Taiwan Food Atlas

Daqiu Island

A kingdom of sika deer off Beigan's coast — sea-eroded terrain encircling a wild paradise
📍 Matsu · Beigan Township · Daqiu🏞️ Nature🔖 Close encounters with sika deer · sea-eroded terrain · circumisland trail

Daqiu Island is a small uninhabited island off the coast of Beigan, covering only about 0.8 square kilometers, yet it is home to over two hundred wild sika deer. The island has no permanent residents; its granite coastline is dotted with sea-eroded landforms, and the circumisland trail takes about one to two hours to complete. Just five minutes by boat from Beigan's Tanghou Beach, it is one of the easiest places in all of Taiwan for close-up encounters with wild sika deer.

What to See at Daqiu Island

Daqiu Island falls within the Matsu National Scenic Area and is administered by Beigan Township. The island's sika deer population descended from deer introduced by humans in earlier years that then went wild; with no human interference over many years, the herd has continued to expand. Today, deer roam across the entire island, and visitors who land often encounter them at close range right on the trail. Since there are no restaurants or accommodations, the island remains in a relatively pristine natural state.

The circumisland trail passes cove beaches, sea stacks, sea-eroded gullies, and other granite landforms. On clear days you can see the outline of Beigan Island and nearby island chains in the distance. The deer are accustomed to humans and sometimes approach on their own; it is best not to feed them and to keep a respectful distance to protect the deer's normal behavior. Vegetation on the island is low-lying and the view relatively open, making it an ideal spot for photographing deer with a seascape backdrop.

How to Get the Most Out of Your Visit

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Follow the Deer's Daily RhythmEarly morning and late afternoon are when sika deer are most active; at these times, herds appear in the grassy areas beside the trail, and the light is also best for photography.
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Complete the Circumisland TrailThe full loop takes about one to two hours; along the way you can observe changing sea-eroded landforms. Some sections are steep — wear supportive footwear.
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Observe the Sea-Eroded LandformsThe northern and southern coasts of the island each feature different types of sea erosion; at low tide, intertidal zone creatures can be found among the rocks.
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Confirm Boat Schedules and Weather in AdvanceBoats to Daqiu are heavily affected by weather and wave conditions. Before heading out, confirm with the boat operator that the trip is possible that day, and note the return time.

Practical Information

Getting There & Timing

  • Take a transport boat from Beigan's Tanghou; the crossing takes about 5 minutes. Ask local boat operators or the tourist information center about that day's schedule.
  • There are no food or drink facilities on the island; bring your own water and snacks. Allow half a day to a full day.
  • Sea transport is affected by weather; service may be canceled in strong winds or heavy swells. Confirm with official sources or the boat operator before departing.

Nearby Connections

  • Can be combined with Beigan's Tanghou Road Beach and Qinbi Village in a same-day itinerary, covering both natural and cultural village facets.
  • Beigan Airport has flights to Nangan and Taipei (Songshan); inter-island boats also connect the islands, so itineraries can be arranged flexibly.

Source: Matsu National Scenic Area Administration official website, Lienchiang County Government tourism materials. Photos pending Dio's field photography.

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