Looking for what to do in Xiaoliuqiu? You’ve come to the right place to discover our 2-day itinerary for Xiaoliuqiu.
Also known as Liuqiu or Lambai Island, this small island off the southern coast of Taiwan was the second destination on our trip through the country, right after Kaohsiung. During our second trip around the world, we decided to explore it without high expectations – and ended up discovering a true paradise.
Many call Xiaoliuqiu “Taiwan’s Okinawa,” but at the time, this comparison didn’t mean much to us. We wouldn’t visit Okinawa until the following month. Now, after experiencing Xiaoliuqiu, we can say we found crystal-clear waters and a relaxed vibe that contrasts with the fast pace of the mainland – whether we’ll find the same in Okinawa or not, we’ll have to wait until we get there.
How to Get to Xiaoliuqiu
Access to the island is by ferry from Donggang. Several companies operate at the port, and we chose one without much difference in price or travel time. Our ferry destination was Baishawei, which was close to our accommodation. There are also ferries to Dafu.
Here are your options to get to Donggang:
- Uber or taxi – Our choice, costing about 1000 TWD. Fast and convenient.
- Bus – Only worth it if you’re near Zuoying Station in Kaohsiung, as direct buses to Donggang depart from there.
For our return, we traveled to Tainan. We took the ferry back to Donggang, then an Uber to Nanzhou, and from there a train to Tainan. Note that direct trains from Nanzhou to Tainan are less frequent, so plan your ferry schedule carefully to avoid long waits.
Where to Stay in Xiaoliuqiu
The island is small, but there are several areas where you can stay. If you need help choosing the best area and ideal accommodation for you, check out our guide on where to stay in Xiaoliuqiu.
Best Time to Visit Xiaoliuqiu
We visited Xiaoliuqiu in early April and found the temperature perfect for exploring the island without sweltering heat. However, the water was still cool and not ideal for beach time.
The best time to visit Xiaoliuqiu depends on what you’re looking for:
- March to May – Pleasant weather, perfect for walks and hikes. The water may still be a bit cold for long swims.
- June to September – Hot and humid summer, with perfect beach temperatures. However, it’s also rainy season and typhoon season, so check the weather forecast before booking.
- October to February – Milder temperatures, fewer tourists, but cooler days. Good for avoiding crowds, but may not be ideal for those dreaming of ocean swims.
If your goal is to relax on the beach and swim with turtles, then summer months are your best bet. If you prefer exploring the island without intense heat, spring and autumn are better options.
How Long to Stay in Xiaoliuqiu
We stayed two nights, which gave us a full day and a half to explore the island. Since we chose to walk, we dedicated a full day to exploring half of the island.
If you want to see everything leisurely and enjoy the beaches, three days is ideal. This way you can:
- Do the trails and visit attractions without rushing
- Spend time at the beach (weather permitting)
- Enjoy local cuisine at a relaxed pace
If you’re short on time, a day and a half gives you a good overview of the island, but you’ll need to prioritize activities. If your plan is to relax and enjoy the beach, it’s worth staying at least three full days.
What to Do in Xiaoliuqiu
Before we started exploring the island, the question arose: do we need a scooter? To drive a two-person scooter here, an international motorcycle license is required – which neither of us has. The alternatives were electric bicycles or single-person electric scooters. In the end, we chose to explore on foot, and for those who enjoy walking, it works surprisingly well.
On the eastern side of the island, there’s a network of pedestrian paths parallel to the road, an excellent way to explore this area. The entrance to this trail is near Vase Rock.
Activities You Should Book in Advance
Must-Do Activities in Xiaoliuqiu
- Vase Rock – Iconic rock formation. Nearby, you can see turtles in the sea without even entering the water.
- Swimming with sea turtles – One of the island’s highlights!
- Yufu Fishing Harbor & Zhongao Beach – A nice coastal walk and one of the island’s most popular beaches.
- Baisha Village – The island’s center, with cafes and shops to explore.
- Beauty Beach & Beauty Cave – Included in a combo ticket that gives access to four locations – the Wild Boar Trench Trail and Black Devil Cave (120 TWD).
- Shanfu Ecological Walk – A nature walk ending at Shanfu Fishing Harbor Beach.
If You Have Extra Time
- Wild Boar Trench Trail – A short but interesting trail.
- Black Devil Cave – Another cave included in the combo ticket.
- Blue Sea Pavilion – Perfect for ocean views.
- Sunset Pavilion – One of the best spots for sunset.
- Secret Beach – Small and hidden, but very beautiful.
- Banyan Tree – An impressive centuries-old tree.
- Dafu Fishing Harbor – Small fishing port with good atmosphere.
- Biyun Temple – A traditional temple with a unique location.
- Sunrise Pavilion – The best place to watch the sunrise.
Where to Eat in Xiaoliuqiu
- AM.PM Island – Seaside spot. We tried their brunch menu and the toast was excellent.
- Luna Pizza – Simple, no frills, but with great pizza.
- Mài Chà Café – A café with incredible views, outdoor seating and hammocks. The bar menu (available until mid-afternoon) is average, nothing special – but worth it for the space and scenery.
- Mùhǎi Café & Eatery – Good coffee and interesting meal options.
- Chiyang minibar – A street café (coffee truck style) for takeaway coffee or lattes.
- 77 Coffee – A small café with a unique view over Baisha Village.
- Xuanjiang Lou Xiaoliuqiu – A street stall where xiaolongbao are made fresh. Small, juicy and full of flavor, they’re perfect for a quick snack while exploring the island.
- 861dayday – Here, waffles get a special twist: they’re served in turtle shapes! As photogenic as they are fluffy and delicious – ideal for a casual snack.
Xiaoliuqiu Travel Tips
- Travel insurance – Never risk it. Heymondo covers health issues, cancellations and other unforeseen events.
- Mobile internet – A Holafly eSIM keeps you connected without needing to swap SIM cards.
- Ferry – Book tickets in advance to avoid lines. There are ferries to Baishawei and Dafu – confirm your destination before boarding.
- Getting around the island:
- Electric scooter – The most practical way to explore. If renting one for two people, you need an international motorcycle license.
- On foot – The island is small with pedestrian trails, so it’s also possible to explore by walking.
- Snorkeling with turtles – A must-do experience! If you don’t have equipment, you can rent it on the island.
