Just off the coast of Taiwan’s Yilan County, a hunched and shadowy outline looms. Visible from just about everywhere in the county, Guishan Island is a geographical feature unique to the area. Located just 10 kilometers east of Toucheng Township, the island resembles a turtle, with its “shell” rising 401 meters above sea level.
Guishan Island is a distinctive place in many ways. For starters, it is one of the officially active volcanoes in all of Taiwan. Near the turtle’s “head,” sulfuric water rushes forth from hydrothermal vents bubbling up from the bedrock deep below the sea. The sulfur causes the water to turn a milky light blue color and an eggy smell to waft up from its surface. Despite this, the waters near the island are teeming with wildlife. Spinner dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, pygmy killer whales, and false killer whales can be found nearby between April and September. Crabs also thrive in large quantities.
The island’s close proximity to the main island and ease of access make it a perfect tourist destination. Travelers seeking a whale watching or dolphin spotting experience can join a tour offered by one of the many boat tour companies servicing the island. Those wishing to step foot on the island itself must first obtain a permit. In 1999, Guishan Island was deemed part of the Northeastern Coastal Tourist District. The government takes protecting and preserving the island’s natural environment very seriously, so the number of tourists is strictly controlled. With a permit, visitors can view Guiwei Lake, the island’s freshwater lagoon. They can also walk up the 1,200 steps to the top of the island, where they can enjoy a stunningly beautiful view.
