Jishan Islet Introduction
When mentioning the basalt landscape of Penghu, one cannot overlook Ji Shan Isle. Known as the "Yellow Mountain of the East China Sea," Ji Shan Isle is located 4 kilometers northeast of Beiliao Village in Husi Township. It is composed of the large and small Ji Shan islets, which are connected during low tide, allowing for walking between the two. Both large and small Ji Shan islets are basaltic tablelands, with clearly visible columnar jointing along the surrounding sea cliffs. The area around the large Ji Shan Isle features multiple sea erosion channels and sea caves, and there is a shallow area to the southeast. The small Ji Shan Isle is characterized by closely arranged hexagonal columnar basalt resembling an organ, hence its English name is derived from this resemblance. The basalt in this area often contains green olivine, which in geology represents materials from deep underground, brought to the surface along with basalt lava. This unique landscape has been designated as a basalt natural reserve, and prior application is required to set foot on the island. During winter, Ji Shan Isle, like Ding Gou Isle, is rich in nori. Since the Qing Dynasty, the collection of nori has been rotated among the communities of Guoye, Nanliao, and Honglu, serving as a main source of income for nearby villages, known locally as "black gold." In spring and summer, the islets serve as breeding grounds for various terns, predominantly the crested tern, and even the rare migratory bird 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 location for birdwatching enthusiasts.
