Jishan Islet Introduction
When talking about the basalt landscape of Penghu, one cannot forget about Jishan Islet. Known as the "Yellow Mountain of the East China Sea," Jishan Islet is located 4 kilometers off the northeastern shore of Beiliao Village in Huxi Township. It consists of two islets, Big Jishan and Small Jishan, which are connected at low tide, allowing for walking between them. Both Big and Small Jishan are basalt tablelands, with distinct columnar jointing around their sea cliffs. Surrounding Big Jishan are several sea erosion grooves and sea caves, while to the southeast lies a shallow area. Small Jishan is characterized by closely arranged hexagonal columnar basalt resembling an organ, which is how it got its English name "Organ Islet." The basalt here often contains green olivine, which in geology represents components from deep underground and is a high-temperature mineral brought up by rising basaltic lava. This unique landscape has been designated as a basalt natural reserve, and permission must be obtained in advance to visit the islet. In winter, like Dinggou Islet, Jishan Islet produces abundant nori; since the Qing Dynasty, it has been harvested in rotation by the villages of Guoye, Nanliao, and Honglu, serving as a primary source of income for nearby settlements and referred to by locals as "black gold." During spring and summer, it also serves as a breeding ground for seabirds, primarily the Fregata, and occasionally hosts the rare migratory bird known as the "mythical bird," the Black-faced Spoonbill. Visitors can take cruises to observe the diverse birdlife, making it an excellent spot for birdwatching enthusiasts.
