Baisha Islet Introduction
The geological landscape is diverse, with beautiful white sandy beaches in the south, typical of a sand bar formation. There are also tofu-shaped reef rocks and sinkholes formed by sea erosion. The towering and curved columnar basalt along the eastern coast has unique shapes. Departing from Baishaqi Port and heading northeast, about 4 kilometers north of Niao Island, one can see an island with a large sandy beach, known as "Xiao Baisha Islet." This beach is a typical sand bar, though not very long, its sand layer is thick and abundant, and it was once a sand extraction site for construction in the Niao Island area. However, after being designated as a conservation area, extraction is no longer permitted. From the southwestern waters of the island, Xiao Baisha Islet resembles a cat resting in the sea, and the locals refer to it as "Cat Islet." This Cat Islet is different from the Cat Islet known in the South China Sea. The lava plateau in the southern part of the island is about 15 to 20 meters high and stretches approximately 250 meters from east to south, featuring well-developed columnar basalt joints. The volcanic neck on the cliffs of the eastern coast reaches about 20 meters high, displaying a grand sight. On the eastern sea erosion platform, there is a winding rock vein, and nearby there is a low volcanic crater landscape. On the western sea erosion platform, there is a reef rock shaped like tofu due to sea erosion, which interestingly reflects the surrounding sinkholes. Because Xiao Baisha Islet is a conservation area, landing on the island is not permitted without application, thus attracting Red-billed Terns, White-browed Terns, and Crested Terns to inhabit the area. Each spring, they breed in different locations on the island: White-browed Terns choose rocky areas while Red-billed Terns and Crested Terns prefer grassy fields, coexisting peacefully while courting, mating, laying eggs, raising chicks, and foraging. This breeding phenomenon is a major annual event in the area. Whenever boats sail through these waters, the sight of the island and the flocking terns flying is truly a great enjoyment in life.
