aeeble

Walking along the trail of Xiaomenyu, one can see the local characteristics of Penghu, including the "Shihgan-tang" stone carvings used for warding off negative spirits. You can also observe the unique agricultural landscape of Penghu - the "Cai-zhai" agricultural system, also called "Zai-nei" or "Wai-ai." These structures protect crops by constructing wind-blocking stone walls, with most Cai-zhai built using local coral rock and basalt. However, in some areas with abundant water sources, wind barriers made of Chinese tule (Bulrush) are used as an alternative. The Cai-zhai construction method is particularly distinctive. Basalt and coral rock are sun-dried to remove impurities. When stacking, large stones form the foundation while smaller pieces serve as fillers, without using cement or lime for assistance. The interlocking edges of stacked stones act as natural mortise and tenon joints, forming a stable wind wall. While this construction appears rough, it is highly effective at withstanding the strong northeasterly monsoons. Crop cultivation within the Cai-zhai varies by season: pumpkins, Penghu melons, and Penghu green beans dominate spring and summer, while autumn and winter primarily grow leafy vegetables like bok choy, tomatoes, and water spinach. Beyond growing seasonal vegetables, the most important cultivated crop in Cai-zhai is sweet potato (locally called "sai-bo"). However, this traditional building technique requires long-term accumulated expertise and difficult-to-source materials. Over time, the craft has gradually faded into obscurity. Today, many Cai-zhai are constructed using alternative modern materials instead.