Vase Rock Liuqiu
A striking, vase-shaped coral rock formation on Xiao Liuqiu Island, famous for its clear waters and abundant sea turtles.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Vase Rock Liuqiu
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A striking, vase-shaped coral rock formation on Xiao Liuqiu Island, famous for its clear waters and abundant sea turtles.
"Crystal Clear water and most iconic rock. It's one of the best spot for Snorkeling activities."
🚗 Scooter Rental is Key
Rent a scooter to easily explore all the scenic spots on the island.
🐢 Respect the Turtles
Observe sea turtles from a distance; never touch or feed them.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.5 · 12,365 reviews
Type
Tourist Attraction
How to Plan
A practical guide to visiting without stress
Best Time to Visit for Fewer Crowds
Turtle Encounters & Responsible Tourism
Where to Start
A curated tour of the essentials
Vase Rock
Coastal area
Iconic vase-shaped coral rock formation, a stunning natural landmark with crystal-clear waters.
Snorkeling & Diving
Vase Rock and surrounding bays
Abundant sea turtles and vibrant marine life make it a top spot for underwater exploration.
Sunset Views
Sunset Pavilion nearby
Enjoy breathtaking sunsets over the ocean, painting the sky with vibrant colors.
Visitor Verdicts
Reviews Summary
Vase Rock is celebrated as an iconic scenic spot with crystal-clear waters, perfect for snorkeling and spotting sea turtles. Visitors appreciate its accessibility and the beautiful sunset views nearby. However, some divers note that the immediate underwater environment has been impacted by tourism, suggesting alternative dive sites for richer biodiversity.
"Lovely scenic spot to stop and take pictures. There's some vendors that sell souvenirs and snacks. Can get busy , but plenty of space for scooter parking."
Jana Trckova
"Crystal Clear water and most iconic rock. It's one of the best spot for Snorkeling activities. Best place to see turtles but make sure a professional coach is with you to guide you for the water activities. There is a lot of water activities you can purchase for a very affordable and awesome experience of water activities. A must try!😊👍🌊🐢"
Mister Yoso
"Of all the shore dive sites, Vase Rock's proximity to the harbor and town has turned the underwater landscape into a barren, ecosystem, if one could still call it a biome. The large boulders here provide little cover for fish and years of tourism have wiped out any coral that may have survived.
Since the water flows from the northeast, this tip of the island bears the brunt of sentiment from the mainland. This pollution would also smother any corals trying to survive.
There were no branching corals to speak of and a few encrusting maze or boulder corals trying to survive along deeper rock walls, away from surface swimmers and other human foot traffic. Without cover or hiding places, small fish would not be able to live here and without small fish, larger ones would also not be here.
There is a endemic sea turtle population, which appears to have been tamed or trained to stay in the area. Perhaps they are being fed, otherwise I see no reason why they wouldn't spend their time on the other sections of the island which are rich in vegetation. To me this seems more of an underwater zoo, where turtles are the prime attraction and they are living in a barren swimming pool and unless you want a 99% guarantee of swimming with turtles, I would avoid Vase Rock.
Better shore dive sites are Secret Beach 厚石魚澳, Qiannutai 倩女臺 and I find the south side of Shanfu Fishing Harbor 杉福漁港 (杉福生態漁港海灘休憩涼亭) to be the best from a diversity stand point. All sites have different ecosystems."
Zong Hu
What People Like
What People Dislike
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
When to Plan For
How to dodge the busiest hours and months
What Locals Know
things only repeat visitors notice
🚗 Scooter Rental is Key
Rent a scooter to easily explore all the scenic spots on the island.
🐢 Respect the Turtles
Observe sea turtles from a distance; never touch or feed them.
☀️ Sun Protection
Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses for sunny days.
🤿 Guided Snorkeling
Opt for a guided tour for the best snorkeling experience and turtle sightings.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Scooter Rental is Key
Rent a scooter to easily explore all the scenic spots on the island.
🐢 Respect the Turtles
Observe sea turtles from a distance; never touch or feed them.
☀️ Sun Protection
Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses for sunny days.
🤿 Guided Snorkeling
Opt for a guided tour for the best snorkeling experience and turtle sightings.
📸 Capture the Views
Don't miss the chance to photograph the unique rock formations and ocean vistas.
Asked and Answered
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Kaohsiung, take a train to Zuoying Station and then a bus to Donggang. From Donggang, catch a ferry to Xiao Liuqiu Island. Once on the island, scooter rental is the best way to get around.
Yes, renting a scooter is highly recommended for exploring the island's attractions, including Vase Rock. Parking is usually ample.
Vase Rock is conveniently located a short walk from the harbor and village center, making it easily accessible.
While there are some local buses, renting a scooter offers the most flexibility to visit Vase Rock and other sights at your own pace.
Cars are generally not recommended for exploring Xiao Liuqiu due to narrow roads and limited parking. Scooters are the preferred mode of transport.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Vase Rock itself is a natural landmark and does not have an entrance fee. However, there might be fees for nearby attractions or parking.
Vase Rock is accessible at all times as it's an outdoor natural attraction. However, vendors and facilities nearby may have specific operating hours.
You don't need to book tickets for Vase Rock itself. However, booking ferry tickets and accommodation in advance is advisable, especially during peak seasons.
Yes, guided snorkeling and diving tours are available and highly recommended for a better experience and to ensure responsible wildlife interaction.
There is an environmental protection fee for visitors to Xiao Liuqiu, which helps fund conservation efforts on the island. This is usually collected with ferry tickets.
🎫 🐠 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy snorkeling, diving, photography, and simply relaxing by the sea. It's also a great spot to observe sea turtles.
Vase Rock is renowned for its snorkeling opportunities, with clear waters and a high chance of encountering sea turtles.
Yes, sea turtles are frequently seen around Vase Rock, often near the shore. It's a highlight for many visitors.
The vase-shaped rock itself is the primary photo subject. The surrounding coastline and the clear blue water also offer beautiful photographic opportunities.
Yes, there are vendors selling souvenirs and snacks near Vase Rock, adding to the visitor experience.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are several restaurants and food stalls near Vase Rock and in the main village, offering local Taiwanese cuisine and seafood. +1
Yes, several establishments, like Sea Daze, offer stunning sea views along with their food and drinks.
Don't miss out on fresh seafood, especially grilled fish and other local delicacies.
While seafood is prevalent, some restaurants may offer vegetarian dishes. It's best to inquire directly with the establishment.
Yes, vendors near Vase Rock offer a variety of snacks and drinks, perfect for a quick refreshment.
📸 📸 Photography
Late afternoon offers beautiful golden hour light for photography, and sunset views are spectacular.
Drone photography is popular for capturing the island's beauty, including Vase Rock from above. Ensure you follow local regulations.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive coastal scenery. Waterproof cameras or phone cases are useful for underwater shots.
Experiment with different angles from the shore, and if possible, from a slightly elevated position for a broader perspective of the rock and bay.
Yes, you can take photos of the sea turtles, but always maintain a respectful distance and avoid using flash.
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