Xiaomen Islands Introduction
Xiaomen Islet is located at the northern tip of Xiyu Island, separated by a waterway approximately 20 meters wide. A bridge, known as Xiaomen Bridge, connects the two islands. Although the total area of the island is only 0.5 square kilometers, the geological landscape of Xiaomen Islet is a microcosm of the Penghu archipelago, earning it the nickname "living outdoor geological classroom." Xiaomen Islet features a lava plateau with higher terrain in the north and lower terrain in the south. The eastern, northern, and western coasts of the island predominantly consist of basalt sea cliffs, while the southern coast is where villages are clustered. Here, visitors can observe spherical-shaped porous basalt formations, as well as various geological landscapes including unique iron-rich sandstone, iron-rich clay layers, gray shell formations mixed with fossilized remains, and small erosional badlands caused by water flow. The most famous attraction on the island is "Whale Cave," which is named for its resemblance to a whale's head emerging from the water. Originally a basalt sea cliff, Whale Cave has been shaped by seawater erosion over time, resulting in the present-day "sea arch," allowing visitors to understand the evolution of coastal erosion formations. Additionally, Xiaomen Islet is home to cultural landmarks such as the honeycomb-field-style vegetable farms and the Stone God, as well as the Xiaomen Geological Museum, which provides a great opportunity to glimpse the geological mysteries of Penghu. Don’t miss it!
