Taiwan Food Atlas

Kuibishan Geopark

A gravel path exposed at low tide linking the main shore to Chi Islet, with striking basalt scenery
📍 Penghu · Huxi Township · Beiliao Village🏞️ Nature🔖 Moses Parting the Sea · Intertidal Zone · Basalt Columnar Joints

At every low tide, the sea recedes to both sides, and a natural path of gravel and shell fragments gradually surfaces, connecting Kuibishan to Chi Islet offshore. What Penghu residents call the 'Parting of the Sea' (Moses-Parting-the-Sea effect) is not a miracle but a natural intertidal landform shaped by tidal range. Reef rock flanks the path on both sides, with basalt columnar joints clearly visible. At the lowest ebb, the path can be several meters wide, drawing visitors to walk out and explore Chi Islet.

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

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Confirm the Tide TimesAlways check the day's tide table before heading out. The roughly one-hour window on either side of the lowest water level is when the path is walkable — timing is the key.
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Wear Non-Slip Water ShoesBoth the gravel path and Chi Islet's rocky shore are slippery. Wear non-slip water shoes or wading shoes; avoid flip-flops or bare feet to prevent slipping and cuts.
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Observe Intertidal Life — Do Not CollectThe intertidal organisms fall within the geopark's protected area. When observing tidal pool life, do not turn over rocks, collect organisms, or take coral reef fragments — leave the habitat intact.
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Best Photography AngleStand on high ground at Kuibishan and shoot down toward the gravel path to capture both the path's line and the full panorama of Chi Islet. Morning side-light makes the basalt columnar joints appear most three-dimensional.

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.

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