Hou-shih Reef Introduction
The Hou-Shih skirt reef is located along the southeastern coastline of Xiaoliuqiu, where there are continuous marine erosion platforms. Due to long-term erosion by seawater, the platforms are dotted with uneven pits, and one can easily find impressive and unusual rock formations on both sides of the island's ring road, which attract many tourists to stop and admire. Additionally, the coral reef stones here take forms that resemble familiar animals or characters, leading to many interesting associations. The Climbing Tiger Rock resembles a tiger climbing, with a boulder on the grassy slope appearing to exert effort in climbing. It was once an ordinary stone, but the uplift of the earth's crust raised the coral reef rock above the water's surface, and the seawater eroded the rock along its joints, gradually decomposing and collapsing it. The collapsed coral crushed rock is what we now see as Climbing Tiger Rock. The Guanyin Rock is another special stone. In the Buddhist world, Guanyin is a deity of compassion and love for all beings, holding an incredibly revered position in people's hearts. Many pray silently during difficult times, asking Guanyin to remove hardship, and this peculiar rock on the coast seems like a statue of Guanyin pondering by the sea. In a beautiful imagination, this Guanyin Rock may well be the peace stone guarding Xiaoliuqiu. The Red Fan Rock is a very interesting stone, as it has two contrasting appearances. Red Fan Rock is a name familiar to many due to its resemblance to an Indian chief's head. However, upon closer observation, it seems there is not much controversy. Yet, some have assigned new associations to it; from the lush green grass scattered on the rock, it indeed looks like Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chu. If you have the chance, you might want to visit and compare in person! The fascinating rock scenery of Xiaoliuqiu doesn't end here; there are various other rugged and bizarre stones shaped like wild boars, mice, monkeys, frogs, parrots, and more. Just by changing angles to appreciate them, you might uncover unexpected new discoveries.
