She Mountain Introduction
**Searching for the Mythical Bird on She Mountain** She Mountain is not a mountain, but rather a collection of four islets located off the west coast of Xiju Island. They are arranged in a serpentine formation, resembling a long snake coiled in the sea. Another theory suggests that the coastal erosion landforms in front of the main peak resemble a snake's tongue due to the ebb and flow of the tides, hence the name. Because She Mountain is very close to the main island of Xiju and connected to the Kunkou settlement by a sandy beach, during high tide, only the head of the snake remains above the water's surface. In the past, island residents took advantage of the low tide to walk across and collect shellfish; however, due to the discovery of rare seabird habitats on the islets, it has now been designated as a tern sanctuary. She Mountain is the only island within the Matsu tern sanctuary located in Juguang Township. Surveys have indicated the presence of several species, including the Roseate Tern, Black-faced Spoonbill, Common Tern, and the legendary bird—the Black-naped Oriole. Therefore, every summer, visitors at the bird-watching pavilion have the opportunity to see the terns flying together and bathing on the beach. It is an excellent bird-watching destination well-known among bird enthusiasts. **Note:** From April to October each year is the breeding season for terns, and visitors are prohibited from landing on She Mountain. Guests are reminded to avoid making noise to prevent disturbing the delicate tern residents and to pay attention to tidal changes for safety. --- **Kunkou Beach: The Most Beautiful Beach in Matsu** Kunkou Beach is located at the western end of Xiju Island and is renowned for its stunning sunset views, making it a highlight of Matsu and worth visiting for the brilliant evening glow at this coastal corner of the world. When the tide recedes, the sandy pathway extending from Kunkou Beach to She Mountain becomes fully visible, showcasing a rich intertidal ecosystem that serves as a "natural refrigerator" for the residents of Xiju. In addition to the picturesque beach, Kunkou also features a "Kunkou Trail," a wooden path built along the hillside that winds through the shrubs of Xilu Mountain. Along the trail, visitors can admire various indigenous plants of Matsu, and at the pavilions along the way, the views are expansive, offering another unique perspective of She Mountain.
