Wang'an Island

Wang'an lies between Magong and Qimei and holds one of the most important green turtle nesting beaches in Taiwan, protected since 1995 with the sand closed at night through the nesting months and a turtle centre explaining the work. The island's other draw is Zhongshe, an old village of coral-stone and basalt houses largely abandoned in the twentieth century and now preserved, with grass growing through some of the courtyards.

What you actually see

• The turtle beaches - green turtle nesting sand, protected and closed at night in season.
• Zhongshe village - a largely abandoned settlement of coral-stone houses, preserved.
• The turtle centre - displays on the nesting programme and the species.
• The basalt coast - columnar rock around parts of the shore.

When to go

April to October is the season; nesting runs from May to October and the beaches are closed at night then. Ferries stop in winter wind. Weekdays are quiet.

Honest expectations

Nesting beaches are closed at night and the rules are enforced; turtles are not something you can turn up and see. Zhongshe is atmospheric but several houses are collapsing. Ferries are weather-dependent.

Nearby

Qimei is south, and Magong is north.