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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, facing the Taiwan Strait on the island's southeast side. Records of fishing and trading vessels here date back to the Song dynasty, and in 1661 Koxinga's fleet departed from here for Taiwan and Penghu. During the 1958 Artillery Battle, it was the site where Republic of China resupply landing craft ran ashore under fire; today it is used for swimming, rock fishing, and watching the sunset.

Records of fishing and trading vessels at Liaoluo Bay date back to the Song dynasty; in 1661, Koxinga's fleet departed from here for Taiwan and Penghu. During the 1958 Artillery Battle, Republic of China navy landing craft ran ashore under heavy fire to resupply personnel and materiel. (An earlier draft described the bay as merely "a military amphibious training ground"; verified sources indicate it was the site of actual combat resupply landings, not training exercises — corrected here.)

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What role did Liaoluo Bay play in the 1958 Artillery Battle?

It was where ROC transport ships ran ashore under fire to resupply combat personnel and materiel, not simply a training site.

How far back does Liaoluo Bay's history go?

At least to the Song dynasty, with recorded fishing and trading vessel activity.

What is Koxinga's connection to Liaoluo Bay?

In 1661, his fleet departed from Liaoluo Bay for Taiwan and Penghu.

Sources

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