Little Kinmen (Lieyu) Coastal Trail | Kinmen Attraction

The Lieyu (Little Kinmen) Coastal Trail winds along the rocky shoreline of the outer island for approximately 8 kilometers, passing former military watchtower ruins and coastal viewing platforms along the way. It offers sweeping views of the Taiwan Strait's rocky coastline and the sea surrounding Xiamen Bay. The trail has both a natural character and a war-history dimension, making it the most representative hiking route in Lieyu Township.

Highlights of the Lieyu Coastal Trail

Lieyu Township is approximately 2 kilometers from Kinmen Island and requires a ferry crossing (ferries depart from Shueitou Pier on Kinmen Island to Jiugong Pier on Little Kinmen; the crossing takes about 10 to 15 minutes — check the latest schedules and fares with the Kinmen County Government or the ferry operator). The island's coastline is predominantly granite reef; wave erosion landforms are pronounced, with jagged rocks that differ markedly from the sandy beaches of Kinmen Island.

The trail passes multiple coastal viewing platforms overlooking Xiamen Bay and the Taiwan Strait. Because Lieyu is even closer to Xiamen than Kinmen Island itself, the buildings on the opposite shore are clearly visible on clear days, and the geographical proximity makes the geopolitical tension tangible. Former watchtowers along the trail retain their observation posts and firing embrasures, and these war-era features are naturally integrated into the coastal natural environment.

How to make the most of your visit

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Plan by sectionThe full trail is about 8 kilometers; choose a partial section based on your energy level. You can head north or south from Qingqi. Wear non-slip hiking shoes.

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Explore the military ruinsFormer watchtowers along the trail preserve observation towers and pillbox structures. You can examine the defensive design and field of fire layout of Cold War-era front-line positions.

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Look out over Xiamen BayThe viewing platforms offer wide panoramas; on clear days Xiamen Island's urban skyline is visible. Binoculars or a telephoto lens improve the view considerably. Morning light from the east reduces backlighting.

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Spot seabirds and reef ecologyThe rocky terrain shelters gulls and terns; birdwatching is particularly rewarding during spring and autumn migration. The intertidal zone on the rocks supports crabs, barnacles, and other shore creatures.

Practical information

Getting there and timing

To reach Lieyu, take the Little Kinmen ferry from Shueitou Pier on Kinmen Island. The crossing takes about 10 to 15 minutes. Check the latest schedules and fares with the Kinmen County Government or the ferry operator, and confirm the time of the last return departure before you go.
Scooter rentals are available near Jiugong Pier after you arrive on the island. Some sections of the trail cross rough reef terrain — stay well back from the rock edge when waves are high or winds are strong.

Nearby connections

Can be combined with the Hujingtou Battle History Museum in Lieyu Township — from the Qingqi coastal trail, head toward the northern side of the island to reach it, making a half-day circuit of Little Kinmen.
Lingshuihu Wetland is in the center of Lieyu Island and can be added to the same day's itinerary, creating a complete Little Kinmen day trip that covers the coastal trail, the battle history museum, and wetland birdwatching.

Sources: Kinmen National Park Headquarters trail interpretive materials, Lieyu Township Office tourism information. Little Kinmen ferry schedules and fares: check the Kinmen County Government official website. Photos to be replaced with Dio's own shots.

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