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Kinmen

2023-10-30
886-6-9216521
When discussing the basalt landscapes of Penghu, one cannot overlook Jishan Island. Known as the "Huangshan of the East China Sea," Jishan Island is located 4 kilometers northeast of Beiliao Village in Huxi Township. It comprises Jishan Major and Minor Islets, which are connected at low tide, allowing for walking between them. Both Jishan Major and Minor are basalt tablelands with highly visible columnar jointing along their coastal cliffs. Jishan Major features multiple sea-eroded grooves and caves around its perimeter, with a shallow reef to its southeast. Jishan Minor, on the other hand, is composed of tightly packed hexagonal columnar basalts, resembling the pipes of an organ, which is how the island got its English name, "Organ Island." The basalt here often contains green olivine, a mineral representing deep underground compositions that was carried to the surface by high-melting-point minerals in the ascending basalt magma. This unique landscape has been designated as a Basalt Nature Reserve, requiring prior application for island visits. In winter, like Chuanfan Islet, Jishan Island is a major producer of purple seaweed. Since the Qing dynasty, Jishan Island has been managed by three communities: Guoye, Nanhao, and Hongluo, who take turns harvesting seaweed. This practice has been a primary source of income for nearby villages and is referred to by locals as "black gold." During spring and summer, the island serves as a breeding ground for terns, primarily the Bridled Tern, and is also a habitat for the rare and legendary "mythical bird," the Black-naped Tern. Visitors can take cruise tours to observe the diverse bird species, making it an ideal destination for birdwatching enthusiasts.
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