Gueishan Island

Infobox Mountain
Name = Gueishan Island (Kueishantao)
Photo = Dasi Station view of Gueishan Island.jpg
Caption = View from Dasi Station
Elevation = Convert|401|m|ft|0|abbr=on
Location = East China Sea, off the NE coast of Yilan, Taiwan
Range =
Prominence = Convert|401|m|ft|0|abbr=on
Coordinates = coord|24|51|N|121|55|E|type:mountain
Topographic

Type = Stratovolcano
Age = Pleistocene
Last eruption = 5000 BC
First ascent =

Gueishan Island or Steep Island or Turtle Island (zh-tpwl|t=龜山島|p=Guīshāndǎo|w=Kuei¹-shan¹-tao³|l=Turtle Mountain Island), also known as Kueishan Island, is an island in the Pacific Ocean currently administered by Yilan County, Taiwan and located 9.1 km east of port of Gengfang Fishery Harbor. The island is the top of an andesite stratovolcano which rises from the seafloor. It is the only active volcano in Taiwan, displaying active fumaroles and solfataras. It has an area of Convert|2.841|km2|sqmi|3, and the highest point reaches Convert|401|m|ft|0|abbr=on|abbr=on above sea level.

The local population, consisting mainly of fishermen, was relocated in 1977 due to the hardships associated with living on the island. Between 1977 and 2000 it became the site of a military base, and currently it is managed as a tourist destination and natural conservation area. There are restrictions for visitors due to environmental protection.

Head Turning of the Turtle Mountain

It is interesting that from different views at different locations of Yilan County, the shape of Gueishan Island is quite different. Also the shape of the turtle's head is different; from Northeast Coastal Areas of Toucheng Town such as Shicheng and Dasi, the shape is close to the head of a turtle, while from Luodong Town and Wujie Country, the shape is triangular. The reason for this is the curvy shape of the seashore of Yilan, circling the very island. There is hence the term "Head Turning of the Turtle Mountain" (龜山轉頭).

Visiting the island

Before going to the island, the schedule about visitor numbers has to be reviewed to see which day is still left for registration. The online application (線上申請) for visiting this island is available here: [http://www.necoast-nsa.gov.tw/main.php?id=252 here] (in Chinese, though). Key points for traveling to Gueishan Island in English is also available [http://www.necoast-nsa.gov.tw/main.php?id=73] .

The application must be completed with shipping agreement with local ferry owners at least one week prior to the visiting date, and there is another application form for going to the highest point of the island, where is often restricted.

References

* [http://www.volcano.si.edu/world/volcano.cfm?vnum=0801031A Global Volcanism Program: Kueishantao]

External links

* [http://www.necoast-nsa.gov.tw/main.php?id=43 National Northeast Coastal Scenic Area -- Kueishan Island]
* [http://202.39.225.132/jsp/Eng/html/attractions/scenic_spots.jsp?id=R165 www.taiwan.net.tw] (In English)