The island was formerly known as 'San Kun Shen' and served as a crucial defense point for the historic Anping area.
The casuarina forest on the island acts as a natural windbreak to protect the inner coastal settlements from salt spray and erosion.
The island's beach is home to an annual artist-in-residence project that leaves behind semi-permanent wooden sculptures.
The water off the western beach is one of the few designated areas in Tainan where surfing is officially permitted and monitored.
Yuguang Bridge, the sole road access to the island, features a distinctive arc design that has become a secondary landmark for night photography.
The island's total area is approximately 400 hectares, with a significant portion dedicated to restricted environmental zones.
Yuguang Island is a barrier island located off the coast of the Anping District in Tainan, accessible via the Yuguang Bridge. The island is defined by a dense forest of casuarina trees that separates the residential area from the western beach. Its coastline is a primary location in Tainan for surfing, paddleboarding, and other water sports due to the consistent coastal winds and waves. The western shore is widely recognized for unobstructed sunset views over the Taiwan Strait. The area features a long stretch of sandy beach interspersed with driftwood art installations. The island maintains a low-density development profile, preserving its natural shoreline characteristics. It serves as a recreational buffer between the urban landscape of Anping and the open sea. The beach is frequently used for local surfing competitions and outdoor community events.
The beach area near the driftwood art installations during the 'golden hour' before sunset.
Bring insect repellent, as the casuarina forest paths can be home to mosquitoes.
Check the tide charts before visiting, as the beach width changes significantly between high and low tide.
Wear footwear suitable for walking on sandy paths and driftwood-covered terrain.
Do not attempt to swim in areas marked with red flags, as strong rip currents occur frequently along this stretch of coast.
Avoid walking on protected sand dune vegetation; pack out all trash to maintain the coastal ecosystem.
