Looking through my old album (yes, I printed physical photographs of my time in Xiaoliuqiu) made me reminisce about the beautiful place. A personal thank you to my niece Wanzhen for introducing me and bringing me to this wonderful offshore island.
Tucked off Taiwan’s southwest coast in Pingtung County, Xiaoliuqiu, also known as Liuqiu or Ryukyu Island, is a small coral island with many hidden gems. Think turquoise water, unique rock formations, precious sea turtles, and golden-hour sunsets. It’s compact enough for a day trip, memorable enough to stay longer.
A Brief History
Xiaoliuqiu’s past is long and layered. Dutch ships arrived in the 1620s–1630s, bringing conflict and the eventual depopulation of the island’s original inhabitants. Han Chinese settlers later occupied the island under shifting colonial and imperial rule through the Qing dynasty, and by 1895, it had become a quiet fishing community. Today it’s home to roughly 12,000 residents and is famous as a tourism spot.
Iconic Spots on Xiaoliuqiu
Vase Rock is the island’s most famous landmark. This natural coral formation, shaped like a vase, sits against crystal-clear water. On calm days, sea turtles drift by nearby. (Look, don’t touch. It’s a strict law as the sea turtles are endangered.)
Black Dwarf Cave (烏鬼洞) is a cave with a solemn historical backstory that makes it even more worth visiting. Popular stop, eerie atmosphere, but gorgeous landscape.
Sunset Pavilion is located on the southwestern tip. This viewpoint catches both sunrises and wide-open ocean sunsets. Bring a camera, or simply revel in the ocean’s beauty.
The Nature
Xiaoliuqiu’s ecosystem is special: coral reefs, shell-sand beaches, clear waters, and one of the easiest places in Taiwan to encounter wild sea turtles in their natural habitat. There’s no need to travel far out to exotic islands and far-flung beaches to bask in the beautiful, unmarred (at least, not yet) nature.
For my next visit, I will definitely try my hand at snorkelling.
Getting to Xiaoliuqiu
From Taiwan’s major cities, head to Donggang Ferry Terminal from Kaohsiung or Donggang, and take the ferry to Tafu Port, Xiaoliuqiu (roughly 30 minutes).
If you are here, take a photograph at this famous spot and try the famous sea turtle bento.
“I am at Xiaoliuqiu, how about you?”
Not a sponsored post.
