Xiao Liuqiu is known by the Taiwanese as "the pearl of the sea" and not without good reason. This tiny coral island, which offers some of the best snorkeling, hiking, sunbathing, and dining options in all of Taiwan, has reinvented itself as a peaceful alternative to some of the country's more crowded attractions. Its easy accessibility, fascinating colonial history, and recently upgraded tourist infrastructure have made the island one of Taiwan’s best year-round destinations.