The Lieyu Coastal Trail is a shoreline hiking route in Kinmen's Lieyu (Little Kinmen) Township that passes former military watchtower ruins and ocean-view platforms above the Taiwan Strait's reef coastline. Since the Kinmen Bridge opened on October 30, 2022, travel between Kinmen Island and Lieyu has become a five-minute drive; the Shueitou–Jiugong ferry that formerly connected the two islands was suspended in March 2024.
The Kinmen Bridge, opened on October 30, 2022, spans about 5.4 kilometers and is Taiwan's first long-span sea-crossing highway bridge; after it opened, the Shueitou–Jiugong ferry that had connected Kinmen Island and Lieyu was suspended in March 2024, and the crossing now takes only about five minutes by car (sources: Kinmen County Government, Public Television Service's Our Island). The Lieyu Township Office's promoted round-island route runs about 18.5 kilometers from Jiugong Pier, passing landmarks including Jiangjun Fort, Hujingtou Battle History Museum, and Lingshuihu Lake (source: Tourism Administration, MOTC).
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
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I still need to take a ferry to reach Little Kinmen?
No — the Kinmen Bridge opened in October 2022, making the crossing a roughly five-minute drive; the former Shueitou–Jiugong ferry was suspended in March 2024.
How long is the Lieyu Coastal Trail?
The Lieyu Township Office's promoted round-island route is about 18.5 kilometers, passing multiple war-era sites and the Lingshuihu Lake birdwatching area; shorter partial sections can be chosen based on energy level.
Sources
- 金門大橋通車了 5.4公里懸望30年終成真 — 金門縣政府官方新聞，金門大橋通車資訊
- 金門大橋通車後｜小金門會有什麼樣的變化？ — 公共電視《我們的島》，渡輪停駛與交通改變報導
- 烈嶼鄉公所-建議遊程 — 烈嶼環島路線里程與景點資訊