Source: CCTV.com

04-20-2009 17:29

Are you looking for a place where the waters are clear and the skies are blue, and countless stars stud the sky at night? Or would you like to wander through remote and picturesque fishing villages? Then pack your bags and visit the offshore islands of Taiwan!

Taiwan is located along the southeast coast of the Asian continent, on the fault line where the Euro-Asian and Philippine continental plates meet. This unique geographic location and frequent seismic activity, not only created an extremely diversified topography and natural environment on Taiwan, but also resulted in the diverse characters of its off-shore islands. Main off-shore islands consist of Penghu, Green Island, Orchid Island, Kinmen, Mazu, Turtle Island and Little Liuqiu as their locations, topographical characteristics, and human activity differ, each has its own unique scenery and culture. Therefore, each island offers something different, satisfying the varying needs of visitors, whether these have a natural, historical, or cultural nature, or simply consist of sightseeing, snorkeling, or sport fishing.

Penghu

Penghu is Taiwan's largest offshore island and is situated in between mainland China and Taiwan. It actually comprises 64 small islands and has a combined coastline that stretches more than 300 kilometers. Each season has its own particular scenery, and rich natural and cultural resources are found here. The landscape here is characterized by basaltic rocks, coral reefs, marine erosions, and beaches, while the fishing culture and migratory birds add an extra dimension to the picture.

Green Island

Green Island is located some 33 kilometers off the coast of Taitung in eastern Taiwan, and is a volcanic island where winds blow and waters eat away at the rocks all year round, creating a beautiful and diverse coast.