Twin Lion Rock Introduction
Lanyu, formed by underwater volcanic eruptions, mainly consists of andesitic lava and basaltic agglomerates. Over years of marine erosion and weathering, hard and erosion-resistant rock blocks were left behind, creating various interesting rock formations. Scattered along the coast are numerous rocks with diverse shapes, named by the Han people based on their appearances as Shuangshi Rock, Junjian Rock, Gangkuan Rock, Xiangbi Rock, Longtou Rock, Laoren Rock, Mantou Rock, Hongtou Rock, Eluosi Rock, Tank Rock, Yunu Rock, and Muji Rock, all of which are vividly lifelike. The marvelous nature has sculpted the island's hard rocks as if playing with clay, making Lanyu an outdoor exhibition of large stone sculptures. Shuangshi Rock is located at the northeast corner, facing the round-the-island highway and turning its back to the Pacific Ocean. It is a natural landscape formed from the lava that cooled during volcanic activity, resembling a pair of male and female lions gazing lovingly at each other, with a small lion peeking out from behind the female, presenting a harmonious and joyful scene. From the sea looking towards the land, Shuangshi Rock appears to be divided in two; the Tao people (also known as the Yami people) refer to this rock as Ji Panatosan, which means the boundary between the "Eastern Qing" and "Lang Island" tribes. In the hearts of fishing enthusiasts, Shuangshi Rock is not only a natural stone sculpture but also a rare champion fishing spot! Facing the Pacific Ocean from the round-the-island highway, fishing friends refer to the female lion rock with the small lion on the right as "North Lion," while the male lion on the left is called "South Lion." Most prefer to fish at North Lion, considering it a battleground, and many competition champions have achieved great results there! The main catches include Longshan, grouper, autumn fish, and rough skin bream. The local indigenous people can often be seen diving for lobsters in the area. Here, you can enjoy not only the beauty of the earth's landscapes but also the pleasure of fishing. On the nearby beach of Shuangshi Rock, there's a carpet of saddle vine, with patches of green interspersed with a few small purple flowers, creating a beautiful picture intertwined with blue seas and skies. The sunlight adds to the poetic ambiance. Approaching the shore, the intertidal zone teems with coral reef ecology, revealing a rich array of organisms at low tide, resembling an ideal ecological classroom. When traveling to Lanyu, visitors often use bicycles or scooters to circumnavigate the island, enjoying the local scenery. Notable attractions include the famous Dongqing Bay sunrise, the pristine tropical rainforest-style Daitian Pond, and the Lover's Cave with its natural sea erosion gate; all are well-known tourist spots that are worth visiting. More information on Lanyu travel tips.
