đ˘ Guishan Island: The Spirit of Yilan
Guishan Island, an isolated volcanic island floating in the sea, is situated approximately 10 kilometers east of the coast of Toucheng Township, Yilan County. It is the largest offshore island under Yilan County's jurisdiction. Not only is it one of the few remaining active volcanoes in Taiwan, but its name also comes from its distinctive shape, which closely resembles a giant turtle floating on the ocean's surface. For the people of Yilan, sighting Guishan Islandâwhether by land or seaâsignifies that Yilan is near, making it a true spiritual symbol and the county's most famous landmark.
Unique Landscape and Natural Wonders
The island's topography is clearly divided into three parts: the Turtle Head, Turtle Shell, and Turtle Tail. It is mainly composed of andesitic lava flows and volcanic pyroclastic rock. The Turtle Tail, located at the island's end, is a long pebble beach that shifts north and south due to seasonal winds and tides, creating the famous natural spectacle known as the "Divine Turtle Wagging its Tail." The island's "Turtle Lake" (Guwei Pond) was originally a freshwater lake but became brackish after residents attempted, unsuccessfully, to connect it to the sea to form a fishing harbor.
Though the island has no permanent residents today, it has been developed into a Marine Ecological Park offering both educational and scenic experiences. Strict visitor capacity controls successfully protect its unique cultural and ecological resources. Combined with whale and dolphin watching activities in the neighboring waters, Guishan Island has quickly become the most popular tourist destination on the northern "blue highway."
Rare Ecology and Spectacular Views
Guishan Island boasts an extremely rare underwater environment: thousands of crabs manage to survive in the severe conditions of high-temperature sulfur and strong acid waters. Another celebrated scenic spot on the island is the view known as the "Beauty Looking Up to the Sky." From the former military camp, one can see steep, lush mountains with clearly defined ridges, resembling a beautiful woman gazing upwardsâa testament to nature's superb craftsmanship.
