Little Gate Islet Introduction
Xiaomen Islet is located at the northern tip of Xiyu Island, separated from Xiyu by a waterway approximately 20 meters wide, with the Xiaomen Bridge currently connecting the two islands. Although the entire island covers an area of only 0.5 square kilometers, Xiaomen Islet’s geological and topographical features serve as a microcosm of the Penghu archipelago, often referred to as a living outdoor geological classroom. Xiaomen Islet is characterized by a north-high, south-low topography of lava plateaus, with its eastern, northern, and western coasts predominantly consisting of basalt cliffs, while the southern coast is a populated area. Here, visitors can observe the spherical structures of porous basalt, the unique iron-rich quartz sandstone, iron-rich clay layers, gray shell rock mixed with animal fossils, and various geological formations influenced by water erosion, including distinctive badlands. The most famous attraction on the island is the "Whale Cave," named for its shape resembling a whale's head emerging from the water. Originally a basalt cliff, the Whale Cave has continually been eroded by seawater, transforming into the present-day "sea arch," which illustrates the evolution of coastal erosion landforms. Additionally, Xiaomen Islet features cultural landscapes such as the honeycomb-shaped vegetable gardens and stone gods, and it offers the opportunity to explore the geological mysteries of Penghu at the "Xiaomen Geological Museum." Be sure not to miss this experience!
