|
Because there are three great stones at Sansiantai, folk legends
claim that three (Lu Tungpin, Ho Hsienku, and Li Tiehkuai) of the Eight
Immortals of Taoism stopped here on their way across the sea. The name
"Sansiantai" thus arose ("Sansiantai" = "Three
Immortals Terrace")..
The Sansiantai is underlain by a layer of Duluanshan agglomerate
rock. There was originally a cape at this spot, but erosion by the sea
eventually eroded through the neck of the cape and created an offshore
island. Apart from strangely-shaped natural features associated with the
story of the Immortals, such as Sianjiansia and Hohuan Cave, there
are other sea-eroded geological features. It takes roughly two hours to
cross the eight-arch bridge and walk all the way around the island. A
number of rare seaside plants growth on the island. There are many beautiful
coral reefs from the south end of the island to Jihuei, and this area
has some of the best underwater scenery along the coast from Hualien to
Taitung.
|