[Chiayi] Baishuihu Lake Shou Island | Taiwan’s Most Beautiful Toilet Secret Spot, My Missing Valentine Movie Scene and the Lonely Forgotten Island

Located in Dongshi, Chiayi, near Baishuihu Lake, “Shou Island” is a sandbar that appears with the tides. Strictly speaking, Shou Island is not an island. In the past, it was an unknown spot for sunset photography. In 2020, it gained fame as a filming location for the Taiwanese movie “My Missing Valentine,” making Baishuihu Lake Shou Island an overnight sensation. In recent years, Shou Island has become known for its outdoor toilet, earning it the title of “the most beautiful toilet secret spot.” On good weather days, the area exudes a distinctly Japanese atmosphere. The disappearing road during high tide, the outdoor toilet by the sea, and the hidden mirror-like reflections make Shou Island one of Chiayi’s hottest attractions.

The Origin of Baishuihu Lake Shou Island

Located in Dongshi, Baishuihu Lake Shou Island is neither a lake nor an island. It is a sandbar in the intertidal zone that appears with the ebb and flow of the tide. Shou Island was originally called Songzi Island. Due to subsidence and rising sea levels, it can only be reached at low tide, earning it the nickname “Chiayi’s Moses Parting the Sea.” In the past, Baishuihu Lake Shou Island was one of Budai’s famous salt fields. During typhoons, large amounts of salt would float on the sea surface, creating a white salt sea under the sunlight, hence the name “Baishuihu Lake.” Today, Shou Island is primarily used for oyster farming, with the white Styrofoam and nearby racks used for oyster cultivation.

How to Get to Baishuihu Lake Shou Island

Getting to Dongshi Shou Island is easy. Simply set your Google navigation to “Baishuihu Lake Shou Island.” It takes about 40-50 minutes to drive or ride from Chiayi High-Speed Rail Station. If you’re coming from the Taiwan Route 61 Expressway, take the “Baishuihu Lake” exit, follow the signs to the dike, and turn left at the end. Parking is convenient; you can park along the dike or in the small open space in front of the island’s entrance, just be careful not to block others.

Since the scenery and appearance of Shou Island change with the tides, it’s recommended to check the tide schedule on the Central Weather Bureau website before visiting to avoid a wasted trip.

Baishuihu Lake Shou Island’s Mirror of the Sky

Shou Island offers different scenery during high and low tides. At low tide, you can walk along the road to the opposite sandbar. Be cautious of slippery areas with moss. I arrived just before high tide, so I took the opportunity to walk to the other side of the sandbar and take some photos. With the blue sky and white clouds, and no wind, I discovered that Shou Island can also produce stunning mirror-like reflections on the sea. Don’t miss this little surprise when you visit!

High tide is a popular time to visit Shou Island. The road gets submerged under the rising sea, making “Shou Island” appear. The water is quite clear, and you can see fish swimming. If you don’t mind, you can wade in the water, but be mindful of your safety.

Besides the “disappearing road,” if time permits, you can walk along the dike or stroll along the coast to capture local scenery, such as the outdoor toilet or the ancient houses by the sea. This area is also a famous sunset photography spot in Chiayi. Unfortunately, I couldn’t capture this beautiful moment due to time constraints, but I’ll save it for my next visit!

Chiayi Dongshi Attraction | Baishuihu Lake Shou Island

Address: Jia 18 Township Road, Dongshi Township, Chiayi County.
Opening Hours: Open 24 hours, recommended to visit during the day.

 

『Original Source：https://www.phototravel.tw/chiayi-shou-dao/』