Beijih Island Introduction
Penghu has two islets known as Tiezhanyu (Iron Anvil Islets), named for their resemblance to an anvil. The northern Tiezhanyu, part of Baisha Township, is located off the northwest coast of Penghu Island and is an uninhabited island primarily made up of basaltic tableland. It is surrounded by steep sea cliffs, and the lower levels of columnar basalt consist of volcanic tuff, which is relatively fragile. Due to the influence of the northeast monsoon, the northern rock layers have been subjected to long-term erosion by sea currents, forming a massive sea cave that allows small boats to enter; it is larger than the Blue Cave of Xijiyi and is the largest sea cave in Penghu. The cave is called "Air Conditioning Cave" because it is not exposed to sunlight, resulting in temperatures that are three to five degrees lower than outside. When standing on the island, one can see the platform-like basalt, uniquely shaped honeycomb rock, and basalt joint grooves formed by water erosion, all distinctive features of the northern Tiezhanyu's topography. It was also used as a military target range, leaving behind many iron scraps and rock fragments. Due to the shallow intertidal zone and lack of nearby platforms, very few people visit, leading to the gathering of hundreds of bird species that breed and reside on the island, with the greatest number being the Black-faced Spoonbill. Whenever boats approach, the Black-faced Spoonbills emit warning calls and circle in groups overhead, as if to remind visitors that they are the true owners of the place!
