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Lingshuihu Lake, Lieyu Township

A migratory bird haven ringed by casuarina trees — Lieyu's most important wetland
📍 Kinmen · Lieyu Township · Lingshuihu🎨 Cultural Park🔖 Migratory bird habitat · Birdwatching trail · Freshwater lake

Lingshuihu is the main freshwater lake at the center of Lieyu Island, with its shores surrounded by casuarina windbreaks and farmland that together form a quiet, semi-enclosed wetland environment. Every autumn and winter, when migratory birds travel south, herons, egrets, and ducks gather in large numbers. A birdwatching trail runs along the shore, making this the primary natural ecology observation area in Lieyu Township and an important destination for birdwatchers visiting Little Kinmen.

Highlights of Lingshuihu Lake

Lingshuihu sits at the geographic center of Lieyu Island. The lake is fed by rainfall and groundwater and is a brackish-to-freshwater body of water. Though not large, the water is clear and the surrounding vegetation is dense. Lieyu Island's terrain is low and flat, with farmland and wetland adjacent to each other, forming a diverse habitat well suited to waterbirds. During the autumn and winter migration season, great egrets, little egrets, grey herons, and various species of ducks can all be observed on the lake surface and along the shore.

The Lingshuihu birdwatching trail is laid along the lakeshore and offers multiple open observation points with good sightlines. The trail surface is level throughout, suitable for visitors of all ages. The casuarina windbreak forest is an important ecological corridor on Lieyu Island, functioning as both a windbreak and a wildlife refuge. Japanese white-eyes, light-vented bulbuls, and other resident birds are regularly active within the forest.

How to make the most of your visit

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Watch migratory birds in autumn and winterOctober through March of the following year is peak migration season. Waterbirds are most active in the early morning. Bring binoculars or a telephoto lens, and keep quiet while observing.
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Walk the lake circuit trailThe trail is consistently level and has multiple birdwatching platforms along the way. Walking the full circuit to see the lake's ecology change with the seasons is recommended — allow about 30 to 45 minutes.
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Morning mist and reflection photographyMorning mist occasionally forms over the lake surface in the early hours; the silhouette of an egret gliding through mist is particularly striking visually. A calm lake surface mirrors the casuarina forest — excellent for landscape photography.
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Observe the windbreak forest ecologyThe casuarina forest is a characteristic feature of Lieyu's vegetation. Observe the needle-like leaf form of the trees and the small birds active beneath the canopy to understand the ecological function of Kinmen's coastal windbreak forests.

Practical information

Getting there and timing

  • To reach Lieyu, take the Little Kinmen ferry. Check the latest schedules and fares with the Kinmen County Government or the ferry operator. Lingshuihu is at the center of Lieyu Island — about 10 minutes by rented scooter from Jiugong Pier.
  • The trail is open all day with no admission fee. The autumn and winter migration season is the best time to visit, though resident birds can be observed in spring and summer as well. In warmer months mosquitoes are more active — bring insect repellent.

Nearby connections

  • Lingshuihu is centrally located on Lieyu Island, making it a natural midpoint for the route: northwest to the Hujingtou Battle History Museum, north to Badalouz — it works well as a midpoint stop on a half-day Lieyu itinerary.
  • Can be combined with the Lieyu Coastal Trail into a nature-ecology Lieyu day trip that covers both wetland birds and rocky coastal ecosystems.

Sources: Kinmen National Park Headquarters ecological interpretive materials, Lieyu Township Office tourism information. Photos to be replaced with Dio's own shots.

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