Liuqiu

Liuqiu (琉球), also known as Xiaoliuqiu or Lamay Island, is a small coral island lying off the southwestern coast of Pingtung County, Taiwan, a short ferry hop from the fishing port of Donggang. It is the only one of Taiwan's offshore islands made entirely of coral rather than volcanic rock, and that geology shapes everything about it: a low, green island ringed by raised coral terraces, sea caves, sculpted rock formations, and clear shallow water rich in marine life.

Liuqiu's greatest draw is its green sea turtles. The waters and beaches around the island host an unusually large resident population, and snorkelling alongside turtles in the shallows just offshore is the island's signature experience — reliable enough that Liuqiu has become one of the best places in Asia to see them. Beyond the turtles, the island is an easy, relaxed destination: a coastal road circles it in well under an hour by scooter, passing coral cliffs, the famous Vase Rock, sea caves, and small temples. Its compact size and gentle pace make it ideal for a day trip from Donggang or a laid-back overnight stay.

The climate is tropical and warm year-round. The cooler, drier months from roughly October to April are comfortable, while summer (June–September) is hot and the typhoon season, when crossings can be rough. Liuqiu is busiest at weekends and on holidays, when the small island and its ferries fill up — visiting midweek is calmer.

By Car / Road

Liuqiu is reached by ferry from Donggang on the Pingtung mainland. Passenger ferries make the crossing in roughly 25–30 minutes, with both public and private operators running frequent daily sailings; services are more frequent and busier at weekends and holidays.

Liuqiu is small and the standard way to explore it is a rented scooter, easily hired right by the ferry pier on arrival — the coastal loop road circles the whole island in under an hour. Electric scooters and bicycles are also available, and parts of the island can be walked, though distances between sights are long for foot travel. There is no metro and little public bus service. Helmets are legally required on motorbikes; the island roads are narrow and can be busy on weekends.

• Vase Rock (花瓶岩 / 花瓶石) — Liuqiu's iconic landmark: a coral rock formation eroded into a narrow base topped with vegetation, resembling a flower vase, standing in the shallows near the main harbour. Free to view.

• Beauty Cave (美人洞) — A coastal area of coral caves, grottoes, and walking paths along the cliffs.

• Black Dwarf Cave / Wild Boar Trench (烏鬼洞) — A coral cave site with paths and viewpoints, tied to a local historical legend.

• Mountain Pig Trench (山豬溝) — A scenic ravine and trail through coral rock and lush vegetation.

• Geban Bay (蛤板灣) — A small white-sand beach, sometimes called Wei'an Beach, popular for sunset.

• Sea-turtle snorkelling spots — Areas off the island's coast, including near the harbour and beaches, where green sea turtles are commonly seen.

• Snorkel with green sea turtles — The island's defining experience; guided snorkelling trips depart from the harbour area, with turtle sightings common in the shallows. Operators provide gear and short briefings.

• Ride the coastal loop — Scoot the island's perimeter road, stopping at Vase Rock, the coral caves, and the viewpoints.

• Explore the coral caves — Walk the trails through Beauty Cave, Black Dwarf Cave, and Mountain Pig Trench.

• Watch the sunset — Geban Bay and the western coast are favoured spots as the day ends.

• Intertidal exploration — Guided tide-pool walks reveal the island's coral-shore marine life.

Liuqiu's food is simple and seafood-led: fresh fish, squid, and shellfish landed locally, served at small family-run eateries near the harbour and village, alongside Taiwanese snacks and tropical fruit. Seafood-rice shops, noodle stalls, and casual restaurants make up most of the dining.

Dedicated vegetarian options are limited on this small island.

Liuqiu has a small but growing scene of cafés and casual bars near the harbour aimed at the holiday crowd, alongside the usual Taiwanese tea and fresh fruit-juice stalls. Do not drink tap water straight; use bottled or boiled water.

Liuqiu has a good range of guesthouses (民宿) and small hotels concentrated near the harbour and main village, geared to overnight visitors; book ahead for weekends and holidays, when both rooms and ferries fill quickly.

Liuqiu's souvenirs are mostly local edibles and crafts sold near the harbour and main village — dried and processed seafood, seaweed, and snacks. Turtle-themed souvenirs are widely available, reflecting the island's signature wildlife. Packaged goods carry fixed prices; bargaining is not the norm.

• Donggang — A short ferry back to the mainland; a fishing port famed for bluefin tuna and the King Boat festival.
• Kaohsiung — Via Donggang, about 30–40 km onward; a major port city with metro, museums, and night markets.
• Pingtung City — Via Donggang, roughly 30 km east; the county seat, with night markets and temples.
• Kenting / Kenting National Park — Via Donggang, around 50 km south; Taiwan's southern beach-and-forest resort region.
• Hengchun — Via Donggang, about 40–50 km south; a walled historic town and gateway to the Hengchun Peninsula.