Guishan Island

Guishan Island

Also known as Guishan Islet, Guishan Island is a volcanic island isolated in the sea, named for its resemblance to a floating turtle. Geographically, Guishan Island can be divided into three parts: the turtle’s head, turtle’s shell, and turtle’s tail.

The island’s unique geology also forms many spectacular sights, including the Eight Wonders: the sunrise over Guishan, smoke rings around the island, the stalactite wonders of Eyeglass Cave, the peculiar turtle eggs, the rugged Turtle Rock cliffs, the “Divine Turtle Wearing a Hat,” and the “Spirit Turtle Wagging Its Tail.”

The most captivating charm of Guishan Island lies in how its appearance changes from different viewpoints, weather conditions, and tides. When the weather shifts, the sky above the island often becomes shrouded in mist, making it look as if the turtle is wearing a hat.

This is the so-called saying, “When Guishan wears a hat, floods will follow.”

There’s also the turtle’s tail, formed by the northward and southward currents carrying pebbles. As the winter and summer monsoons alternate, the gravel at the tail end shifts north and south with the tides—known as the “Spirit Turtle Wagging Its Tail.”

Guishan Island has an underwater world where thousands of crabs survive in the hot sulfuric and highly acidic environment—an uncommon phenomenon.

Another famous scenic view on Guishan Island can be seen when looking forward from the military camp on the island. The mountain is steep and lush, with distinct ridgelines resembling a beauty looking up to the sky. You can clearly make out her figure, a marvel that showcases nature’s artistry.

On Guishan Island, there is also the Potala Rock, originally named Gonglan Palace, built in the fourth year of the Xianfeng era during the Qing Dynasty. It has a long history and retains the original features of ancient architecture.