Taiwan's Magong named Asia’s most welcoming city in 2026

Magong in Taiwan’s Penghu County has been ranked among the world’s most welcoming cities in Booking.com’s 2026 Traveller Review Awards. (Image: Wikipedia)

• Magong, Taiwan ranked 2nd globally for hospitality in 2024.
• The city is known for its temples, seafood, and island charm.
• Magong offers authentic experiences and a welcoming community.

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What does it mean to feel welcomed by a city? Is it the warmth of strangers who treat you like an old friend? The comfort of finding familiarity in a completely new place? Or the quiet joy of discovering community when you least expect it?

According to the 14th edition of the Traveller Review Awards by Booking.com, a truly welcoming city is one that consistently delivers excellent service and heartfelt hospitality. Based on more than 370 million verified traveller reviews worldwide, two Asian cities have made it to the global top ten friendliest destinations this year — and one of them is Magong in Taiwan.

Magong, Taiwan: Asia’s most welcoming city

Ranked second globally, Magong is a lively harbour city on Penghu’s main island, off Taiwan’s western coast. Often overlooked in favour of larger urban centres, Magong is the kind of place that quietly wins you over — through its history, its food, and the easy warmth of island life.

As the county-administered seat of Penghu County, Magong traces its roots back to the Ming Dynasty. Over centuries, it has evolved into a compelling mix of maritime heritage, cultural depth and scenic beauty. For travellers seeking destinations that feel authentic rather than curated, Magong offers a refreshing alternative.

Penghu Tianhou Temple

A city shaped by temples and tides

At the heart of Magong stands the revered Penghu Tianhou Temple, also known as the Mazu Temple. Believed to date back to the late 16th or early 17th century, it is regarded as Taiwan’s oldest temple dedicated to the sea goddess Mazu. The temple’s intricate wood carvings and centuries-old incense rituals offer not just spiritual significance, but a living connection to Taiwan’s maritime past.

A short walk away is Central Street (Zhongyang Old Street), the city’s oldest thoroughfare. Lined with traditional Fujian-style buildings interspersed with Western influences, the street reflects Penghu’s layered history of trade and migration. Here, souvenir shops sit beside snack stalls, and the pace of life slows to a gentle island rhythm.

History enthusiasts can also visit the Four-eyed Well, an ancient Qing Dynasty-era water source believed to have origins dating back even earlier. Its clever architectural design is a testament to early engineering ingenuity in a coastal settlement where fresh water was once precious.

Coastal landscapes and island charm

Beyond its temples and old streets, Magong’s natural beauty is equally compelling. The Penghu archipelago is known for dramatic basalt cliffs, sandy coves and strikingly clear waters. Fishing villages dot the coastline, where visitors can sample fresh seafood straight from the boats and sip locally brewed drinks as the sun dips below the horizon.

The annual Penghu Fireworks Festival transforms the harbour into a spectacle of light and colour, drawing visitors from across Taiwan and beyond. Timed against the backdrop of the sea, the fireworks capture the festive spirit that defines the island community.

Zhongyang Old Street

A paradise for seafood lovers

Given its island setting, Magong’s culinary identity revolves around the ocean. Night markets and street vendors along Zhongyang Old Street serve oyster omelettes, grilled squid and freshly caught fish prepared in simple, flavour-forward styles.

Adventurous food lovers should try cactus ice cream — a unique local speciality — or traditional brown sugar cake. Another island favourite is Siwei Vermicelli, produced in Penghu’s ideal breezy climate, which naturally aids noodle drying.

From humble street stalls to modern pubs, Magong’s dining scene remains rooted in local ingredients and tradition.

Magong Old City Wall (Image: Wikipedia)

A layered historical past

Magong’s history extends beyond the Ming and Qing dynasties. During the Japanese colonial period, it served as a key naval base, playing a strategic role during World War II. Remnants of old city walls and military installations still stand as reminders of a turbulent yet defining era.

This layered past — blending Chinese maritime culture, Japanese influence and indigenous heritage — gives Magong a depth that rewards slow exploration.

While global travel often gravitates towards mega-cities, Magong represents a different kind of destination — one where hospitality feels personal and unforced. Its ranking among the world’s friendliest cities underscores what seasoned travellers already know: sometimes, the most memorable journeys happen in places that don’t try too hard to impress.

For 2026, as travellers increasingly seek meaningful experiences over checklist tourism, Magong offers exactly that — history you can walk through, food you can taste fresh from the sea, and a community that welcomes visitors not as outsiders, but as returning friends.

In a continent filled with iconic metropolises, Magong proves that small harbour cities can leave the biggest impressions.