Jishan Islet Introduction
When mentioning the basalt landscape of Penghu, one cannot overlook Jishan Islet. Known as the "Yellow Mountain of the East China Sea," Jishan Islet is located 4 kilometers off the northeast coast of Beiliao Village in Huxi Township. It consists of the large and small Jishan Islets, which are connected during low tide, allowing for walking access between them. Both large and small Jishan Islets are basaltic mesa formations, surrounded by sea cliffs with clear columnar jointing. Around the large Jishan Islet, there are several sea erosion gullies and caves, and to the southeast, there is a shallow water area. The small Jishan Islet is characterized by tightly arranged hexagonal columnar basalt, resembling a pipe organ, which is why Jishan Islet is named after this instrument. The basalt here often contains green olivine, which in geology represents components from deep underground, being a high-melting-point mineral brought up with basalt lava. This unique landscape has been designated as a basalt natural reserve, and visitors must apply in advance to land on the island. In winter, like Dinggou Islet, Jishan Islet produces a significant amount of seaweed; since the Qing Dynasty, it has been harvested in rotation by the three communities of Guoye, Nanliao, and Honglu, serving as a major source of income for nearby villages and referred to by residents as "black gold." During spring and summer, it serves as a breeding ground for terns, primarily the crested tern, and even features the rare migratory bird known as the "legendary bird," the black-naped tern. Visitors can take a cruise to observe different bird species, making it an excellent spot for birdwatching enthusiasts.
