Vacationers from all over Taiwan have descended on the Penghu islands to enjoy the annual firework displays. But the wave of tourists isn’t all good news.
A line of people snakes along an alley in Penghu, eagerly awaiting one breakfast shop’s famous fried dough sticks. Just looking at them makes your mouth water. This year’s Penghu International Fireworks Festival has begun and the crowds have poured in. It’s a boon for businesses, but a blight for the environment.
Penghu’s basalt columns are a popular tourist spot. And some people are risking injury to get the perfect holiday photo. One woman says you’re not allowed on the rocks. Another says you could hurt yourself falling.
But this kind of behaviour is hardly new to Penghu authorities. Local laws say no climbing, no graffiti, and no fires. And rulebreakers risk a fine of anywhere between NT$5,000 and NT$1,000,000 (US$180 to $36,000).
Authorities are asking people to stay away from the cliffs to keep themselves and the environment safe from harm.