Lüdao Lighthouse
Built in 1938, 33.3 m high.
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Green Island is a small volcanic island in the Pacific about 33 km off the east coast of Taiwan. It covers about 15 square kilometres and is one of the country's best-known places for diving and snorkelling, famous too for a rare saltwater hot spring. The Amis people were its first inhabitants. In 1937 the American liner President Hoover ran aground on its reef in a typhoon, and all 833 people aboard survived. Americans then gave money through the Red Cross for a lighthouse near Zhongliao village, built in 1938 and 33.3 metres high, still a symbol of the island. Its present name was adopted in 1949. You circle the island by small scooter on a coast road, past volcanic cliffs, coves and meadows. Among its best-known sights are Sleeping Beauty Rock and Haba Dog Rock. Dive sites offshore include the Big Mushroom Coral, about 12 metres high and 31 metres wide. Sika deer live on land. At the Zhaori hot spring, water rises at 53 °C beside the reef. The island is 37 km in a straight line east of Taitung, and the ferry from Fugang harbour takes about an hour. Google Maps shows the Zhaori spring as temporarily closed, so check before counting on it. The sea can be rough, so bring seasickness tablets. Hire a scooter only with the right licence, and avoid the typhoon months of July to September.
Built in 1938, 33.3 m high.
Cliffs and coves by small scooter.
A famous dive site near the shore.
Lyudao Township, Taitung County
Google Maps shows it as temporarily closed, so check before you go.
One or two nights suit the coast road and a snorkel trip, weather permitting.