Matsu

Matsu (馬祖 Mā-cū in Mindong, Mǎzǔ in Mandarin) is the name for a group of islands off China's southern coast, approximately 160 km (100 miles) NW from the island of Taiwan. The island falls under the jurisdiction of the Taiwan-based Republic of China (ROC), and along with Kinmen, forms the front lines between the ROC and the People's Republic of China (PRC). == Islands == The main islands of the Matsu archipelago are, in order of size: 1 Nangan (南竿鄉). Administration and population center, one of the two airports is here, and all inter-island ferries stop here. This is the largest of the islands, and includes a number of separate villages located in coastal bays and separated by forested mountains. (updated Jun 2019) 2 Beigan (北竿鄉). Second largest island, and home of the other airport (with less frequent flights than Nangan). The smaller Daqiu Island is located right north of it and accessible by boat. (updated Jun 2019) 3 Jyuguang (莒光鄉). Two islands, Sijyu (Xiju) and Dongjyu (Dongju), at the south end of the chain. Dongju is reputed to be the more beautiful of the two. (updated Jun 2019) 4 Dongyin (東引鄉). The northernmost and island, located far to the east with less-than-daily ferry access from Nangan. This island has a distinct character of its own, with starker scenery (less forest, more granite cliffs) and only a single village. Dongyin locals do not consider their island to be part of Matsu. (updated Jun 2019) Other islands are either uninhabited or military-only. == Other destinations == == Understand == These are small, rural islands, and visitors should prepare accordingly — for example, there are very few ATMs, and there are no official money exchange facilities for travelers heading to or arriving from Mainland China. Many shops do accept Chinese renminbi currency, but often at an unfavorable exchange rate. There is military everywhere. Since each island is essentially a large military fortification with small civilian villages scattered throughout, try not to end up on one of their installations, which they prefer you not take pictures of either. Although controlled by the Taiwan-based Republic of China government, the Matsu islands are officially considered to be part of Fujian province and not part of Taiwan by both the PRC and ROC governments. The culture of the islands is a mix of modern influences from Taiwan and historical influences from Fujian province. The local language is more similar to Fuzhou dialect than to Taiwanese (though almost everyone is fluent in Mandarin too), and close observers will notice a different combination of deities worshiped in temples here than in Taiwan. Those with a keen eye will also notice that the architecture of temples here is similar to Fuzhou-style temples, in contrast to the South Fujian style temples that dominate on the main island of Taiwan. Locals generally identify as "Matsunese" or "Chinese" rather than "Taiwanese". Almost all support closer ties with mainland China over formal Taiwanese independence, and vote accordingly. Matsu is even more opposed to Taiwanese independence than the already deep-Blue Kinmen is because Matsu is not a part of the Min Nan cultural region. That does not mean they want to be unified with mainland China — they are generally proud citizens of the Republic of China. When asked if they're worried that pro-China politicians could allow them to be reunified with mainland China under communist rule, a common refrain is "it'll never happen". That being said, the DPP has made inroads among the younger generation. == Talk == Unlike the rest of the ROC-controlled territories, where Minnan (also known as "Taiwanese") dominates, residents of Matsu speak Mindong (Eastern Min) or Fuzhou Hua, which is not mutually intelligible with Minnan. However, most residents are bilingual in Mindong and Mandarin. == Get in == === By boat === ==== Domestic ==== The up-to-date schedule of the regular ferry service can be found on the official website. It is mostly used by military personnel and runs between Matsu and Keelung almost every day. Keelung to Matsu - The New Taima ferry takes 10 hours and departs nightly from Keelung at 23:00, calling at Dongyin after eight hours and then arriving two hours later at Nangan every other day, or going to Nangan first then Dongyin on the other days. No departures on Tuesdays. Matsu to Keelung - There are day or night ferries available throughout the week. Some will do Nangan–Dongyin–Keelung while others will do Dongyin–Nangan–Keelung. The night ferry is only available once a week (check on the website for the exact day). No departures on Wednesdays. Fares start at NT$1000 one-way for a bunk bed in a dorm, but private rooms are also available at higher prices. Non-sleeper seat tickets for NT$630 each way are ONLY available when all beds have sold out, which normally only happens on long holidays or when flights are canceled. Round-trip discounts are only for groups of 20 people or more. Booking a one-way ticket can be done within 7 days before the ferry departure date, though that's usually unnecessary. Tickets can be bought at the terminals, though ticket desks may not open until about 90 minutes before departure. On Dongyin it's common to buy a ticket the day before from the ticket office in the village next to the post office, or from the desk of the hotel across the square. Schedules can be found on the official website. Bookings can be made at +886 2 2424 6868 or online. Amenities are simple but in good condition: toilets, water fountains (incl boiling water), but no showers. On the New Taima, there is a small shop selling snacks (instant noodles, cake) and drinks (tea, coffee, beers) (only open 07:30-08:30, 10:30-13:30, 21:30-23:30 as of June 2026) and vending machines with snacks and instant noodles. On the (overnight) trip to Matsu, travelers will wake up to the 馬祖頌 (女聲) song, which has become the informal anthem of the islands. On the day of the week that the ferry doesn't run, there is a military transport that reserves some space for locals, but foreign citizens are not allowed on board (you could give it a shot if you have a Taiwan/ROC passport). ==== International ==== There is also a small daily ferry to