分享
As the only coral reef island among Taiwan's outlying islands, and also a part of the Dapeng Bay National Scenic Area, Xiaoliuqiu's famous attractions, such as: Guigu Cave, Beauty Cave, and Mount Zhugou, present unique characteristics of limestone caves, different from those on Taiwan's main island, due to its geological structure and seawater erosion.
Xiaoliuqiu is not large, with an area of only about 6.8 square kilometers. A complete circuit of the island is just 12 kilometers, and it only takes about 25-30 minutes by boat from Taiwan's main island to reach this beautiful island.
So, when you come to Xiaoliuqiu, besides the beautiful scenery that you must check in and take photos of, Xiaoliuqiu's water activities are also very well-developed. Whether you want to snorkel or swim with sea turtles, or experience the thrill of kayaking and SUP paddleboarding on the water, there are itineraries available for you to choose from. Coupled with professional coaches, you can be safer during water activities.
After playing, the food on Xiaoliuqiu is also a highlight. Of course, besides the freshest seafood, a series of snacks, delicacies, and souvenirs are not to be missed. No wonder Xiaoliuqiu is always crowded on holidays. It must be said that Xiaoliuqiu is really a great place for a day trip!
So, how do you play in Xiaoliuqiu? How should you eat? Come and take a look at the Xiaoliuqiu travel guide that the editor has compiled for everyone!
Because you can only take a boat to Xiaoliuqiu at the moment, the weather in Xiaoliuqiu has a significant impact on whether you can travel smoothly. The editor suggests that you refer to the weather forecast information before planning your itinerary, so you won't be disappointed!
Xiaoliuqiu 10-Day Weather Forecast
If you want to go to Xiaoliuqiu from Donggang Pier, then you can only consider taking a boat now (the boat ride is about 25-30 minutes).
Currently, it is not possible to take a plane like going to Penghu, Green Island, or Orchid Island!
If you want to purchase ferry tickets to Xiaoliuqiu, you can refer to the Xiaoliuqiu ferry schedule and ticket price instructions in the following links!
source: Dapeng Bay Official Website
Xiaoliuqiu's "Guigui Cave" is one of the most famous attractions in Xiaoliuqiu, and it is known as the three major attractions of Xiaoliuqiu along with the other two attractions, "Beauty Cave" and "Mount Zhugou".
Guigui Cave is actually a spectacular coastal cave where you can see many natural landscapes formed by coral reefs. It is also one of the ideal places for many people to snorkel in Xiaoliuqiu, especially the beauty under the sea is a paradise for photography lovers.
source: Dapeng Bay Official Website
Another attraction in Xiaoliuqiu, "Beauty Cave", is said to be named because "Beauty Cave" was once a place where women on the island gathered to wash clothes.
However, according to the editor's research of the records of the Xiaoliuqiu Guigui Cave Cultural Relics Museum, it is said that during the Wanli period of the Ming Dynasty, a beautiful girl from Suzhou and her father encountered a strong wind and waves at sea, which led to the capsizing of the boat. The girl finally drifted to the shore by holding onto a plank, and so she lived in the cave. However, she eventually starved to death in the cave because she had no food. Sometimes, this beautiful girl would appear at night, so this place was called Beauty Cave.
But no matter which legend is true, what attracts people most about "Beauty Cave" and "Guigui Cave" is not these folk tales, but the strange rocks and caves naturally formed by many coral reef rocks, such as "Tianwaitian", "Bat Cave", "Lovers' Slope", and "Immortal Cave". Among them, "Wanghai Pavilion" is a 180-degree viewing platform, which can just appreciate how beautiful Beauty Cave is, with the mountains behind and the sea in front.
source: Dapeng Bay Official Website
Xiaoliuqiu's "Mount Zhugou" is a ravine formed by cliffs, and because there are hollows in the stone walls on both sides, it also forms a natural air-raid shelter.
