A Stroll Through Geban Bay on Xiaoliuqiu

Upon disembarking at the Xiaoliuqiu pier, I rented a scooter and headed south along the island's coastal road. The tropical sun scorched my skin, but the sea breeze arrived just in time to bring a refreshing coolness. Before long, a crescent-shaped white beach appeared, nestled between the azure sea and lush greenery—that was Geban Bay. The beach truly lived up to its reputation, composed entirely of fine coral and shell fragments, dazzlingly white. Stepping barefoot onto it, the initial sensation was a bit prickly, but after a few steps, I got used to it. The sand sparkled under the sunlight, as if scattered with tiny shards of silver. The seawater was crystal clear, revealing the sandy patterns beneath the shallow waves. Each wave rolled in and receded, leaving behind moist sand and a few shells washed ashore. I found a shady spot to sit and watched the bustling visitors, yet the scene didn’t feel noisy. Perhaps the sound of the waves was too overwhelming, drowning out human chatter; or maybe the beauty of the scenery compelled people to fall into a natural silence. A few children squatted in the shallows, searching for something—likely hermit crabs or other small creatures. In the distance, a few brightly colored umbrellas dotted the beach, resembling flowers blooming on the sand. Shedding my outerwear, I waded into the water, which was perfectly warm. While snorkeling, I spotted several tropical fish darting among the corals, their colors vibrant and movements agile. The marine ecosystem in this bay is well-preserved, making it a prime spot for snorkeling. The fish were unafraid of humans, sometimes coming so close they almost brushed my fingertips, only to dart away suddenly, leaving behind a trail of tiny bubbles. As dusk approached, the crowds began to thin. I sat alone on the beach, watching the sunset paint the clouds in hues of gold and red, which gradually deepened into indigo. The waves, edged with a golden glow, kissed the shore repeatedly. At this hour, Geban Bay revealed a different kind of serene beauty, making it hard to leave. This pearl of an island is but a tiny gem among Taiwan's many scenic wonders, yet it possesses its own unique charm. Before leaving, I picked up a perfectly intact shell as a keepsake of this trip. The beauty of Geban Bay lies not in grandeur, but in its fine, white sand, crystal-clear waters, and the tranquility that feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle. On the return journey, holding that shell in my hand, I could almost still hear the sound of the waves echoing in my ears.