Xiaoliuqiu｜Vase Rock——The cutest landmark on the island, 50 shades of sea color from blue to transparent 🌊🪸

#9月好去地方2025 Walk through the breeze and salty air of Baisha Tourist Harbor and along the wooden boardwalk to Vase Rock. Before you lies a giant rock, resembling both a mushroom and a vase. At your feet, reflective intertidal zones and bubbling fish linger—this is Xiaoliuqiu's most proud landmark and a front-row seat to sea turtle encounters. Travel Information Card • Attractions | Vase Rock (also known as Flower Vase Stone) • Location | Next to Baisha Tourist Harbor, on the coast in front of Lingshan Temple (8-10 minute walk to the harbor) • Openings and Pricing | 24/7, free admission; limited parking nearby, so walking or cycling is recommended during peak season. • Recommended Price | Shore snorkeling (including equipment/instructor) approximately NT$400-500/1.5 hours; actual prices are subject to store announcements. —————— The History of Vase Rock | Why does this "mushroom" grow in the sea? Vase Rock is a unique shape carved into the coral reef limestone by years of erosion and weathering. Its slender "bottle" supports a wide, round "flower." From a distance, it resembles a sea mushroom, while up close, it's filled with the textures of coral and shells. It stands right beside the waterway of Baisha Tourist Harbor, so you'll almost always see it as you disembark from the ship or before leaving the island. It's also a frequent feature in promotional photos of Xiaoliuqiu. I reached the end of the wooden boardwalk. The sea was as clear as glass: pale green in the shallows, fading into a deep blue. The texture of the seabed, reflected in the sunlight, resembled annual rings in the fine sand. This transparency creates the most beautiful filter for Vase Rock. ⸻ This is the perfect way to spend the day | My Half-Day Itinerary ① Baisha Tourist Harbor → Vase Rock After arriving at Baisha Tourist Harbor (Address: No. 74-1, Zhongshan Road, Liuqiu Township, Pingtung County), check in your luggage to your B&B, then walk lightly to Vase Rock. The harbor area is home to many shops and conveniently stocked with supplies, and it serves as a convenient transportation hub for the entire island. ② Exploring the Wooden Boardwalk The wooden boardwalk (pictured) leads you to the closest viewing point to Vase Rock. At low tide, tide pools are exposed, so remember to wear non-slip shoes and avoid stepping on live coral. ③ Snorkeling for Turtles (Optional) If you're looking to get in the water, you can sign up for shore diving or snorkeling nearby for around NT$400-500 per 1.5 hours. Your instructor will guide you through the calm waters, searching for turtles and corals. If you prefer to simply watch the ocean from shore, you can often see turtles surfacing for air while perched on the reef.  ④ Visit Again at Dusk Return to port in the afternoon for a bite to eat, then return in the evening—the sunset paints the sea golden, and Vase Rock will look like a side-lit sculpture. If the weather is good, you can even capture its silhouette against the starry sky at night. ⸻ 8 Reasons I Recommend Vase Rock 1. No barriers to entry: No entrance fee, easy access, and the flat route is even stroller-friendly. 2. Landmark: You'll see it shortly after disembarking, a truly iconic landmark. 3. Soothing colors: The gradation from light green to cobalt blue is perfect for any photo. 4. The intertidal zone is stunning: Low tide reveals tide pools, sea urchins, and small fish. Remember to observe, not touch. 5. Chance to see sea turtles: You can see them from the shore, or snorkel for a closer look. 6. The ever-changing light: Fresh in the morning, clear at noon, golden at dusk, and romantic at night. 7. Convenient for side trips: You can visit attractions like Beauty Cave, Wild Boar Valley, and Black Devil Cave along the way. 8. Family-Friendly: The wooden walkway is safe with protective design; just remind your children not to step on the coral. ⸻ Food Review | The Little Happiness Closest to Vase Rock (with Address) A. Xiangsi Noodles – A Bowl of Unforgettable Island Brunch Address: No. 7, Lane 31, Shangshan Road, Liuqiu Township, Pingtung County (5-minute bike ride from Baisha Harbor) My Taste Notes: The handmade noodles have a nice chewy texture, and the aroma of lard is subtle, but the addition of the restaurant's chili peppers instantly brings out the essence. The smartest way to order is to combine the braised dishes. Open until mid-afternoon, perfect for a quick stop after visiting Vase Rock in the morning.  B. Hisea Ice Cream - Enjoy the Sea View Address: No. 1-12, Lane 1, Zhongxiao Road, Liuqiu Township, Pingtung County My Taste Notes: The ice cream is cute and refreshingly sweet. Sitting on the terrace overlooking the ocean and Mouse Rock is the perfect way to enjoy a walk in the afternoon sun before enjoying a glass.  ⸻ Practical Tips (especially for first-timers) • Shoes: Non-slip river shoes or thick-soled sandals are best; coral reefs are sharp and can easily injure barefoot. • Tide: Low tide makes walking easier and makes it easier to see tide pools. If there are large or long waves, stay away from the reefs. • Conservation: Xiaoliuqiu is home to sea turtles. Observe them from a distance and avoid chasing, feeding, or touching them. • Sunscreen and Hydration: The sun is strong, so remember to use sunscreen and hydrate. Always take your trash with you. • Motorcycle Tour: Vase Rock is not far from **Baisha Tourist Harbor (No. 74-1, Zhongshan Road, Liuqiu Township, Pingtung County)**, making it the most convenient place to rent and return a car.  ⸻ My Real Vase Rock Moment That day, the sea was like polished glass, the wind blowing the clouds into soft ribbons. I put my camera down and watched with my eyes. Vase Rock stood motionless, yet the waves crashed against it one after another, and the light changed every minute. On the way back, we ate Xiangsi noodles by the harbor and then sat on some ice by the sea. The sunset painted the entire surface a honey-gold color—it seems that travel doesn't require a lot of activity, just time spent at the sea. 👏🏻 ⸻ Conclusion If you only plan your first or last stop in Xiaoliuqiu, make it Vase Rock: free admission, easy to get to, and with beautiful scenery, it's worth spending half an afternoon there from dawn to dusk. Putting Xiangsi noodles and Hisea ice cream on the same itinerary, letting your taste buds and camera work together, will be the first image that comes to mind when you think of Xiaoliuqiu. ⸻ Vase Rock | Baisha Tourist Harbor (No. 74-1, Zhongshan Road, Liuqiu Township, Pingtung County) | Beauty Cave Scenic Area | Xiangsi noodles (No. 7, Lane 31, Shangshan Road, Liuqiu Township, Pingtung County) | Hisea ice cream (No. 1-12, Lane 1, Zhongxiao Road, Liuqiu Township, Pingtung County) #Xiaoliuqiu #VaseRock #BaishaTourismHarbor #IntertidalZone #SnorkelingForSeaTurtles #XiangsiNoodles #HieaIceCake #Pingtung #Liuqiu #IslandLife