Actually, before the editor went there, I was worried whether Mount Zhugou was named because of the appearance of wild boars. It turned out that I was overthinking, because I heard that there are no wild boars in Xiaoliuqiu at all, haha~
According to the records of the Xiaoliuqiu Guigui Cave Cultural Relics Museum, the origin of Mount Zhugou is because there was once a wild boar spirit that had been cultivating for hundreds of years, and had reached the point where it could transform into a human form at will. One day, a fairy from the heavens happened to descend to the seaside to bathe, so she placed her clothes on the shore, which was discovered by this wild boar spirit, who secretly stole the fairy's clothes. After the fairy finished washing and became fragrant, she couldn't return to the heavens because she couldn't find her clothes, and could only cry secretly in the forest. At this time, the wild boar spirit threatened the fairy to marry him, otherwise he wouldn't return her clothes. As a result, the clever fairy pretended to agree, and after the wild boar spirit returned the clothes to the fairy, the fairy immediately got ready and returned to the heavens. It is said that this wild boar spirit died of lovesickness from then on, so later generations called this ravine "Mount Zhugou".
The editor also highly recommends this attraction, because when you walk into the trail of "Mount Zhugou", you will find that it is surrounded by tropical plants and ferns, as if you have entered a huge rainforest. Moreover, there is also a sea-viewing platform here where you can see the beautiful sea view.
source: Dapeng Bay Official Website
Vase Rock is almost the most well-known landmark of Xiaoliuqiu, and there is no one else. It is just like its name. Because it has been eroded by seawater for many years, its shape is like a huge vase standing on the sea.
Of course, when you come here, don't just take a quick photo and leave. Although Vase Rock is really one of Xiaoliuqiu's IG attractions (laugh~), it is also very suitable for participating in Xiaoliuqiu snorkeling activities led by professional coaches. However, the editor wants to remind everyone that when you are with sea turtles, don't touch the cute sea turtles. Serious cases will be arrested and fined. Don't go against your freedom and your wallet!
The editor, who is a noodle lover, always looks for local cuisine when traveling to a place, and it must be noodle dishes. Today, the editor is going to introduce Xiangsi Noodles to everyone, which is also a very famous noodle shop on Xiaoliuqiu Island.
It's not surprising to put minced meat on noodles, but Xiangsi Noodles use the old-fashioned style, which is the kind of minced meat that is slow-cooked with firewood, and you can taste the texture of the minced meat's fat turning into a sticky gelatin. The editor's most recommended way to eat is to add a spoonful of the shop's specially made Xiangsi chili, which has no preservatives, and the deliciousness will rise by more than one level.
Now, in the days when prices are rising rapidly, Xiangsi Noodles are a delicacy that can be eaten for a small amount of money, so you must not miss it when you go to Xiaoliuqiu!
Oh! That's right! After returning, the editor, who can't live without spicy food, has always missed their Xiangsi chili, and asked a colleague who was going to Xiaoliuqiu to help bring back two more bottles. It tastes great whether you dip it with dumplings or mix it with noodles. But if you are very afraid of spicy food, remember to use it sparingly!
Speaking of Xiaoliuqiu breakfast, Hong Mama Breakfast Shop is considered to be a highly recommended store by locals and netizens.
Here, there are many delicacies that you may not be able to see or eat on the main island of Taiwan, such as: fried scallion strips, Mercedes-Benz buns, sausage rice cakes, and rice noodle egg pancakes are all the most popular items in Hong Mama Breakfast Shop. Whether it's delicious is a matter of personal preference.
But Hong Mama Breakfast Shop is always full of people as soon as it opens. It is self-service, so remember to choose the food you want, and then queue at the counter to check out. This special flavor of more than 30 years is also a must-eat delicacy in Xiaoliuqiu!
If you are traveling to a strange place and don't know what to eat, ask a few locals and you will know which one is the hidden gem. Xia Wei Xian Seafood will definitely be a name you often hear from the locals.
When you come to Xia Wei Xian Seafood, there are a few must-orders that you must know, such as: fried mahi-mahi, garlic oysters, and sashimi are all super cost-effective delicacies, a must-order!
