Little Gate Islet Introduction
Xiaomen Island is located at the northern tip of Xiyu Island, separated by a waterway about 20 meters wide. A bridge, known as Xiaomen Bridge, connects the two islands. Although the island covers only 0.5 square kilometers, its geological and topographical features serve as a microcosm of the Penghu Islands, earning it the nickname of a living outdoor geological classroom. Xiaomen Island is characterized by its lava plateau, with its terrain rising in the north and sloping downwards towards the south. The eastern, northern, and western coasts are primarily steep basalt cliffs, while the southern coast is where the villages are concentrated. Here, one can see porous basalt that takes on a spherical structure. The island features unique geological landscapes, including iron-rich quartz sandstone, iron-rich clay layers, gray shell rock interspersed with animal fossils, and small badland formations shaped by water erosion. The island's most famous attraction, "Whale Cave," is named due to its resemblance to a whale's head jutting out of the water. Originally a basalt cliff, Whale Cave has been continuously eroded by seawater, resulting in the formation of the current "sea arch," allowing visitors to learn about the evolution of coastal erosion landforms. Moreover, Xiaomen Island boasts cultural features such as honeycomb-style vegetable farms and Shigandang stone installations. It also provides a great opportunity to explore the geological mysteries of Penghu at the "Xiaomen Geological Museum," which should not be missed!
