The Matsu area of China is an archipelago that consists of 19 different tiny islands. It is located just off the coast of the Fujian province of China. The whole chain of islands is often referred to by the collective moniker of Matsu. Today, there are just ten thousand people living in the Matsu region, and they are dispersed throughout an area of 340 sq km. Nankan, Peikan, Chukkuang, and Tungyin are the four different townships that make up Matsu. With an area of around 12 square km, Nankan, which is the biggest island in Matsu, serves as both the region’s administrative and cultural centre.
According to historical accounts, individuals from the Chinese mainland began migrating into this area during the Yuan era. The bulk of the new arrivals were from the province of Fujian. A large number of Fujianese fisherman came on its beach during the migration waves of the 1600s, which led to an expansion in the population of the Matsu. These people carried with them their language, the foods they ate, the architecture they created, and the religious beliefs they had, all of which may still be seen in the culture of Matsu.
Main Tourist Attractions of Matsu Islands, Taiwan
Ma Chu Queen Temple
The Ma Chu Queen Temple may be found on South Kan Island, to the west of the island. This temple is devoted to Ma Chu Queen, who is often regarded as Taiwan’s most well-known divinity. A statue of Ma Chu Queen may be seen on the premises of the temple. The Miles Eye God, who is thought to be able to see everything for miles, and the Hearing God, who is believed to be able to hear everything for miles, both have statues within the temple.
Underground of North Sea
To explore the tunnels under the North Sea, visitors need to first get the necessary authorization from the relevant authorities. This subterranean tunnel may be found in the neighbourhood of Len Love Village and Mei Rock. The Taiwan Royal Navy used it as an underground harbour during their operations there. It spans a total distance of 2,296 feet and has an approximate height of 59 feet.
Matal Castle
There is a strategically constructed military outpost known as Matal Castle that can be found to the west of Len Love Village. Once entering Matal Castle, one is immediately immersed in a military setting due to the building’s long history of use by the armed forces. It was well known that Matal Castle served as a protection base for mainland China. Within the walls of the castle are many subterranean offices that were carved out of the surrounding rocks.
Sky Mountain
A little distance away from the Che Long Life Park is where you’ll find Sky Mountain. It reaches a height of 813 feet. The beauty of the whole island, as well as the warm and welcoming appearance of the water below, makes the ascent to the peak of the mountain an amazing experience. The visibility of mainland China is the aspect of the perspective that stands out as being the most remarkable.
National History Museum
The National History Museum may be found at a location just across from the Chin Water reservoir. Four guns, arranged in pairs on each side of the building’s entryway, may be seen immediately upon entering the museum. Within the structure, there are exhibition rooms that may be seen. These halls have been partitioned into four parts, and each of these sections displays a variety of relics that talk about the history, tradition, culture, and attire of the Matsu.
Shield Mountain
On the island of Matsu, it is generally agreed that Shield Mountain is the highest mountain. Its height of 977 feet gives it the appearance of a supervisor looking down onto the island below it. On the highest point of the mountain, a viewing platform has been built so that visitors may take in the breathtaking panoramas of both the island and the water that surrounds it.
Pan Lee Coast
When one is on the Pan Lee Coast, they may find themselves looking into enormous plains that stretch for kilometres in every direction, making this area a sight to see. The land that lies to the west of this coastline is completely flat and devoid of any mountain or hill cover. It is because of this characteristic that it is known as Pan Lee, which literally translates to “broad space.”
Da Phue Rock
The Da Phue Rock may be found on the Lue Island nook that lies to the southwest. The goal of preserving the many items that may be discovered at this location led to the registration of this location as a protected site. You may locate a variety of historical treasures here that belonged to the Ming dynasty, which controlled this area between the years 1620 and 1958.
East Lue Lighthouse
The most extreme northeastern point of Lue Island is where you’ll find the East Lue Lighthouse. This is a very vital location. It is considered to be one of the most significant lighthouses in Taiwan and is located on the northern coast of the island. This lighthouse emits light that is bright enough to reach a distance of 30 miles when it is cast out into the ocean. During the rule of the Ching dynasty, which lasted from 1872 through 1911, this lighthouse was built. A breathtaking perspective may be obtained by travelling into its inside and ascending to the very top of it.
Che Long Life Park
The Che Long Life Park is a well-liked destination in the city of Matsu. The park is an exquisite example of how nature and man-made buildings, such as the National History Museum and a monument dedicated to Mr. Chin Qua, may be harmoniously combined. In addition to it, there is a lake there known as Chin Water Lake. You may take in the sights, sounds, and smells of nature at the park by hiking to the top of Sky Mountain, or you can take in the serene atmosphere by relaxing in one of the park’s two huge shelters.
Hero Megalith
The year 1982 marks the beginning of construction on the Hero Megalith structure. On the side of Mei Stone Mountain, where the mountain meets the slope, you’ll find it. This memorial was built to honour the valiant service of seventy-two servicemen who gave their lives while protecting their country.
Tungyin Township
Tungyin is the Matsu township that is located the furthest to the northeast. The municipality is located on a coastline that has grassy slopes, sharp cliffs, and wave erosion. The Tungyung Lighthouse, the Martyred Righteous Woman’s Hollow, the Line of Sky, the Antung Tunnel, the Peihal Tunnel, the Tungin Distillery, and the Peihal Tunnel are among the most well-known sights in the township.
