Lamay Island or Golden Lion Island[1] (Chinese: 小琉球; pinyin: Xiǎo Liúqiú; Wade–Giles: Hsiao Liu-ch'iu) is an island belonging to the Republic of China (Taiwan) and administered as Liuqiu Township (Chinese: 琉球鄉; Hanyu Pinyin: Liúqiú Xiāng; Tongyong Pinyin: Lióucióu Siang) of Pingtung County. It has an area of 6.8 km² and a population of over 14,500 residents in 8 villages. It lies 15 km (8 nautical miles) west of Tungkang and it is Taiwan's only large coral island.
There are no rivers on the island, and farming is very difficult. Most residents make their living by fishing, and in recent years the island has become noted for cage aquaculture. Efforts for planned development received a boost after the island was included in the Dapeng Bay National Scenic Area in 2004. Some of the best known local sights include Black Ghost Cave, Beautiful Maiden Cave, Houshih Rock Formations, and Venice Beach.
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