Every three years, the ferries from Donggang to Xiaoliuqiu are packed to the brim. The passengers aren’t typical tourists wearing sunglasses heading out to snorkel, but rather islanders burdened with bags, their eyes gleaming with eager anticipation for their return home.
For them, a calling from deep within their hearts—the call of a sacred festival—is far stronger than even the Lunar New Year. Only when you set foot on this coral reef island of less than seven square kilometers and see these wanderers, who normally live far away, frantically taking leave and buying standing-room tickets just to squeeze onto a ferry, will you understand: this is not just a festival; it is a promise written in their blood.
The religious fervor of the Liuqiu King Festival is unquestionably one of the most unparalleled phenomena in all of Taiwan. Here, you will be struck with awe by the “Sea Patrol,” where dozens of fishing boats adorned with colorful flags circle the island. You will be moved to tears by the selfless “Free Food Sharing” culture provided by residents along the parade route. Let’s dive into Xiaoliuqiu and witness this triennial island carnival, fueled by faith and human warmth.
Experience the thrill of the Liuqiu King Festival (Source: YouTube)
📝 Guide Highlights
The Origin & History: A Sacred Covenant Every Three Years
Why do they “Welcome the King”? This tradition stems from the “Substitute of Heaven” belief. In an era when medical care was undeveloped, early settlers firmly believed that the Jade Emperor would send five Wangye (Lords) to descend to earth to inspect the realm, expel plagues, and ward off evil spirits, thereby praying for good weather and absolute safety at sea.
From Dependence to Independence: Evolution of the Liuqiu King Festival
The history of the Liuqiu King Festival wasn’t always this grand. Starting in 1931, Xiaoliuqiu residents crossed the sea to participate in the Donggang King Boat Festival. Between 1934 and 1982, they held independent rituals (pilgrimage to Nankunshen). It wasn’t until 1985, officially led by the Sanlong Temple, that the ceremonies were fully established, evolving into a complete 10-day festival including the water-inviting ceremony, sea patrol, land parade, and the burning of the King Boat.
Time Code: When is the next Liuqiu King Festival?
The Liuqiu King Festival is fixed in the “Da Ke Year” (the years of the Ox, Dragon, Sheep, and Dog in the Chinese zodiac), roughly falling around the 10th lunar month. The most recent grand event was the Jiachen year of 2024 (starting Sept 3). The next festival is scheduled for 2027 (Dingwei year). For those planning a pilgrimage, you can mark your calendars now!
Legends of Local Deities: An Island Protected by the Gods
It is incredible that the tiny island of Xiaoliuqiu is home to over 300 temples! Here, the stories of the gods are the daily lives of the islanders. Among them, Biyun Temple and Sanlong Temple form the core of their spiritual universe.
Biyun Temple: Guanyin’s Guidance in a Dream
In the first year of the Qing Emperor Qianlong’s reign (1736), an immigrant surnamed Tian from Fujian dreamt that the Guanyin Bodhisattva of Mount Putuo instructed him to build a temple on the island. Initially a humble thatched shrine called “Guanyin Pavilion,” it was rebuilt as Biyun Temple in 1877. Today, it is the island’s most revered center of faith, where fishermen always pray for calm seas before setting sail.
Sanlong Temple: Wangye’s Miracles
In the early Qianlong period, Chen Ming-shan from Licheng, Fujian brought incense from three Wangye (Lords Chi, Wu, and Zhu) to Xiaoliuqiu and built a thatched temple. Expanded in 1891, it officially became “Sanlong Temple” upon completion in 1926. Legend has it that the Wangye repeatedly performed miracles to protect the islanders, making it the indispensable host center for the Liuqiu King Festival.
Additionally, during the parade, you will notice troupes composed of elementary and junior high school students, such as the “Five Poison Gods” and “Thirteen Princes“. These are intangible cultural heritages passed down to commemorate mythical stories of self-sacrifice to save people.
