Baisha Islet Introduction
The geological landscape is varied, with beautiful white sandy beaches to the south, typical of a sand spit formation. There are also tofu-shaped beach rocks and potholes formed by sea erosion. The towering and curved columnar basalt on the eastern coast has unique shapes. Departing from Baisha Port and heading northeast, about 4 kilometers north of Niao Yu, you can see an island with a large beach, known as "Xiao Baisha Yu." This beach is a typical sand spit, though its length is not long, the layer of sand is thick and abundant. It was once a source of sand for construction in the Niao Yu area, but has been designated as a reserve, and extraction is no longer permitted. Viewed from the southwestern waters of the island, Xiao Baisha Yu resembles a cat lying in the sea, and the people of Niao Yu call it "Mao Yu." This Mao Yu is different from what we typically refer to as Mao Yu in the South China Sea. The lava plateau in the southern part of the island rises about 15 to 20 meters, stretching around 250 meters from east to south, with well-developed columnar basalt jointing. The volcanic neck terrain on the eastern coastline is about 20 meters high and quite imposing. The sea-eroded platform on the eastern side features a curved rock vein, and nearby there is a low volcanic crater topography. On the western sea-eroded platform, there is a beach rock shaped like tofu due to sea erosion, which is beautifully complemented by the potholes scattered around, making it quite fascinating. Since Xiao Baisha Yu is a reserve, landing on the island is prohibited without permission, so the Red-footed Booby, the White-browed Tern, and the Crested Tern choose to inhabit this area. In late spring and early summer, these birds breed at different locations on the island; the White-browed Tern selects the rocky area, while the Red-footed Booby and the Crested Tern choose the grassy areas, each nesting without disturbing one another, engaging in courtship, mating, laying eggs, raising young, and foraging peacefully. This breeding scene is a major event each year in the area. Whenever ships navigate through this sea area, enjoying the sight of the island and flocks of terns flying is truly one of life's great pleasures.
