It's been 2 years since we last visited Xiaoliuqiu. This is my second time here, and I find it much more enjoyable this time. My child has grown bigger and can now have more fun playing in the water.
We traveled from Donggang, which is about a 1.5-hour drive from our home. The earliest boat departs at 7:20 AM, and the latest one is around 5 PM. The adult ticket costs 410NT, and the child ticket is 210NT. The travel time is approximately 20 minutes. Many accommodations, if not all of them, can assist with boat tickets and scooter rentals. We arrived before 9 AM to catch our boat, and upon arrival, our rented scooter was ready for us. We drove straight to our accommodation. Although the usual check-in time is after 3 PM, we were lucky that there were no other guests at that time, so we were able to get our room at 10 AM. After changing into our swimming clothes, we headed out for a swim. On the very first day (or rather, the first hour on the island), I managed to get sunburned on most of my body. We also explored the entire island by scooter, which only took about 20 minutes. We visited the 100-year-old Banyan Tree and the White Lighthouse. There is also a spot behind the old tree where you can enjoy a sea view. This place is known for its many ghost stories, so it is recommended to visit during the day.
What is XiaoLiuqiu?
Xiaoliuqiu (小琉球), also known as Liuqiu Island (琉球嶼) or Lambay Island, is a coral island located approximately 13 kilometers southwest of the main island of Taiwan in the Taiwan Strait. It has an area of 6.8 km2 and a population of approximately 7,000 residents, the majority of whom share only 10 surnames. Xiaoliuqiu is administered as a township of Pingtung County and consists of 8 villages, with the township seat located in Zhongfu Village. The island is home to two lighthouses, one guiding ships into Baisha Port and the White Lighthouse on Mount Dongnanjian. The only means of public transportation to Xiaoliuqiu is by ship from Donggang in Pingtung or Zhongyun in Kaohsiung. Although Xiaoliuqiu Airport used to have passenger service with direct flights between Kaohsiung International Airport and the island, it is now primarily used for helicopters. The Siraya, a Taiwanese indigenous people who also lived in nearby Pingtung County on Taiwan Island, are believed to have been the island's original inhabitants.
The first Han inhabitant is said to be a Fujianese fisherman surnamed Chen, who either arrived by accident during a storm or is believed to be Li Yuelao, the one who "discovered" and developed the island after Koxinga overthrew the Dutch in 1662. During the Japanese occupation of Taiwan, the island was administered as a village of the Tōkō District of Takao Prefecture. After Taiwan regained control in 1945, Xiaoliuqiu became a township of Pingtung County.
In the early 21st century, Xiaoliuqiu transitioned to a tourism-based economy, particularly after being included in the Dapeng Bay National Scenic Area in 2004. It now attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists each year.
During our stay, we chose to stay at 翔湘居民宿, which was a great place to stay. The room and bathroom were very clean, and there was also a spacious balcony. It was quiet during our stay. Although we couldn't see the sunrise from here, the sea view was still enjoyable.
The owner was very friendly and knowledgeable. He took us on a night tour to introduce sea creatures, such as sea slugs, sea crabs, and sea cucumbers. On another night, he showed us important points of Xiaoliuqiu, such as the first water well, sea caves, and nocturnal flowers and crabs. It was a very cool experience.
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