Sea Fleet & Four Corners: Best Spots for Sea Patrol and Boat Parade
The Stunning Sea Patrol: 50 Fishing Boats Circling the Island
This is the most blood-pumping opening of the Liuqiu King Festival! The “Sea Patrol” consists of a massive maritime fleet of about 50 fishing boats carrying the deities.
Between 5 and 6 AM, the fleet sets out from Dafu or Baisha Fishing Port, draped in colorful flags, circling the island clockwise. Firecrackers pop continuously along the way, splashing white sea foam resembling clouds, praying for the future safety and bountiful harvests of the fishing vessels.
Island-wide Boiling Point: The Four Corners King Boat Parade
In the following days, the palanquins and the King Boat sequentially inspect the four corners of the island. Xiaoliuqiu’s King Boat is relatively small (about 4m long, 1.5m wide) specifically so it can navigate the narrow village alleys.
- Day 1 – Daliaojiao: Experience the lively scene of palanquins boarding boats up close by the port.
- Day 2 – Tiantaijiao: Features the steepest slopes; high vantage points offer excellent views of the King Boat weaving through the village.
- Day 3 – Shanbanlujiao: Watch the King Boat capture evil spirits along the coastal trail with beautiful scenery.
- Final Day – Baishaweijiao (King Boat Burning): The “Songwang” (Sending off the King) ceremony takes place on the beach in the early hours. Over ten thousand people gather as the night sky blazes with fire, pushing the summer festival’s emotions to the absolute climax.
🌞 Sun Protection Essential for the Parade: LISHAN UV Cooling Sunscreen Spray
Whether you are riding a scooter around the island chasing palanquins or following the parade on foot all day, sun protection is a must! This LISHAN UV Sunscreen Spray boasts high SPF50+ protection, with a fine mist for quick, large-area reapplication. Most importantly, it has a slight cooling effect that instantly cools down heated skin, ensuring you aren’t defeated by southern Taiwan’s harsh sun while passionately joining the festival.
Check Sunscreen Gear (US Store)A Utopia Where Gods and Humans Dine Together: Food Culture
The most delicious food during the Liuqiu King Festival is not in high-end restaurants, but on the roadside! This is Xiaoliuqiu’s unique “Free Food Sharing” culture.
Image Credit: @leonko0219 / Instagram
It’s Not “All You Can Eat”—It’s Selfless Sharing (No Takeaways)
The palanquin bearers work incredibly hard during the festival. Households along the route spontaneously prepare rice, seafood soup, and snacks to form “running banquets.” This food is primarily supplied to replenish the bearers’ energy, while also warmly shared with following pilgrims. Please note: This food represents devotion and charity. Eat your fill on the spot, but absolutely no taking food away in containers!
Xiaoliuqiu Restaurant Recommendations
During the festival, many local restaurants prepare extra abundant ingredients. These shops are mostly concentrated around Fuxing Road. Be sure to navigate beforehand as crowds will be massive:
| Restaurant | Must-Try Signatures |
|---|---|
| Xiaoliuqiu Alley Bottom (4.6⭐) | Mahi-mahi Fried Rice / Fried Mahi-mahi: Fried with sweet potato flour, crispy outside and tender inside. A hidden gem highly recommended by locals. |
| Fisherman’s Kitchen | Seafood Soup / Squid Braised Pork: A bowl packed with ocean flavors, pairs perfectly with iron-plate tofu and Hakka stir-fry. |
| Big Head Mountain Seafood | Signature Rice Soup: Filled with rich seafood ingredients like small squid and fresh oysters, perfectly replicating the hearty feel of festival banquets. |
2027 Festival Prelude: 2-Day Tour & Scooter Rental Guide
For travelers planning a pilgrimage in 2027 (expected around September), we recommend a 2-Day 1-Night independent trip focusing on the festival’s essence, with an estimated total cost of about NT$3,000 (including ferry, scooter, and food/lodging).
