Viewing Dongyin from the Sea

Dongyin Island is located northeast of the Matsu Archipelago. Its rocks are predominantly composed of diorite, which is gray-green in color. Both granite and diorite are igneous rocks, characterized by their hard texture, and were formed approximately 85 to over 100 million years ago. The "Viewing Dongyin from the Sea" tour departs from Zhongzhu Harbor. Along the sea cliffs, one can observe numerous military relics from the martial law period, such as gun emplacements and guard posts. Passing by the Twin Islets Tern Sanctuary, visitors can appreciate the ecology of black-tailed gulls. Additionally, Dongyin's Lieyu Yikeng (Chaste Maiden's Pit), Yixiantian (A Thread of Sky), and Yanxiu Chaoyin (Swallow's Nest Tidal Sound) are all very typical sea-eroded gullies. The towering sea cliffs, over a hundred meters deep, offer an even more spectacular and breathtaking view when seen from the sea. Coastal erosion has sculpted the rocks into shapes resembling squirrels and chameleons, which can only be appreciated from the sea. Dongyin Island has a dramatically undulating terrain, with most of its perimeter consisting of sea cliffs. The rapid ascent from sea level to Mount En'ai (173 meters above sea level) highlights its steep topography. The well-developed jointing in the diorite is the primary reason for the coast's steepness. The rich fishery resources around Dongyin Island make it an excellent spot for rock fishing, and people are often seen fishing below the sea cliffs and on the reefs.