Cat Island Introduction
Miao Yu is located 16 kilometers southwest of Wang-an and 8 kilometers south of Hua Yu, belonging to Hua Yu Village, Wang-an Township. It comprises Large Miao Yu, Small Miao Yu, and surrounding reefs. Both islands are formed of basalt and are surrounded by steep cliffs, making climbing difficult. Large Miao Yu is a giant rock massif that rises from the surface, with a terrain that peaks at approximately 70 to 79 meters, making it the highest point in the Penghu Islands. The coastal erosion landforms of Large Miao Yu are well-developed, with many sea caves around it. The northern cliff features a massive sea arch; to the east, a sea eroded platform emerges at low tide, revealing numerous potholes. Small Miao Yu lies to the east of Large Miao Yu and has an even steeper terrain. During low tide, a ridge of volcanic block rock connects the two islands. There is a saying in Penghu: "Bird Island has no birds, Cat Island has no cats." Miao Yu is named for its resemblance to two squatting cats rather than because of an abundance of cats; in fact, it is an uninhabited island. However, many migratory birds inhabit the area, as terns, particularly the black-naped tern and the fairy tern, choose the remote and perilous Miao Yu for breeding in the summer. Each year, about 3,000 to 5,000 terns breed on Miao Yu. To see the black-naped terns in Penghu, Miao Yu is the primary location; sightings in northern areas are rare. In response, the Penghu County Government declared Large and Small Miao Yu as a "Miao Yu Sea Bird Protection Area" in 1991, encompassing both land and a 100-meter extension into the sea. Without special permission, landing on the islands is not allowed, but visitors can choose to take a boat to admire the beautiful sight of terns flying around.
