Penghu is surrounded by the sea and has abundant natural resources. During the Japanese occupation era, the Japanese introduced fish processing technology to process the originally low economic-value fish goods to sell to Taiwan and other foreign countries, which created a once booming fish industry in Penghu. The "fish cooking kiln" architectural pattern played an important role in the economic development of the past. In 1961, Penghu's traditional fishing industry was at its peak. With changes in resources, technological innovations, and market demand, fish cooking kilns became widespread along fishing ports or within villages. The seasonal catch of red-eye round herring and clove fish were the main sources of fish. Villagers' women would process the catch in the fish cooking kiln, first soaking them in brine, cleaning, then steaming them in round bamboo baskets, before sun-drying them for export to Taiwan or Japan.
  
After the 1970s, due to a decline in fish stocks, changing market demands, and population outflows, the traditional fish cooking kiln industry gradually declined, leading to the abandonment of the fish cooking kiln buildings. In the memories of older generations, the bustling scenes of life around the fish cooking kiln faded away, leaving only traces of memories. In July 2017, with the joint efforts of the Baisha Township office and the community development association, the Houliao Sampan'ao Fish Cooking Kiln was refurbished and reopened. This not only allows the history of the fish cooking kiln to continue being preserved but also gives younger generations a chance to understand the lifestyle of early fishing communities. In addition to its educational significance, it is also hoped to drive and connect nearby tourist attractions, bringing in more visitors to promote the development of the tourism industry in Baisha Township.
  
Located near the old dock of Houliao in Baisha, the Houliao Sampan'ao Fish Cooking Kiln is next to the secret "Paradise Road." When visiting Paradise Road, don't forget to stop by and admire this traditional fish cooking kiln. The Houliao Sampan'ao Fish Cooking Kiln is equipped with fish cooking kilns and cleverly uses fishing nets, floats, and other recycled items to create four human-like figures. These figures, with varied postures and tasks, vividly recreate the traditional fish cooking kiln work. The coral beach near the fish cooking kiln also hosts a painted fishing boat, which not only ties to the history of the fish cooking kiln but, with its vibrant colors under the shining Penghu sun, set against the blue sky, white clouds, and sandy beach, creates one of the most beautiful scenes in Penghu. 
Recommended Duration of Visit: 30 minutes

Source: Penghu Travel