Jishan Island Introduction
When it comes to the basalt landscape of Penghu, one cannot mention Jiashan Islet. Known as the "Huangshan of the East Sea," Jiashan Islet is located 4 kilometers off the northeastern coast of Beiliao Village in Huxi Township. It consists of the large and small Jiashan Islands, which are connected at low tide, allowing for walking between the two islands. Both the large and small Jiashan Islets are basaltic tablelands, with clear columnar joints on the surrounding sea cliffs. There are several sea erosion channels and sea caves around the large Jiashan Islet, and to the southeast, there is a shallow area. The small Jiashan Islet features tightly arranged hexagonal columnar basalt, resembling an organ, which is how Jiashan Islet got its English name based on the instrument. The basalt here often contains green olivine, which represents the composition from deep underground in geological terms. This high-melting-point mineral is brought up with basalt lava. The unique landscape is designated as a basalt natural reserve, and prior application is required to visit the island. In winter, Jiashan Islet, like Dinggou Islet, is abundant in seaweed. Since the Qing Dynasty, Jiashan Islet has been harvested in rotation by the villages of Guoye, Nanyiao, and Honglu, serving as a primary source of income for the nearby communities, often referred to as "black gold" by locals. In spring and summer, it becomes a breeding ground for terns, mainly the crested terns, and even rare migratory birds known as the "mythical bird," the black-naped tern, can be spotted here. You can take a cruise to observe different bird species, making it an excellent spot for birdwatching enthusiasts.
