Liuqiu Island
Island Coral island off Taiwan known for snorkeling
Coral island off Pingtung (Xiaoliuqiu) famed for sea turtles, snorkeling, glass‑bottom boats and bike‑friendly roads that circle sandy coves and nearshore reefs.
Liuqiu Island (commonly Xiaoliuqiu) is a small coral island off Taiwan’s southwest coast in Pingtung County, administered as a township and known for its reef, beaches and coastal karst features. The island is a noted local destination for snorkeling, diving and coastal sightseeing.
Visitors are drawn to the island’s coral reefs and frequent sea turtle sightings, small beaches and distinctive coastal rock formations such as Vase Rock, plus karst caves and coastal cliffs like the Beauty Cave area. The island is compact and most sites are reachable on foot, by bicycle or short vehicle rides from the main harbour.
The island is served by regular ferries from the mainland port of Donggang and functions as a popular day-trip and weekend destination for residents and tourists in southern Taiwan. It combines marine recreation with small-scale local tourism infrastructure.
Liuqiu sits off the southwest coast of Taiwan in the Taiwan Strait, within Pingtung County; the island’s settlement and ferry terminal concentrate on the sheltered harbour area.
- Ferry access from Donggang: Regular ferry services run from Donggang in Pingtung County to the island, which is a short boat ride from Taiwan's southwest coast and popular for day trips.
- Coral reefs and sea turtles: The island's surrounding waters are coral-rich and used for snorkeling and freediving; sea turtles are commonly sighted in nearshore reef areas.
What to See #
- Beauty Cave and coastal cliffs: Beauty Cave and coastal cliffs with karst features and sea caves that are a local scenic highlight and part of a small park complex on the island.
- Vase Rock and coastal formations: Vase Rock and nearby coastal rock formations that are popular photographic subjects and local landmarks near the main settlement and beaches.
- Harbour and ferry access: Small harbour and ferry terminal serving regular passenger ferries to the Pingtung County mainland port of Donggang, providing the island's main access.
How to Get to Liuqiu Island #
Ferries depart regularly from Donggang Harbor in Pingtung County; the crossing typically takes 20-30 minutes depending on the vessel and sea conditions. Several operators run multiple daily sailings in high season - check timetables in advance. Donggang is reachable by bus or car from Kaohsiung (around 1-1.5 hours). Boat transfers are weather-dependent; in rough seas local operators may cancel.
Tips for Visiting Liuqiu Island #
- Take the morning ferry from Donggang (Pingtung) to avoid rougher seas in the afternoon and to have more time on the island.
- Rent a bicycle or scooter in the harbour village - the roads are short and the island is very scooter-friendly.
- Snorkel sites like Vase Rock and the coral gardens are fragile; use a reef-safe sunscreen and avoid standing on coral.
Best Time to Visit Liuqiu Island #
Late autumn through spring offers the best combination of sea conditions and comfortable temperatures for snorkeling and strolling.
Weather & Climate near Liuqiu Island #
Liuqiu Island's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and mild winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 16°C to 31°C. Heavy rainfall (2202 mm/year), wettest in August with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is mild with highs of 22°C and lows of 16°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 16°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 18°C. Moderate rainfall (30 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is warm with highs of 27°C and lows of 21°C. Moderate rainfall (62 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 22°C). Heavy rain (221 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is hot, feeling like 31°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (407 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is the hottest month, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (478 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is hot, feeling like 31°C with oppressive humidity. The wettest month with heavy rain (574 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is hot, feeling like 30°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (272 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is warm with highs of 28°C and lows of 23°C. Regular rainfall (90 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 20°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 17°C. The driest month with just 11 mm and partly cloudy skies.
