The beach provides a clear view of Guishan Island, an active volcanic island that remains the only one in Taiwan with significant geothermal activity.
The dark color of the sand is derived from the high iron content of the volcanic and sedimentary materials originating from the nearby Central Mountain Range.
Guishan Island is often referred to locally as Turtle Island due to its distinct shape resembling a swimming sea turtle.
Guishan Island Sunrise Beach is a coastal recreational area located along the Toucheng coastline in Yilan County, offering panoramic views of Guishan Island across the Pacific Ocean. The beach features a distinctive mix of dark volcanic sand and pebbles typical of Taiwan’s northeastern shoreline. It serves as a popular vantage point for viewing the sunrise, where the sun appears directly behind the silhouette of Guishan Island. The area is integrated into a wider coastal corridor that includes local cycle paths and seaside parks. Water conditions here are prone to strong undercurrents, making the beach better suited for coastal walking and scenery viewing than for swimming.
The shoreline boardwalk area during sunrise, capturing the island's silhouette against the dawn sky.
Check local weather alerts for coastal warnings, as the Pacific currents in this region can be unpredictable.
Bring polarized sunglasses to reduce glare from the ocean surface when watching the sunrise.
Wear sturdy, closed-toe footwear if planning to walk along the pebbled sections of the beach.
Attempting to swim in the ocean, as this section of the coast is known for steep drop-offs and strong rip currents.
Respect local fishing operations nearby; do not leave trash on the beach as it is a protected coastal zone.
