Tourism Bureau advises against visiting basalt columns on Tongpanyu

The Penghu National Scenic Area Administration of the Tourism Bureau Tuesday urged tourists not to visit the walls of basalt-column formations on Tongpanyu Island in Penghu’s South Sea as there have been rock falls at several locations following the onslaughts of Typhoon Nepartak and heavy rains. The whole island of Tongpanyu is surrounded by columnar basalt formations, which are one of Penghu’s tourist attractions, the scenic area administration said, adding that a trail around the island allows visitors to appreciate the views of the natural geological formations. The columnar basalt formations, which were originally a hexagon or pentangle, are now pretty much circular on the edges due to the fierce weathering and erosion and have been known as the "Yellowstone Park of Penghu," according to the scenic area administration. It said, however, that the island’s geological formations are fragile in nature, and urged tourists to refrain from visiting this place to avoid basalt rock falls after the onslaughts of Typhoon Nepartak and subsequent heavy rains, adding that the advice is in line with a recent survey of the area by the county’s Agricultural and Fisheries Department, which suggests the geology of the area sensitive and fragile.