Xibulan Island (or Lion Ball Island) (中文版:奚卜蘭島) is a coastal island in Hualien, Fengbin Township. This island is situated at the mouth of the Xiugulan river and becomes isolated when during floods from heavy rains, typically toward the end of summer. For most of the year though, this small island is connected to land via a long sandy beach as a bridge. As of writing this page (2019/8) the land bridge is on the south side, but historical imagery shows that the outflow of Xiugulan River into the ocean has changed sides multiple times over the last 20 years. It may be on the north side next year. There is a road down on both sides of the island, and you can view the state of the river from the New Changhong Bridge.
In front of the island is the pacific ocean. Behind the island is the estuary of the the Xiugulan River. The water there is slow moving, and is shallow in most places. Because the velocity of the water decreases significantly at the estuary, most rafters disembark the river near Changhong Bridge, but the slow waters make it an ideal places for casual swimmers and paddlers (SUP and Kayak). A similar estuary can be found at Mawuku River.
奚卜蘭島
花蓮縣豊濱鄉
Xibolan Island
Hualien County, Fengbin Township
GPS:
Parking:23.4614, 121.49909
Island:23.4644, 121.50158