Guishan Island

About this place

Guishan Island is an active volcanic island off the Lanyang Plain, called Turtle Island because it looks like a floating turtle. It is 3.1 km long and 1.6 km wide, with an area of 2.841 square kilometres. It is the symbol of Yilan County, visible along the whole coast, and its shape changes with where you stand. Studies point to at least four eruptions in the last 7,000 years, and it still has hot springs and sulphur vents. It was inhabited from the Qing period, reaching 700 people who lived by fishing. Residents were moved to the mainland in 1977, and it opened to eco-tourism in August 2000. A small part of the turtle's head collapsed in the earthquakes of 2015 and 2024. From the boat you see yellow cliffs and vents with rising sulphur smoke, and the sea changes colour around them. On land are two lakes, called the head and the tail, a hot spring, a cold spring and sea caves. The highest point is 398 metres, known as the 401 Highland with its platform. Some tours combine the island with whale and dolphin watching. The island is 12 km in a straight line east of Wushi Harbour, where most boats leave. Visits are by permit only: apply online 3 to 20 days ahead, for March to November. The daily limit is 1,800 people, or 500 on Wednesdays. It closes in winter and overnight stays are not allowed. Bring seasickness tablets and keep to the paths.