Guishan Island

Guishan Island, also known as Turtle Island, lies off the coast of Yilan and is a volcanic island standing alone in the Pacific Ocean. Its name comes from its turtle-like silhouette, appearing as though a giant sea turtle is floating on the sea. It is one of the landmarks of Toucheng Township, Yilan County. Viewed from different angles, the island presents different shapes; from areas like Wujie and Luodong, it looks as if the turtle is turning its head, giving rise to the saying “the turtle turns its head.”

The island covers about 2.84 square kilometers, with a maximum width of around 3.1 kilometers. Its highest peak, Guijia Mountain, rises to 401 meters above sea level, known as the “401 Highlands,” and includes a viewing platform. The island’s terrain is varied, featuring Turtle Head Peak, Turtle Tail Peak, and two lakes—Guitan and Guichi. With prominent volcanic geology, the island still exhibits fumaroles and undersea hot spring activity, making it one of Taiwan’s few classified active volcanoes.

Historically, Guishan Island was once inhabited, but in 1977, residents were relocated due to military considerations, and the island was later guarded by the Coast Guard. Today, no permanent population remains. Since 2000, after the lifting of military restrictions, the government has promoted eco-tourism, allowing public visits by application. Daily visitor numbers are limited, and boats to the island mainly depart from Wushi Harbor.

The waters surrounding the island are rich in natural resources and marine ecology, home to dolphins, flying fish, and unique coastal landforms, making it an important site for both tourism and scientific research.