Xiaoliuqiu Beach Guide: Discovering Taiwan's Best Year-Round Beaches

Outside the busy student summer holiday season (July-August) and long weekends, you'll often find Xiaoliuqiu’s beaches nearly empty—perfect for social distancing or just soaking up some serene island vibes.

Here’s your ultimate guide to Xiaoliuqiu’s beaches, each offering its unique charm and activities.

Zhongao Beach

Conveniently located next to the main ferry harbor, Zhongao Beach is perfect for day visitors who want to maximize their time on the island. This sandy beach is great for snorkeling—you’ll find vibrant corals and plenty of sea turtles if you stay long enough.

Pro Tip: Enter the water at the far end of the beach for a sandy entry. The first 30-40 meters from shore are relatively calm, but be cautious about currents and boat traffic further out. Locals also love this spot for sunbathing, so bring a towel and join them!

Vase Rock

Just a short walk from the ferry harbor, Vase Rock is home to Xiaoliuqiu's iconic rock formation, perfect for your Instagram feed. This area boasts a high concentration of sea turtles, making it a snorkeler’s paradise.

However, getting in the water can be tricky without water shoes, as you’ll need to navigate rocky and coral-filled terrain. Once in, you’re rewarded with incredible marine life and stunning underwater views.

Bonus: There’s a live stream of Vase Rock you can check out before heading over!

Beauty Cave

Beauty Cave is a top choice for snorkeling enthusiasts. Access requires descending four flights of stairs, but it’s well worth the effort. This spot features vibrant coral reefs and an abundance of sea turtles, making it one of the island’s highlights.

Pro Tip: Bring water shoes to navigate the rocky entry, and head to the left side for a smoother path into the water. Check the wind forecast before you go—high winds can make entry and swimming here more challenging. Stay for the sunset for a truly magical experience.

Shanfu Beach

Located next to a fishing harbor, Shanfu Beach is the safest swimming and snorkeling spot on the island. Its enclosed area offers calm waters (with a family of sea turtles) and a sandy beach, perfect for families or those new to water activities.



For the more adventurous, there’s an entry point to the open water on the other side of the enclosure. This area features stunning corals, though fewer turtles than other spots. Still, the marine life is worth exploring.

Venice Beach (Geban Beach)



Despite its puzzling English name, Venice Beach is the best spot to catch Xiaoliuqiu’s spectacular sunsets. However, swimming is prohibited here due to rip currents, so it’s more about relaxing and enjoying the view. Bring a picnic, a blanket, and soak in the golden hour magic.

Secret Beach (Houshi)

This beach isn’t much of a secret—it’s right next to the road—but it’s still a hidden gem for most of the year. Typically leeward from the wind, Secret Beach provides easy entry into the water. While it doesn’t have as many turtles as Vase Rock or Beauty Cave, you’re still likely to spot a more than enough sea turtles if you are in long enough.

Fun Fact: There’s a truly secret beach on Xiaoliuqiu, but you’ll have to ask a local to uncover its location.

Dafu Beach

While it’s no longer a true beach after a 2024 typhoon washed away its sand, Dafu Beach remains an important entry point for water activities. Whether you’re into scuba diving, freediving, snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), or kayaking, this is the place to gear up and dive in.

Note: This spot is better suited for adventurers than sunbathers.

Lobster Cave (Yufu)

Unfortunately, Lobster Cave is no longer accessible to the public. Local residents raised concerns about tourist traffic, leading to the government sealing off its main entry. While you can’t visit, there are plenty of other amazing spots to explore on the island.

Final Thoughts: Why Xiaoliuqiu’s Beaches Are Special



Xiaoliuqiu’s beaches offer something for everyone, from safe swimming spots to world-class snorkeling. Unlike other destinations in Taiwan, these beaches are accessible year-round, with fewer crowds and pristine marine environments. Whether you’re here to bask in the sun, swim with sea turtles, or enjoy breathtaking sunsets, Xiaoliuqiu delivers.

Plan your trip, pack your water shoes, and discover why Xiaoliuqiu Beach is a must-visit destination!