Sea Gazing Room

You can look through the porthole window out to the sea gettyhesse (Atlas Obscura User)

Hiking enthusiasts who visit Xiaoliuqiu, off the western coast of Taiwan, should be sure not to miss the Shanfu Ecological Walk. Interspersed along this winding cliffside trail are cute miniature figures and signs that encourage hikers around the next bend.

These signs culminate in the Sea Gazing Room—situated on a cliff outcropping, this whimsical piece of public artwork has a design inspired by Xiaoliuqiu’s abandoned barracks buildings, but with a circular grill window reminiscent of those on a ship and a cozy bench.

Rising out of the roof are a multitude of symbols: a radar dish, a mushroom, two eyes, and a heart, among others. Those who visit are encouraged to sit and gaze—not at the artwork, but out at sea.

Know Before You Go

Ferries arrive regularly on Liuqiu from Donggang Pier in Pingtung County. The Sea Gazing Room is freely accessible any time of the day, though the path can get dark at night.