Anybody who visits Green Island off the southeast coast of Taiwan will agree that it fully deserves its name. Emerald green woods rise above verdant meadows to meet a pastel-blue sky, and a gentle sea breeze lulls the newly arrived tourist in this tropical paradise.
To some local people, Green Island is also known as Firebird Island, and there is an interesting story as to how it got this name. According to tradition, the firebird exhaled his fiery breath over the island, destroying all the greenery. Even today, residents of the island still light fires to guide fishing boats home during the frequent fogs that envelop the island and this may be the origin of the name.
Situated some one and a half hours by ship and 12 minutes by plane from the southeastern port of Taitung, Green Island is the fourth smallest in Taiwan province (after Taiwan; the biggest of the Pescadores and Orchid Island). It was first mentioned in the Ching Dynasty annals some 180 years ago, when, according to the records, a sailor traveling along the coast of Taiwan was blown off course by a typhoon and landed on the island. Later he returned, and his descendants are said to be the present residents of Green Island.
Today, there are some 3,800 people living on the island, mostly on the south coast. A warm Pacific Ocean current has made fishing a booming industry, with last year's catch totaling NT$150 million (US$3.75 million).
Community life on Green Island is relaxed and sleepy as befits a tropical environment. Everyone is polite, guests from afar are warmly welcomed, and the noise and dirt of modern cities are nowhere to be found. People are shy, but warm and hospitable once you get to know them. A greeting from a stranger will be met with a warm smile, and probably an invitation to "come inside." Traffic problems are nonexistent. There are hardly any private cars, only 10 taxis and a few buses which run every hour. The young people have motorcycles which are disdained by the older folk. But most people use what is known facetiously as the "No. 11 bus"--in other words, their two legs. Even the taxi-drivers are polite. They do not wait in line at a taxi stand, neither do they cruise the streets for business. A few of them will gather at a favorite spot and wait patiently for customers while they chat. The island's only paved road links an administration center, police station, farmers' and fishermen's associations, school, snack shops and stores where nearly all daily provisions can be obtained.
Education is of great importance to the people of Green Island. The teachers and students are especially close to each other. During breaks and after school hours, they all gather to play. the guitar, sing and chat before they get around to such chores as sweeping and cleaning up. In 1968, the Central Government provided funds for the construction of a high school, while the rest was collected by the people. The junior high school has only 190 students, and 15 teachers, most of whom are willing recruits from the main island of Taiwan.
The students, like their elders, are reserved, honest and good-natured, and unspoiled by civilization. The school stores work on the honor system, and are run by the students themselves. In 18 months of operation, there have been no complaints.
About the only blemish on the peaceful scene is a national penitentiary for which the island is notorious. Most hardened criminals are sent there. But this does not detract from the island's natural beauty. Country roads wind round low hills and the entire island is criss-crossed by small streams whose rushing waters are like music to the ear. The beaches are beautiful, and coral can be found everywhere, honed into grotesque shapes by centuries of wind and sea breakers. Some pieces resemble human faces, some are like animals and others are in geometrical shapes.
Green Island is also known for its hot springs and its mysterious Kuanyin Cave. Named after the patron saint of fishermen, who is also known as the Goddess of Mercy, this cave is a popular meeting place for local residents. The interior is dimly lit by sticks of incense which give off a pungent odor, and there is a box nearby for charity offerings.
The scene is one of peace--as are all the scenes on Green Island, Taiwan's tropical paradise.
[Picture Caption]
1. On Green Island's beaches, coral can be found everywhere, honed into grotesque shapes by centuries of wind and sea breakers. 2. Bird's eye view of Green Island. 3. The airplane is the island's main link with the outside world. 4. Step aboard for a tour of the island! . 5. The clear warm waters around the island are popular with visitors.
1. Angling is a popular sport. 2. Medicinal Chinese herbs are grown on the island. 3. Fishing is a main means of livelihood.
1. Islanders raise the Formosan spotted deer for food and its antlers, which are regarded as a tonic medicine. 2. One of the island's many grocery stores. 3. Today's catch. 4. Motorcycles are becoming a main means of transportation on the island. 5. Roads on Green Island are usually quiet.
1. Primary school children. 2. The Green Island Junior High School has a museum where students' art works are exhibited. 3. Art works done by inmates of the Green Island Prison. 4. View of the prison.
Bird's eye view of Green Island.
The airplane is the island's main link with the outside world.
Step aboard for a tour of the island!
The clear warm waters around the island are popular with visitors.
Angling is a popular sport.
Medicinal Chinese herbs are grown on the island.
Fishing is a main means of livelihood.
Islanders raise the Formosan spotted deer for food and its antlers, which are regarded as a tonic medicine.
One of the island's many grocery stores.
Motorcycles are becoming a main means of transportation on the island.
Roads on Green Island are usually quiet.
The Green Island Junior High School has a museum where students' art works are exhibited.
Art works done by inmates of the Green Island Prison.
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