The Chixi basalt columns are midway along Xiyu Township’s western coastline. Deep black at first, the columns gradually turn brown the farther north you go. Shapes vary here, too: some columns are upright while others are curved, lie flat, or incline.

Volcanic eruptions formed the majestic basalt columns. When the red-hot magma came in contact with water and air, it cooled and shrank, causing pillar-like cracks and joints to appear on the surface and resulting in the current landscape. A fish farm was above Chixi’s columnar basalt in the early days. After it rained or the fish pond was drained, water cascaded down the rocks like a waterfall, thus the name of the Chixi Rock Waterfall. However, others say it got the name because the curved rock joints resemble torrents of water flowing into the sea.

The Jiukong Pool below the columns has also become popular in recent years. But like many scenic spots in Penghu, timing is important. At high tide, all you see are basalt columns. The Jiukong Pool only appears once the tide recedes. Only then can you walk down to the stone weirs and enjoy a panoramic view of the sea and the columns. But be careful –– the trail is slippery!