Jishan Islet Introduction
When it comes to the basalt landscape of Penghu, one cannot forget Ji Shan Islet. Known as the "Huangshan of the East China Sea," Ji Shan Islet is located 4 kilometers northeast of Beiliao Village in Huxi Township. It consists of two islands, Big and Small Ji Shan, which are connected at low tide and can be walked between. Both Big and Small Ji Shan are basalt columnar joint plateaus, with clear columnar joints on the surrounding sea cliffs. Numerous sea erosion grooves and caves surround Big Ji Shan, with a shallow area to the southeast; Small Ji Shan features tightly arranged hexagonal columnar basalt, resembling an organ, which is how Ji Shan Islet got its English name. The basalt here often contains green olivine, a mineral that represents materials from deep underground in geology, and high melting point minerals carried up during basalt lava ascent. This unique landscape has been designated as a basalt natural reserve, and prior application is required for landing on the island. In winter, like Ding Gou Islet, Ji Shan Islet is abundant in nori. Since the Qing Dynasty, the villages of Guoye, Nanliao, and Honglu have take turns harvesting, making it a primary source of income for nearby settlements and referred to by residents as "black gold." In spring and summer, it becomes a breeding ground for terns, predominantly the Crested Tern, and even sees the rare migratory bird, the Black-naped Tern, known as the "mythical bird." You can take a cruise to observe different bird species, making it an excellent spot for bird watching enthusiasts.
