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Tongnang Village's Bao'an Temple front has a banyan tree over 300 years old, known as the largest sacred tree in Penghu's shade. This banyan has 95 aerial roots, its canopy covering the temple's front courtyard to form a shaded plaza for rest and relaxation. Without careful observation, one might hardly believe all the branches belong to a single tree. The exact history of the ancient banyan remains uncertain. A legend says that during the Kangxi era of the Qing Dynasty, a merchant ship wrecked near the Hougmen Strait off Tongnang. Only a sapling survived, drifting ashore in Tongnang where villagers planted it before the temple. By this account, the banyan might be over 300 years old. Another legend suggests the banyan may only be about 200 years old. According to Chinese planting traditions, trees are usually planted after temple construction. Since Bao'an Temple was built roughly 200 years ago, the ancient banyan might actually be 100 years younger than legend claims. Regardless of which story is true, the banyan's magnificent shade is worth visiting.


Game Guide: The vast shade of Tongnang's ancient banyan serves as villagers' spot for midday rests, board games, and tea. On a scorching summer visit, slow down or stop to savor the leisurely moment of "pleasant shade under a great tree."