Taiwan Food Atlas

Liaoluo Bay Sunset Coast (Jinhu Township)

Kinmen's largest bay, where gently sloping sands mirror the sunset over Xiamen
📍 Kinmen · Jinhu Township · Liaoluo📷 Landmark🔖 Sunset seascape · Rocky-sand beach · Xiamen distant view

Liaoluo Bay is the largest natural bay on Kinmen Island, with a gently sloping shoreline and high water clarity. In earlier years it served as a military amphibious training ground; today it has been opened to the public for sea swimming and rock fishing. In the evening, the sun sinks toward Xiamen and the horizon layers into shades of orange and red, making it a long-favored natural setting for residents and visitors of Jinhu Township alike.

Highlights of Liaoluo Bay

Liaoluo Bay sits on the southeastern side of Kinmen Island and is the island's largest bay, with a coastline stretching several kilometers. The sand is fine and white, the gradient is gentle, and the area was historically an important military landing point. After 1949 it was kept under restricted access for an extended period; after restrictions were lifted it gradually opened as a general recreation area, retaining a relatively undeveloped coastal character with no large-scale commercial development nearby.

Liaoluo Bay faces in the direction of Xiamen Bay, and on clear days the outline of Xiamen Island's buildings across the water is visible. As the sun sets, the light shifts from golden to deep orange and the sea surface reflects it vividly, making this a well-known photography setting in Jinhu Township. The bay's gently sloping terrain allows anglers to wade out to more distant reef areas, and some visitors swim here in summer — though there are no lifeguards on duty, so caution is advised.

How to make the most of your visit

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Go at duskArrive about one hour before sunset; the sun descends directly toward Xiamen, creating the richest layering of colors on the horizon — the best time to photograph Liaoluo Bay.
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Rock fishingThe reef areas of the bay are suitable for rock fishing; grouper and ribbonfish are common catches. Bring your own gear, as there is no equipment rental at the bay.
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Walk the shorelineStrolling along the beach lets you experience the sweeping scale of Liaoluo Bay. At low tide sandbars extend outward for intertidal wildlife observation — check tide times before you go.
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Photograph Xiamen from a distanceOn clear days with good visibility, a telephoto lens can capture detailed images of Xiamen Island's urban landscape. The composition — one side in the present, one in the past — is uniquely striking.

Practical information

Getting there and timing

  • Liaoluo Bay is on the southeastern side of Jinhu Township. Renting a scooter or car is recommended, as public bus service is infrequent — check the latest Kinmen County bus schedules before heading out.
  • The beach is open all day with no admission fee. There are no lifeguards during summer swimming season; avoid entering the water alone. Anglers should watch for wave conditions and changing water depth.

Nearby connections

  • Can be combined with the August 23rd Artillery War Museum in Jinhu Township for a half-day itinerary — drive about 10 minutes southeast from the museum to reach Liaoluo Bay.
  • Near Liaoluo Village is a traditional Minnan settlement where you can get a feel for the farming and fishing life of Jinhu Township, then continue along the coast toward the Taihu area.

Sources: Kinmen County Government tourism information, Kinmen National Park Headquarters interpretive materials. Photos to be replaced with Dio's own shots.