When you come to Xiaoliuqiu, besides admiring the scenery on land, cycling around the island, and appreciating birds when you have time, Xiaoliuqiu is actually more suitable for you to play water activities, such as the famous Xiaoliuqiu snorkeling, many people play Xiaoliuqiu SUP (stand-up paddleboarding), kayaking, are all good choices.
However, the editor would like to particularly suggest that you compare more before participating in these activities. For example, the price of Xiaoliuqiu SUP varies from one store to another. Of course, besides the price, the equipment condition is also a very important consideration for safety. Choosing good stores and professional coaches can make you have more fun!
The climate in Xiaoliuqiu is warm and moderate all year round, but the most suitable months to travel are probably April, May, and October, November each year, because this period is the time when Xiaoliuqiu has the least rainfall, and also the least affected by typhoons, and boat schedules. Therefore, this period is more suitable for traveling to Xiaoliuqiu and playing water activities.
Speaking of Xiaoliuqiu specialties and souvenirs, I believe that many people, like the editor, will immediately think of twist. But there are so many businesses selling twist in Xiaoliuqiu, which one is recommended? Let's say that Xiaoliuqiu Twist Longzhuan, Baoge Twist, Hejia Handmade Twist Rolls, and Fuwei Twist all have their own supporters. The editor bought Baoge's last time when I went to Xiaoliuqiu, and it tasted good too. If you have a choice disorder, the editor suggests that you might as well consider buying some of each, for both giving as a gift and for your own consumption!
Old-fashioned Mizi sweet potato candy is also a small snack sold in Xiaoliuqiu.
Also, because this snack is made from sweet potatoes, some people also call it sweet potato crisps. The handmade sweet potato crisps are crispy and not too sweet. There are also many flavors, such as: the basic flavors of original and brown sugar, and also the less common pumpkin seeds and cranberries to choose from! Very special.
Can you believe that a sausage shop can open for nearly 60 years? Yes, Zheng Ji Liuchiu Sausage in Xiaoliuqiu was established in 1954 and is famous for its handmade Liuchiu sausages.
The shop is very particular about the ingredients, so the sausage filling uses all fresh pork, and does not contain preservatives. In addition to the original flavor, black pepper and flying fish roe flavors are also very popular, so it's a pity not to try this flavor when you come to Xiaoliuqiu!
If you happen to be a beer lover, then you are in luck when you come to Xiaoliuqiu! The limited edition Capiton beer is an alcoholic beverage that tastes very refreshing, and it is only sold in Xiaoliuqiu. It is also very suitable to take back to Taiwan as a souvenir to give to your friends who love to drink a glass, he will definitely think you are very thoughtful. (laugh)
Mahi-Mahi fish crisps made from the special product of Xiaoliuqiu's surrounding waters, mahi-mahi fish, is also a unique seafood souvenir of Xiaoliuqiu.
Because the peak season for mahi-mahi is from April to July, with the assistance of the Xiaoliuqiu Fishermen's Association, mahi-mahi is made into crispy and crunchy fish strips, with seasoning, allowing the fresh taste of the sea to not only be served on the table for three meals a day, but also become a snack, which can solve the overproduction of mahi-mahi during the peak season and extend the shelf life of seafood. It's really a win-win situation, and it's also one of the must-buy souvenirs for many people when they go to Xiaoliuqiu.
When participating in sea turtle co-swimming, remember not to reach out to touch or step on sea turtles, because according to Article 18 of the Wildlife Conservation Law, violators may be sentenced to imprisonment of not more than 1 year, detention, or a fine of not less than NT$60,000 and not more than NT$300,000. Don't go against your own wallet and freedom because of a whim!
There are many ways to travel, such as taking a plane abroad, taking a boat to Xiaoliuqiu, and taking a car to travel all over Taiwan. But there is also one way, which is to bring your camping equipment and have the most intimate dialogue with nature!
The camping map selects premium campsites from all over Taiwan for you. Whether you are a novice or an experienced camper, you can find a campsite that suits you to start your nature trip!
