Guishan Island Introduction
Whether approaching by land or sea, the sight of Guishan Island indicates that you have arrived in Yilan. Located about ten kilometers east of the coast of Toucheng Township in Yilan County, Guishan Island is the largest and only inhabited island among the county’s islands, and it is also the only active volcano remaining in Taiwan. Named for its resemblance to a floating turtle, Guishan Island was included in the Northeast Coast and Yilan National Scenic Area by the Executive Yuan in 1999 after years of dedicated efforts by the Yilan County Government and local representatives following the lifting of martial law in 1988. Characterized by its cultural and ecological resources, Guishan Island has been planned as a maritime ecological park that balances intellectual and sensory experiences. By regulating visitor capacity, it aims to reduce environmental conflicts while integrating nearby whale-watching activities, making it a popular tourist destination along the Northern Blue Highway. The underwater world around Guishan Island is home to thousands of crabs thriving in the hot, sulfurous, and highly acidic environment, creating a unique phenomenon. A notable sight on Guishan Island is Guihu (also known as Turtle Tail Pond), which originally was a freshwater lake. Later, island residents attempted to bring seawater into the lake hoping to create a fishing port, but every time they built a dam, it was washed away by typhoons, resulting in the lake now being a mix of salt and fresh water. Across the lake stands a statue of Guanyin, peacefully guarding Turtle Tail Pond and its residents. Looking from the military camp on the island, the steep mountains are lush and verdant, with distinct ridgelines that resemble a beautiful woman lying back, allowing a clear view of her form, showcasing the wonders of nature. The end of Guishan Island features a pebble beach, which, influenced by wind and tides, shifts north and south with the seasons, colloquially known as "Linggui Waving Tail."
