She Mountain Introduction
Searching for the Mythical Bird on Snake Mountain Snake Mountain is not a mountain; it is composed of four reefs located in the west of Xiju Island off the coast, arranged in a winding line, resembling a long snake sprawled in the sea. Another theory suggests that the coastline in front of Snake Mountain, shaped by sea erosion, resembles a snake’s tongue due to the rise and fall of the tides, which is how it got its name. Since Snake Mountain is very close to the main island of Xiju and is connected to the Kuan Kuan settlement by a strand of land, the snake's head is the only part remaining above water during high tide. In the past, residents of the island could wade across at low tide to collect shellfish, but due to the discovery of precious seabirds nesting and breeding on the reefs, it is now designated as a tern protection area. Snake Mountain is the only island within the Matsu tern protection zone located in Juguang Township. Surveys have found that red terns, white-browed terns, blue terns, crested terns, and the mythical bird—the black-naped tern—come here. Therefore, every summer, visitors at the birdwatching pavilion have the chance to see terns flying together and bathing on the beach, making it a fantastic birdwatching spot well-known among bird enthusiasts. Note: The breeding season for terns is from April to October, and visitors are prohibited from climbing Snake Mountain during this time. Visitors are reminded to avoid making noise to prevent disturbing the delicate tern guests and to pay attention to tidal changes for safety. Kuan Kuan Beach The Most Beautiful Beach in Matsu Kuan Kuan Beach is located at the western end of Xiju Island, where the sunset is stunning, making it one of Matsu's treasures, worth visiting to witness the beautiful evening glow at the edge of the world. When the tide goes out, the sandy pathway that extends from Kuan Kuan Beach to Snake Mountain is fully revealed, and the intertidal zone is incredibly rich in ecology, serving as a "natural refrigerator" for the residents of Xiju. In addition to the beautiful beach scenery, Kuan Kuan also features a "Kuan Kuan Trail," which is a wooden boardwalk built along the mountain slopes, passing through the underbrush of Xilu Mountain. Along the way, visitors can appreciate various native plants of Matsu. The pavilions along the trail offer extensive views, making it a great spot for sightseeing, where viewing Snake Mountain from afar presents a different charm.
