Chixi Basalt Falls — formally the Chixi Columnar Basalt and Abalone Pools — sits on the southwest coast of Chixi Village, Xiyu Township. It is one of the most visually distinctive and geomorphologically unusual basalt outcrops in Penghu County’s geopark network. The geological foundation of the Penghu archipelago was laid by submarine volcanic activity approximately 17 million years ago during the Miocene epoch: successive lava flows accumulated on the seafloor to build the base of today’s islands. As lava cooled slowly, it fractured along stress joints in a regular pattern, producing “columnar jointing” with cross-sections typically hexagonal or pentagonal. What distinguishes Chixi’s columns is their angle of dip. Because the original lava flow cooled on an inclined surface, heat dissipated at an angle rather than straight upward, rotating the joint orientation accordingly. The result is an entire array of columns tilting toward the sea at roughly 30–45 degrees. From the shore, their orderly rows slanting into the water resemble a frozen black waterfall — which is where the name “basalt falls” (岩瀑) originates: not a metaphor, but a literal description of the topography. Directly below the cascade, a cluster of traditional abalone (Haliotis diversicolor supertexta) farming pools used by generations of Xiyu fishermen occupies the same shoreline. Geological enthusiasts, photographers, and cyclists circumnavigating the island make up the bulk of visitors; the tilted rock face also draws wedding photography crews.
What to See
The Basalt Cascade: The cliff face consists of hundreds of densely arranged basalt columns, typically 20–40 cm (8–16 in) in diameter and extending several metres (up to 30 ft) in length, all tilting uniformly toward the sea — a marked contrast with the mostly vertical columns found at other Penghu basalt sites. Early morning side-light is the best time to visit: raking sunlight makes the hexagonal cross-sections stand out clearly, and the deep grooves between columns cast sharp shadows that give the surface strong visual depth. In the afternoon backlight, the entire rock face becomes a dark silhouette — a different kind of impact. At low tide you can walk to the base of the rock platform and inspect the top cross-sections up close: the hexagons tile neatly and densely, looking almost man-made, yet this is entirely the result of natural cooling and contraction. The column surfaces bear honeycomb-like pitting from years of marine erosion; grooves of varying depth between columns reflect differences in erosion resistance, a direct expression of variation in the basalt’s mineral composition.
The Abalone Pools: The stone-built pool clusters adjacent to the cascade are traditional farming facilities for disc abalone (Haliotis diversicolor supertexta, locally called jiukong or small abalone). Fishermen constructed small enclosures using natural basalt crevices, channeling tidal water in to raise the abalone. The clean, temperature-stable waters around Xiyu have made this one of Penghu’s traditional abalone-farming zones. At low tide you can observe the layout of the pools and the design of the water channels from the outside — but do not climb over the walls, as this is private aquaculture land. The combination of abalone pools and basalt cascade gives this stretch of coast geological and cultural significance in equal measure, a tangible cross-section of Xiyu’s coastal land-use history.
Getting There and Nearby
From Magong, take a Penghu public bus toward Xiyu and alight at Chidong (PEN299536). Walk west along the county road for approximately 700 metres (0.4 mi); the viewing area begins where you see the geopark signboard. An alternative stop is Xiyu Fishermen’s Association (PEN299537), also about 700 metres (0.4 mi) from the site, approaching from the north. For current timetables, check the Penghu County Public Bus and Boat Administration website.
By bicycle or car: cross the Penghu Bay Bridge to its west end, then head north along County Road 203. On entering Chixi Village, follow roadside geopark signs onto a small lane heading west. There is informal parking at the end of the lane for a few cars and motorcycles; arrive early on summer weekends or you may need to park further down the road.
Nearby connections: About 15 minutes on foot (5 minutes by bicycle) to the south is Erkan Old Settlement (alight at Xiyu Fishermen’s Association), Penghu’s best-preserved traditional Min-nan stone-built village. Allow 30–40 minutes to walk its flagstone paths; traditional snacks are available inside the village. A 10-minute drive south leads to Dacaiye Columnar Basalt, where the contrast is instructive: Dacaiye’s columns stand vertical while Chixi’s lean into the sea. Continuing south connects to Xiyu West Fort and Xiyu Lighthouse, linking Xiyu’s geology, history, and natural scenery into a half-day route covering the main highlights of the island’s southern section. Snorkellers may find the reef zone near the cascade of interest — the basalt column structures continue beneath the surface — but bring your own equipment and check sea conditions before entering the water.