Jishan Island Introduction
Departing from the ports of Shagang Village or Beiliao Village in Huxi Township, around 4 kilometers off the northeastern coast of Beiliao Village, there are two island plateaus called Jishan Island and Xiaoji Shan Island. Surrounded by sea cliffs with distinct hexagonal basalt columns, these two islands can be connected at low tide. Originally, these islands were a single basalt lava plateau that was formed around 12 million years ago, which became separated due to intense marine erosion. Both islands contain olivine-rich basalt, indicating that the lava originated from a deeper part of the Earth. On the eastern, southern, and western sides of Dajishan Island, you can see sea caves and sea erosion gullies, while there is a shallow sandy beach to the southeast. Xiaoji Shan Island is a typical small island of basalt columnar formations, characterized by irregularly shaped columns that rise majestically from the sea, resembling a giant pipe organ against the backdrop of the azure sky. Its hexagonal joint faces, marked edges, and powerful presence make it one of the most famous spots for rock and bird watching in Penghu. In summer, the number of red-footed boobies breeding on Jishan Island reaches its peak in the northern seas, with one or two thousand choosing to reside on the island each year. In recent years, during banding research conducted by the Penghu County Wild Bird Association, it was discovered that these red-footed boobies come from the northeastern region of Australia based on the leg bands they carry. Similarly, winter banding efforts in Australia have also found red-footed boobies from Penghu. Moreover, red-footed boobies banded over a decade ago in Penghu have returned to breed in Penghu, showcasing the annual migration between Penghu and Australia during spring and autumn. Preserving the island landscape is the best way to protect wildlife. In recent years, with the development of tourism, Jishan Island has become a new focal point for travel in the East China Sea, where the dialogue between basalt and the boobies paints a harmonious picture of nature.
