Guanghua Island Introduction
Gubuo Island is located northwest of Baisha and southwest of Jibei Island. It is a tableland formed of basalt, approximately 1 kilometer long from north to south, and is the largest uninhabited island in the Penghu archipelago. The island is characterized by numerous porous basalt formations, with a surface layer covered in iron-rich quartz sandstone, creating a striking contrast that is an anomaly among the various geological formations in Penghu. On the northern part of the island's tableland, there is a wreck memorial for British ships, while the eastern side features a dried fish market, and the southeastern waters are home to beautiful coral reefs. To the north lies the most famous seaweed production area. Around the Lunar New Year, the residents of Chikang Village hold large-scale harvesting activities based on the growth of seaweed on Gubuo Island. The management committee of Longde Temple in Chikang Village collects fees based on the number of male members in each household as a right to access the island for harvesting. The abundant wild seaweed in Penghu, coupled with strong winter winds and waves, provides a significant source of income for fishermen during the harsh winter season. There are many legends and associations regarding the origin of Gubuo Island's name. It is said that a long time ago, a young girl in a village had a boyfriend she had been in love with for many years. However, her parents opposed their relationship, forcing her to marry someone else. To resist her parents' coercion and prove her unwavering love, the weak girl eloped with her lover to an uninhabited island in the northern sea of Penghu. They made vows to each other under heaven and earth, pledging to spend their lives together on that small island. It is said that whenever her descendants visited her, they referred to her as "Gubuo." Another version of the story suggests that the girl, in order to honor her love's promise, exiled herself to the uninhabited island to live out her days in solitude. The custom of referring to unmarried women who died alone as "Gubuo" led to the island being known as Gubuo Island. Regardless of how the story unfolds, the tale of Gubuo has become a beautiful legend for this uninhabited island, passed down through generations.
Guanyin Islet