| Day | Time | Key Activity | Location & Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Morning | Arrival + Biyun Temple | Learn temple legends, pray to Guanyin for peace. |
| Afternoon | Sea Patrol Viewing | Dafu/Baisha Port. Watch 50 boats circle the island (Women prohibited from boarding). | |
| Evening | Parade + Free Food Sharing | Experience household banquets; watch the vegetarian feast for the Lords. | |
| Day 2 | All Day | Sanlong Temple Parade + Burning King Boat | Follow the palanquins; participate in the early morning send-off at Baishawei corner. |
🛵 Festival Scooter Rental “Snatching” Rules
Scooter demand skyrockets during the festival. Master these rental points:
- License Rules: 125cc scooters require a Taiwan motorcycle license. Foreigners can choose electric bikes (must be over 14, no license needed, but no pillion riding).
- Cost: About NT$50/hr on weekdays; surges to NT$100/hr during festivals. A 24-hour rental is roughly NT$500-800.
- Pick-up Strategy: Available at Dafu Pier (public) or Baishawei Port (private). Buy your ferry ticket first before queuing for a scooter.
- Strong Recommendation: Book at least 2 days in advance via Line, KKday, or Klook. On-site rentals on the day are highly unlikely to be available.
- Riding Restrictions: Roads are narrow and often blocked during the parade. DUI is strictly prohibited. Do not park on the parade route. Helmets are mandatory.
🎒 Meets Scooter Cargo Limits: NaSaDen 20-inch Cabin Suitcase
Xiaoliuqiu scooter rentals have strict luggage rules: usually limited to 20-inch suitcases. Oversized luggage incurs an extra delivery fee of about NT$200. This NaSaDen 20-inch Cabin Suitcase is compact enough to fit perfectly on a scooter’s footboard. The deep blue exterior echoes the ocean, and the sturdy shell with 360-degree silent wheels lets you break through the crowded piers with ease!
Check Suitcase Deals (US Store)Conclusion: Witnessing the Purest Faith Amidst the Noise
The Liuqiu King Festival is more than just a sightseeing trip; it is a spiritual baptism. Watching young people drop their jobs to return and carry the palanquin for the Lord, seeing grandmas cooking massive pots of steaming soup on the roadside, and observing the roaring fire turn a beautifully crafted King Boat to ashes, you realize why this island is captivating. It’s not just the sea turtles and coral reefs, but these islanders who maintain their traditional culture with gentle kindness.
A sacred promise every three years. Xiaoliuqiu is ready to welcome the gods and travelers. Are you ready to depart?
Quick FAQ: Liuqiu King Festival
Q: Can we really not go into the sea during the festival?
Yes! The festival is an extremely sacred time, and the island’s waters belong to the gods for purification and patrol. Out of respect for the faith (and personal safety), snorkeling, diving, swimming, and even wading are strictly forbidden. Save these days for cultural immersion.
Q: Do outsiders need to pay for the “Free Food Sharing”?
No, this is a selfless donation by local residents. However, you must maintain politeness and gratitude. Takeaways are strictly forbidden. Prioritize letting the hardworking palanquin bearers eat first, and please clean up your own trash.
Q: What are the taboos when burning the King Boat?
Once the King Boat is set on fire, it symbolizes the Lord escorting plagues and evil spirits away. At this moment, you must absolutely not look back. Locals will quickly and quietly leave to avoid being followed by evil entities. Tourists should also remain solemn and observe this traditional taboo.
Read More: Explore Taiwan’s Islands
Taiwan Island Travel Guide
Discover more cultural ecology, local food, and legends across Taiwan’s offshore islands.
[External] Xiaoliuqiu Guide
Comprehensive travel tips and information on the Welcome the Lords Festival.
[External] Taiwan Panorama
In-depth article: Burning Bright – The Kings’ Boat as a Vessel of Cultural Heritage.