Jishan Islet Introduction
Departing from the ports of Shagang Village or Beiliao Village in Huxi Township, approximately 4 kilometers off the northeastern coast of Beiliao Village, there are two island plateaus known as Jishan Island and Xiao Jishan Island. Surrounded by sea cliffs with distinct basalt columns, these two islands can be connected during low tide. Originally, these islands were part of a lava plateau formed around 12 million years ago, which was separated into two islands due to intense coastal erosion. Both islands contain olivine aggregates in their basalt, indicating that the lava originated from deeper within the earth. On the east, south, and west sides of Jishan Island, one can see coastal caves and erosion channels, while there is a shallow sandy beach to the southeast. Xiao Jishan Island is a typical small island covered with basalt columns that vary in height and length, standing in the sea like an enormous pipe organ against the blue sky. Its hexagonal joints are distinct and powerful, making it the most famous spot for rock and bird watching in Penghu. During the summer, the number of Sooty Terns breeding on Jishan Island is the highest in the northern seas, with one to two thousand choosing to roost on the island each year. In recent years, the Penghu Wild Bird Society's research on Sooty Terns revealed, through leg bands, that these birds come from the northeast of Australia. Similarly, banding efforts in Australia during winter have found Sooty Terns that return from Penghu. More than a decade ago, Sooty Terns banded in Penghu also returned to breed in Penghu. This shows that Sooty Terns make a round trip between Penghu and Australia every spring and autumn. Protecting the island's landscapes is also the best way to protect wildlife. In recent years, with the development of tourism, Jishan Island has become a new hotspot for travel in the East China Sea, where the dialogue between basalt and terns reflects a harmonious natural spectacle.
