Baisha Islet Introduction
The geological landscape is diverse, with beautiful white sand beaches in the south, a typical sandbar formation, as well as tofu-shaped platforms and potholes formed by the erosion of seawater. The east coast features uniquely shaped columnar basalt in tower and curved formations. Departing from Baisha Harbor and heading northeast, about 4 kilometers north of Bird Island, one can see an island with a large sandy beach known as "Xiaobailong Island." This beach is a typical sandbar formation, and although it's not very long, it has a thick layer of sand and plenty of sand quantity. It was once a source for sand extraction during construction in the Bird Island area, but it has been designated as a conservation area and no longer permits extraction. From the southwestern waters of the island, Xiaobailong Island resembles a cat lying in the sea, and the residents of Bird Island refer to it as "Cat Island," which is different from the Cat Island generally associated with the South China Sea. The lava plateau in the southern part of the island rises about 15 to 20 meters and stretches approximately 250 meters from east to south, featuring well-developed columnar basalt jointing. The volcanic neck landscape at the eastern cliff rises about 20 meters, presenting a magnificent sight. The eastern coastal erosion platform features a winding rock vein, along with a low-lying volcanic crater nearby. On the western erosion platform, there’s a platform formed into a tofu shape due to seawater erosion, beautifully complemented by the scattered potholes around it, making it very interesting. Because Xiaobailong Island is a conservation area and landing on the island requires prior approval, it has become a habitat for Red-billed Terns, Black-faced Spoonbills, and Crested Terns. Every spring and early summer, they breed in different locations on the island; the Black-faced Spoonbills choose rocky areas, while the Red-billed Terns and Crested Terns select grassy areas, each behaving independently without interference as they court, mate, lay eggs, raise chicks, and forage for food. This breeding phenomenon is a major event every year, and whenever vessels navigate this area, enjoying the beautiful view of the island and the flocks of terns is undoubtedly a great pleasure in life.
