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Jessepylin CC BY-SA 3.0 Wikimedia Commons

Vase Rock

Mountain

Vase Rock is a vase-shaped sea-eroded coral rock just off Liuqiu Island in Pingtung County, Taiwan. Visitors come for the distinctive geology, coastal views and island scenery.

Vase Rock TainanKaohsiungChiayi CityYu ShanLiuqiu IslandKenting National ParkAli Shan ShanmoVase Rock

Vase Rock essentials

Address: Liuqiu, Pingtung County, Taiwan

Vase Rock stands just off Liuqiu Island and is a natural sea stack formed from uplifted coastal coral reef. Wave action has worn away the lower section of the rock, producing the characteristic vase profile; the formation rises to about 9 meters above sea level. The rock is prominent from the island shore and is a common subject for photography and short coastal walks. Its small size and shoreline location mean it is usually viewed from land rather than approached by boat.

Locals and visitors have long noted the rock’s profile and its contribution to the island’s imagery. The township tourism department has linked the island’s older name Golden Lion Island to a supposed lion-head likeness of the rock, though the name also relates to 17th-century events involving the Dutch ship Gouden Leeuw and subsequent reprisals that depopulated the island in the 1630s and 1640s. Visiting is straightforward and low-key: expect short walks along the shoreline and simple viewpoints rather than developed facilities, and combine a stop here with other coastal sights on the island.

  • Vase Rock (close view): The vase-shaped base and the rock’s 9 m height are best appreciated from the island shoreline and nearby viewing points.
  • Coastal viewpoints: Rocky promontories and shore paths around the island offer framed views of Vase Rock and the open sea, especially at sunrise or sunset.
  • Lion-head silhouette: From particular angles the formation has been compared to a lion’s head, a resemblance linked by the local tourism authority to the island’s former name.
  • Island harbour and shoreline: Combine a visit with a stroll around the main harbour and nearby shore for local character and sea views.
Things to Do
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Vase Rock#

Liuqiu has a tropical savanna climate with a distinct wet season; the driest and most pleasant months are in late autumn through winter. Summers bring heavy rain and the highest risk of rough seas and typhoons.

Winter (best)
November - February · 16°C - 26°C (61°F - 79°F)
These months are drier and milder, making shoreline walks and viewing Vase Rock comfortable and more likely to have calm seas for ferry crossings.
Spring (good)
March - May · 18°C - 29°C (64°F - 84°F)
Temperatures rise and many days remain pleasant, though rainfall increases toward May so check forecasts before planning sea travel.
Monsoon and typhoon season (avoid)
June - August · 25°C - 31°C (77°F - 88°F)
This period has the heaviest rain and the roughest seas, which can disrupt ferry services and make coastal visits unsafe.

Weather & Climate near Vase Rock#

Climate

Vase Rock'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 (2190 mm/year), wettest in August with a pronounced dry season.

Air Quality: AQI 58 Moderate
Best Time to Visit
NovemberDecemberJanuary
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
35°
Warmest Month
10°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Excellent 16° - 22° 19° 17 mm partly cloudy 72% 3.3 m/s 1.1 high 10.8h
February Excellent 17° - 23° 20° 22 mm partly cloudy 72% 3.2 m/s 1.4 high 11.3h
March Excellent 19° - 25° 22° 30 mm partly cloudy 70% 3.3 m/s 1.6 very high 11.9h
April Excellent 21° - 27° 24° 62 mm partly cloudy 71% 3.3 m/s 1.8 very high 12.6h
May Very Good 24° - 29° 26° 219 mm partly cloudy 75% 3.4 m/s 2.0 very high 13.1h
June Very Good 25° - 30° 31° 406 mm partly cloudy 83% 3.3 m/s 2.2 extreme 13.4h
July Very Good 25° - 31° 33° 475 mm partly cloudy 82% 3.4 m/s 2.3 extreme 13.2h
August Very Good 25° - 30° 32° 570 mm partly cloudy 84% 3.4 m/s 2.0 extreme 12.8h
September Very Good 24° - 30° 30° 270 mm partly cloudy 81% 4.0 m/s 1.9 very high 12.2h
October Excellent 23° - 28° 26° 89 mm partly cloudy 76% 3.1 m/s 1.5 very high 11.5h
November Ideal 20° - 26° 23° 19 mm partly cloudy 75% 3.0 m/s 1.2 high 10.9h
December Ideal 17° - 23° 20° 11 mm partly cloudy 73% 3.3 m/s 1.0 high 10.7h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Vase Rock#

Vase Rock is accessed from the small coral island of Liuqiu in Pingtung County; the nearest major city and transport hub is Kaohsiung. The island is reached by ferry from the Pingtung/Kaohsiung mainland, with services operating to Liuqiu’s main harbour.

Kaohsiung is served by Kaohsiung International Airport and by rail at Zuoying HSR and Kaohsiung main stations; from Kaohsiung or the Pingtung coast take local transport or a taxi to the ferry port and then a short ferry crossing to Liuqiu, where Vase Rock is a short walk or scooter ride from the island harbour. Check ferry availability and local connections before traveling.

Tips for Visiting Vase Rock#

  • Do not attempt to climb Vase Rock; it is a sea-eroded formation and can be unstable.
  • Avoid travel during the peak monsoon and typhoon months when sea conditions are rough and ferries can be suspended.
  • Bring sun protection and drinking water for short coastal walks, and wear sturdy shoes for uneven shoreline paths.
  • Ferry timetables and island services can change seasonally, so confirm crossings and local opening days in advance.
  • Respect the coral and marine life around Liuqiu by not touching reefs or removing shells and corals.