Rising from the Pacific Ocean like a forgotten world, the Guishan Island is often shrouded in a blanket of mist, giving it an air of mystery. Once visible only from afar, inspiring curiosity and imagination, the island is now accessible by boat, allowing visitors to experience firsthand the unique landscapes that blend both ruggedness and serenity.
Island Exploration
Despite its small size, the Guishan Island offers a remarkable variety of attractions, featuring rich ecological resources and historical landmarks. The island’s sole religious center, the Putuoyan Temple, formerly known as the Gonglan Temple, is dedicated to Guanyin (the Goddess of Mercy). At the far end of the Guiwei Lake stands a statue of Guanyin riding a dragon, watching over and blessing all living beings. The Guiweihu Circular Walk, the lakeside trail encircling Guiwei Lake, offers numerous points of interest, including the island’s famous cold spring—known as the “Fountain of Life of the Guishan Island”—as well as Taiwan’s only naturally occurring native fountain palm forest. The island is also home to a rich diversity of flora and fauna. Along the Velvet Apple Trail, visitors can find towering trees with trunks exceeding 80 centimeters in diameter, revered by local residents as sacred trees. Other notable sites include the former location of the Guishan Elementary School, once the island’s highest institution of learning, and the well-known landmark inscribed with the phrase “Though the Island Is Isolated, Its People Are Not,” a popular photo stop. The island’s military tunnel, a reminder of the years when troops were stationed here, remains refreshingly cool and is a favorite refuge from the summer heat. At the end of the tunnel stands an abandoned artillery battery. The ceiling is densely covered with sound-dampening cones, evoking the solemn atmosphere of the island’s military past. Yet beyond the tunnel entrance stretches a breathtaking expanse of dreamlike blue ocean. Even a short visit to the Guishan Island offers an enriching blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.
The 401 Highland Summit Challenge
The highest point on the Guishan Island stands at only 398 meters above sea level. However, when combined with the 3-meter-high military pillbox at the summit, it forms the island’s true highest point, known as the “401 Highland.” Once a strategically important military site, it has since been transformed into a scenic hiking trail offering spectacular views of the island’s ecological beauty. Reaching the summit requires ascending approximately 1,700 stone steps along a 1,300-meter trail, a journey that typically takes a little over an hour. Visitors are encouraged to take their time and appreciate the island’s rich ecosystem along the way. The trail passes through diverse living organisms and forests, including rare low-elevation old-growth forests. Upon reaching the summit observation platform, visitors are rewarded with breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of the surrounding ocean and island landscapes. From this vantage point, visitors can enjoy the unique perspective of looking down from the island’s “shell” toward both its “head” and “tail,” revealing the turtle-like shape that inspired the island’s name. On clear days, the magnificent mountain and coastal scenery of Taiwan’s Northeast Coast can also be seen in the distance.
[Application for Island Access]: Visitors who wish to visit the Guishan Island must submit an online application to the Northeast and Yilan Coast National Scenic Area Headquarters (under the Tourism Administration, Ministry of Transportation and Communications) at least 20 days prior to the intended visit date. Additional island-landing procedures must then be completed. Because the number of visitors per day is limited, please apply early as applications will be closed once the daily capacity is reached.
Important Notices for Visitors:
- All visitors must be accompanied by a certified tour guide while on the island.
- Overnight accommodation is not available on the island, and visitors are advised to bring sufficient drinking water and food.
- Please do not litter or leave waste on the island. All items found on the island may not be removed without authorization.