renovated and illuminated. The golden glow makes the fortress appear even more remarkable. Furthermore, to cater to the Taiwanese love of photo-taking, a glass panel was designed to easily capture beautiful reflections. If you visit Xiyu Township, be sure to visit this unique ammunition depot. While the heat and sun along the way can be devastating, capturing the beautiful scenery is truly a joy.

It was incredibly windy that day, and the guides working there were incredibly helpful. They were very helpful and answered any questions promptly. Someone asked why copper was used as a building material. It was primarily to dissipate static electricity and prevent sparks. Lead plates were added underground to connect the copper to conduct static electricity away from the ammunition depot. The buildings are well-preserved, withstanding strong winds and saltwater erosion. The construction techniques are truly impressive. 🚙 The parking lot is down the steep slope in front of the camp. 🚻 There are no restrooms at the camp; they are located to the left of the parking lot.

On May 19, 2025, there was a very special copper-walled ammunition depot, which was very well preserved and had a clear tour guide. It was cool inside and worth a visit, but the weather outside was very hot and the sun was blazing. I almost got heatstroke.

If you absolutely must come, please arrive after 4 PM as it gets extremely hot 🌞. The Copper Wall Ammunition Depot is beautiful ✨, probably unique in Taiwan. However, it's not tourist-friendly and not suitable for the elderly or children. There are also mosquitoes 🦟. The park itself doesn't have parking, restrooms, or air conditioning. You have to drive to another camp gate and down a steep slope to find parking and restrooms. If you park there, it's about a 5-minute walk back to the cultural park entrance. It's also quite a distance from the park gate to the ammunition depot, like a hiking trail with long ups and downs and stairs. If taking photos at the Copper Wall Ammunition Depot takes 5 minutes, the walk up and down the slopes alone will definitely take 20 minutes. Please consider this carefully.