Chasing deer on Daqiu Island

Daqiu is a small island located to the north of Beigan. While once home to hundreds of military personnel and residents, today only a few ivy-draped stone houses remain as silent storytellers of its past.

In addition to the original pathways, the island now features a primary eco-trail that encircles its approximately 0.6-square-kilometer area. Along the trail, visitors can discover preserved military installations, encounter roaming Formosan sika deer, and enjoy panoramic views of the rugged coastline. The northeastern side of Daqiu is the premier location for observing coastal geology, including sea trenches and sea caves. At the northeastern tip, Xiaoqiu and the exposed reefs between the two islands are visible, marking where the land was once connected before being separated by marine erosion. On the northwestern side, the granite joints have been sculpted by constant wave action into a series of intricate sea trenches and caves.

From June to September each year, the Lienchiang County Government provides scheduled ferry services to Daqiu, offering opportunities to admire Beigan’s coastline, traditional villages, and seasonal tern-watching from the sea.

The Daqiu Eco-Trail takes approximately 1 to 2 hours to complete. As summers can be quite hot, please prepare drinking water and sun protection. The sika deer on the island are wild and often seek shade in the woods to escape the heat; please move quietly through the forest to catch a glimpse of them!

Daqiu Island in the Distance