東吉全島面積只有1.54平方公里，但是因位置相當重要，自古即為台澎之間海運貿易的轉運站，古代即為澎湖坐船到台灣的中繼站，島上有一座知名的東吉燈塔，佇立在岸邊指引著在大海中航行的船隻，住民最多達2000人以上，因此有「小上海」之稱。
The island of Dongji is only 1.54 kilometers squared; however, due to the importance of its location, it has been a transshipment station for maritime trade between the rest of Taiwan and Penghu. On the island, there is the well-known Dongji Lighthouse (東吉燈塔), which supposedly help guide ships sailing at sea. Previously, residents in Dongji made up more than 2000 people, thus, Dongji is also known as “Little Shanghai.”
不過因海洋資源枯竭、人口外流等因素，目前島上住民人數已不到20人，這幾年海管處在基礎建設頗為用心，加上陸續有民宿、旅遊業者近駐，島嶼似乎又有了活力。
Yet, due to the depletion of marine resources and the outflow of population, the number of residents on the island is currently less than 20. In recent years, the marine Management Department dedicated themselves to infrastructure construction. With the influx of tourists recently, the island seems to be “alive” again.
海管處長徐紹良表示，目前島上有數間民宿營業，但卻沒有餐廳可供遊客享用美食，因此他特別找到一位退休的廚師，來到東吉管理站做美味的盒飯，讓遊客能在孤島上面用餐。
Park management official Hsu Shao-liang (徐紹良) said that there are many hotels in business on island, however there are not enough fine restaurants for tourists to dine at. Thus, Hsu especially found a retired chef to make boxed food for at Dongji’s Management Station.
東吉唯一的一間雜貨店提供價錢公道的冷飲及泡麵，碼頭涼亭內還有80歲的阿婆唱著動聽優美的褒歌，賣好喝的道地風茹茶，旅客在這裡享受湛藍的天、清澈的海，看著大自然鬼斧神工的柱狀玄武岩，遠離都市塵囂，盡情來場海洋之旅。
Dongji’s only store allows tourists to buy affordable cold drinks or instant noodles. The 80-years-old grandma sings in the marina pavilion and sells delicious local wind tea. Travelers can enjoy the clear blue sky and nature, away from the hustle of the cities.
原文自 《The China Post》
