Shuangshi Rock Introduction
Orchid Island was formed by underwater volcanic eruptions, predominantly composed of andesitic lava and basaltic clastic rock. Over the years of marine erosion and weathering, hard and less weather-resistant rocks have been left behind, creating interesting peculiar rock formations. Scattered along the coastline are numerous rocks of various shapes, identified by the Han people through the concept of "seeing shapes and deriving meanings." These formations include Lion Rock, Battleship Rock, Helmet Rock, Elephant Trunk Rock, Dragon Head Rock, Old Man Rock, Bun Rock, Red Head Rock, Crocodile Rock, Tank Rock, Maiden Rock, and Hen Rock, each vividly resembling their namesakes. The wonders of nature have sculpted the island's hard rocks as if they were clay, turning Orchid Island into an outdoor display of large stone sculptures. Lion Rock is located at the northeastern corner, facing the island's circular highway and backed by the Pacific Ocean. It is a natural landscape formed by the cooling of lava ejected during volcanic activity. From a distance, it appears as a pair of lions, a male and a female, gazing affectionately at each other, with a small lion peeking out from behind the female, illustrating a scene of harmony and familial joy. From the sea looking towards the land, Lion Rock divides into two, with the Tao people (Yami people) referring to it as Ji Panatosan, meaning the boundary line between the "Dongqing" and "Langdao" tribes. For fishing enthusiasts, Lion Rock is not only a natural stone sculpture but also a rare championship fishing spot! Facing the Pacific from the circular highway, fishermen refer to the female Lion Rock, which has the small lion on its right side, as the "North Lion," while the male Lion on the left side is called the "South Lion." Many prefer the North Lion as a coveted fishing ground, with numerous championship winners having achieved notable results there. The main catches include barracuda, grouper, and snapper, and locals can often be seen diving for lobsters in this area. Here, visitors can enjoy both the beauty of nature's landscapes and the fun of fishing. Adjacent to Lion Rock, the beach is covered with sprawling saddle vines, a vast green sea speckled with purple flowers, creating a beautiful painting interwoven with the blue sea and sky, further enhanced by sunlight. Approaching the shoreline, the rich ecological landscape of the coral reef intertidal zone reveals a myriad of marine life during low tide, resembling an ideal ecological classroom. When traveling to Orchid Island, visitors often use bicycles or scooters to circumnavigate the island along the roads, taking in the local scenery. Notable attractions include the famous sunrise at Dongqing Bay, the pristine tropical rainforest atmosphere of the Great Heavenly Pool, and the Lover's Cave with its natural sea-eroded gate, all well worth a visit. For more information on traveling in Orchid Island, please refer to the travel notes.
