Gull Island Introduction
On the Zhongzheng Bridge leading to Lake Hsi Township, a small island quietly stands in the sea on the eastern side of the bridge. In contrast to the bustling traffic on the bridge, the solitary island in the ocean appears mysterious and serene. This island is known as Yanqing Islet. Yanqing Islet, formerly called Yuanlong Islet, has a narrow, ridge-like rock formation on its western side during low tide, referred to as the Dragon's Tail, while its eastern side resembles a tortoise (soft-shelled turtle), hence the name Yuanlong Islet. Additionally, it has other names such as Yanqing Islet, Yan zheng Islet, Yuanlong Islet, Yan Jing Islet, and Mugong Islet. There are several legends regarding the current name Yanqing Islet. It is said that a pair of geese lived on the island, and when the male goose went out to forage, the female goose was captured, leaving her behind. In search of his mate, the male goose stayed on the island until the end of his life. The villagers named the island based on this tale, previously known as Yanqing Islet, which later transformed into Yanqing Islet. Another explanation suggests that before the construction of the Zhongzheng Bridge, villagers from Baisha and Zhongtun often had to wade through the water to transport agricultural and fishery products to Magong. This island was located right along their route, and thus it was named "Yanjian Islet" (Islet in front of the eyes). Over time, the name was phonetically altered to Yanqing Islet. Yanqing Islet has an area of 0.0069 square kilometers, a coastline of 0.331 kilometers, and a maximum height of 14 meters. Its geology primarily consists of basalt terrain, with parts of red volcanic gravel and red soil layers found on the northern and southern sides of the island. The red rocks are mainly due to long-term oxidation by seawater. Due to its geographical proximity to Zhongxi Village in Lake Hsi Township, early residents from Zhongxi would take their cattle to grow sweet potatoes here. The island also contains remnants of bunkers and deep caves, which are said to have been excavated by Japanese soldiers during the colonial period to prevent American troops from landing; additionally, Chinese Nationalist troops stationed on this island about 30 to 40 years ago. During low tide, Yanqing Islet is a land-connected island that can be accessed by wading through the exposed intertidal zone visible from under the Zhongzheng Bridge. However, one must pay attention to the tidal timings, as the intertidal zone is covered by seawater during high tide, leaving only the basalt geology of Yanqing Islet above water, creating a beautiful and mysterious sight. 【Recommended stay time】 1 hour.
The geese island after the tide recedes.
