Yuguang Island is located off the coast of Anping, Tainan, connected to the city by the Yuguang Bridge. It was formerly known as San Kunshen. In the past, fishing boats would light lamps at night to lure fish, and from afar the sparkling fishing lights against the dark sea resembled a sky full of stars, giving rise to the name “Yuguang” (literally “fishing lights”). An old saying goes, “dots of fishing lights, half the moon sinking into the river,” beautifully describing the serene scenery of this seascape.
During the day, Yuguang Island welcomes visitors with its fresh, natural atmosphere. Sitting on the soft sand, one can gaze at the endless horizon of blue sky and sea, listen to the crashing waves, and breathe in the faint salty breeze, feeling fully relaxed. At dusk, it becomes one of Taiwan’s most famous sunset spots. As the sun slowly sinks into the horizon, the crescent-shaped bay glows in brilliant shades of orange and gold, with the golden sunlight reflecting across the shimmering sea, creating an unforgettable view.
Beyond the beaches, over half of the island is covered by forest trails. The lush greenery, along with the occasional post-rain “watery forest” reflections, gives the place a dreamlike quality, often compared to a fairyland. This has also made it a popular destination for wedding photography.
Since 2017, the Yuguang Island Art Festival has been held annually by the Tainan City Cultural Affairs Bureau. Inviting art teams to create large-scale landscape installations, the expansive beach is transformed into a unique outdoor gallery, where visitors can enjoy the harmony of art and nature against the backdrop of the setting sun.
A must-see landmark on the island is the “Whale Light Yuguang” installation — a four-meter-tall blue whale tail sculpture standing at the entrance corner. Symbolizing the arrival of good fortune, it has become the perfect photo spot before embarking on a journey across Yuguang Island.
