Jishan Islet Introduction
Departing from the ports of Shakang Village or Beiliao Village in Huxi Township, approximately 4 kilometers northeast of Beiliao Village, there are two island plateaus on the sea surface. Surrounded by sea cliffs with distinct columnar basalt formations, these two islands can be connected at low tide. Originally, these two islands were part of a lava plateau that formed around 12 million years ago, which was divided into two islands due to intense coastal erosion. Both islands contain olivine clasts in their basalt, indicating that the lava originated from deeper underground. On the east, south, and west of Jishan Island, one can see sea caves and wave-cut notches, while there is a shallow sandy beach to the southeast. Little Jishan Island is a typical small basalt plateau island, where irregularly shaped columnar basalt formations stand in the sea, resembling a gigantic pipe organ against the azure sky. Its hexagonal joint surfaces, distinct angles, and powerful presence make it one of the most famous spots for rock and bird watching in Penghu. In the summer, the number of red-billed tropicbirds breeding on Jishan Island is the highest in the Northern Seas, with one to two thousand birds choosing to nest on the island each year. In recent years, research conducted by the Penghu Wild Bird Association on Jishan Island revealed through the leg bands on the red-billed tropicbirds that these birds come from the northeast of Australia. Similarly, during winter banding work in Australia, red-billed tropicbirds from Penghu were also discovered, and those that were banded over a decade ago have returned to breed in Penghu. This shows that red-billed tropicbirds travel thousands of miles back and forth between Penghu and Australia every spring and autumn. Protecting the island’s landscape is the best way to safeguard wildlife. In recent years, with the development of tourism, Jishan Island has become a new hub for travel in the East China Sea, and the dialogue between basalt and tropicbirds resembles a harmonious scene of nature.
