Kuibishan Geopark is a volcanic breccia landscape in Beiliao Village, Huxi Township, Penghu, where a roughly 300-meter S-shaped gravel path connecting Kuibishan to offshore Chi Islet emerges at low tide — locally nicknamed the 'Moses Parting the Sea.' Reef rock exposed along both sides of the path shows clearly visible basalt columnar joints, making it a well-known destination for visitors walking out toward Chi Islet.
At high tide, the intertidal zone between Kuibishan and Chi Islet is completely submerged; at low tide, an S-shaped gravel path about 300 meters long emerges, connecting to Chi Islet. The current access zone is limited to 7.5 meters on either side of the path's centerline, and climbing or landing on Chi Islet itself is prohibited to protect the ecosystem and visitor safety; the recommended crossing window is roughly from 3 hours after high tide to 2 hours after low tide. Kuibishan was historically one of the 'Eight Scenic Views of Penghu' in the Qing Dynasty, known as 'Kuibi Lianhui.'
Highlights of Kuibishan Geopark
Kuibishan is located in Beiliao Village, Huxi Township, and is one of the representative basalt landform sites in Penghu. The geopark area encompasses the exposed columnar joint rock face on Kuibishan itself as well as the gravel intertidal channel that appears at low tide. The gravel path is a natural accumulation of basalt debris and shell sand; it tends to appear around the time of the lowest tides near the 1st and 15th of the lunar month, though the exact time differs every day — check the day's tide table before heading out.
The intertidal zone on both sides of the path is ecologically rich. After the tide retreats, tidal pools host fiddler crabs, hermit crabs, starfish, and various small fish. Chi Islet itself is small, but the rocky shore terrain is complete; a circuit takes about 20–30 minutes. Watch the incoming tide carefully and make sure to return before the water rises — do not linger on Chi Islet long enough to be stranded. For visitors interested in geology and ecology, the angle and layering of the basalt columnar joints here can be compared with those near Yuwengdao Lighthouse.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Visit
Practical Information
Getting There & Time
- About 25–30 minutes by scooter from Magong City center, heading along Provincial Highway 14 toward Huxi; turn at Beiliao Village following the signs and you reach the parking area.
- Public restrooms are available near the parking lot; bring your own water. Summer sun is intense — hat and sunscreen are essential.
- The walkable window on the path depends on tidal conditions and differs every day. Check the Penghu daily tide forecast in advance via the Institute of Transportation Studies or the Central Weather Administration.
Nearby Connections
- Guoye Kiln (Guoye Sunrise) and Aimen Beach in Huxi Township can be combined into a same-day Huxi Township loop; all are within 20 minutes of each other.
- Huxi Township also has Lintou Park and Jianshan Fishing Village, suitable for a half-day visit in the afternoon after the tide recedes.
Sources: Context fact compilation; Penghu County Government tourism information. Photos pending Dio's on-site photography.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Kuibishan's 'Moses Parting the Sea'?
At low tide, a roughly 300-meter S-shaped gravel path emerges, connecting Kuibishan to Chi Islet — named for its resemblance to the biblical parting of the sea.
Can you walk onto Chi Islet itself?
No, climbing or landing on Chi Islet is prohibited; access is limited to 7.5 meters on either side of the path's centerline.
When is the safest time to visit Kuibishan?
The recommended window is roughly 3 hours after high tide to 2 hours after low tide — check the day's tide times in advance.
Sources
- 奎壁山地質公園(摩西分海) - 旅遊王TravelKing — 步道長度、開放範圍與安全通行時段