mainland China, specifically Mawei, a suburb of Fuzhou. The island itself is called Langqi, and this is also the name used on the Matsu side (with the other mainland ferry going to Huangqi, see below). The ferry costs ¥170 (one-way) from China and NT$1000 (US$33.97) from Matsu, and there is a discount if you buy a round trip ticket. The trip takes two hours. In 2025, it departs from Matsu in the morning at 10:00, and from Langqi at 10:00 and 13:30. Tickets can be purchased at the terminals (or online). You will need your passport, and if applicable, a visa for Mainland China or Taiwan (or both). There are no currency exchange desks, but there are some ATMs at the ferry terminals. The new ferry location on the mainland side is here. This is far away from much of the other port infrastructure and a taxi driver is unlikely to know the location, so be prepared. There is an infrequent and slow bus to the location, number 201, ¥5. It could depart only a few hours after arrival in the mainland from Matsu. Catching a taxi dropping of passengers doing the reverse journey should be possible. As Matsu is controlled by the Taiwanese government, leaving the mainland for Matsu is considered to be leaving China, so be sure to have a multiple entry visa should you wish to re-enter the mainland. There is another ferry between Matsu's northern island (Matsu Beigan Baisha Pier, or 馬祖北竿白沙碼頭) and the nearest point of mainland China, on the Huangqi peninsula, NT$170 (US$5.77)/¥350. As of September 2024 non PRC/ROC citizens can use this ferry. This is especially useful if the morning Nangan-Liangqi ferry is canceled as the Beigan-Huangqi ferry has an afternoon departure. (schedules and fares). === By plane === Matsu is served by Beigan and Nangan Airport with domestic flights from Taipei and other cities in Taiwan but mainly from Taipei. Nankan has a larger landing strip, so more frequent flights, from Taipei and Taichung touch down here. Beigan is served by only one carrier, few flights daily from Taipei. Fog can often delay flights, particularly between March and May. Ticket prices are set by the government, but travelers are advised to purchase the tickets a few days in advance (particularly over weekends/holidays) as the aircraft are small and the flights are often full on departure. Purchasing a package is one way to travel to Matsu. Eztravel offers great deals that include hotel, flight, and breakfast. It seems travel agents buy out summer tickets, so it may be the only option to travel there in the summer on a weekend. == Get around == Google Maps and OpenStreetMap now (2026) includes most roads in the Matsu Islands. Unlike in Mainland China, the roads are mapped in their correct GPS positions. Additional transportation information can be found here === By boat === Nangan's Fuaogang (Fuao Harbour) is the central terminal for all inter-island ferries. Main routes departing from Nangan include: Beigan's Baishagang (Baisha Harbour): NT$110. Regular, hourly service starting at 07:00 and ending at 17:10. Dongyin (via Taima Ferry, every other day but not Wednesdays): NT$350. There may be smaller ferries going between Nangan and Dongyin on some other other days - if you're on Dongyin looking to go to Nangan, ask locals or the Taima ticket office about the 小白船 (xiao bai chuan) "little white boat". Jyuguang: 3 sailings per day, departing from Nangan at 07:00, 11:00, and 14:30. The first stop at from Sijyu (even numbered months) or Dongjyu (odd numbered months) at 07:50, 11:50, and 15:20. The other Jyuguang island is the second stop at 08:10, 12:10, and 15:40, returning to Nangan. NT$200. Dongjyu and Sijyu: 4 sailings per day, both directions. NT$80. Locals, students, and elderly get reduced fares. The official website is not available in English (but web browsers now do a decent job at translating...), but lists all the available routes. You can also book your boat online and then pick up the ticket, either at the relevant counter of the departure peer, or on "ibon" machines in 7-Elevens (for a NT$10 fee). In practice, counters (at peers) usually open 10-30 min before departure (no need to show up 2 hours before) and locals tend to buy tickets on the spot, with the reasonable assumption that there'll still be available space (even on busy weekends). Though, to be safe, you can always book in advance online (especially on longer routes, like to and from Keelung, or if you need a specific sailing time, for example to do the Dongju-Xiju combo in one day). You must show your passport to book a ticket. There are automatic ticketing machines in most harbours, but, as of April 2026, they are not working. === By scooter === "Scooters" (mopeds) are considered the best way of transportation around the islands. On Beigan's FuAo harbour contact 0933933124 for scooter rentals, or ask at any of the shops/hotels a few hundred metres from the docks. On Nangan, there are rental shops within walking distance of both Baisha Harbour and the airport. At the airport you can ask them to order one for you and they will pick you up. Rent is usually NT$500-600 per day, but you can negotiate for multi-day discounts. === On foot === The islands are relatively small, but very hilly. If you are in good shape, it is possible to hike around an island within 6 hours or so (not including stops at attractions), but sunscreen and lots of water are highly recommended during the summer. Though Nangan and Beigan are about 5-6 km across, the other islands (especially Xiju, Donju and Daqiu) are only 2-3 km across and can more realistically be covered on foot. === By taxi === Taxi services are available on the larger islands, including Dongyin. There are seemingly no taxi meter. Fares are thus negotiated before leaving. As of 2026, NT$200 gets you from Nangan harbour to Beihai tunnel. There is a taxi station outside the ticketing office in Nangan. Visitor centers and hotel will otherwise help you book a taxi. Taxi drivers don't usually speak much English. === By bicycle === Only some visitor centers offer bicycle rental (as of 2026). Information online is limited but that of Nangan (near the Beihai tunnel) is confirmed to rent bikes as of April 2026. The visitor center of Beigan and Dongju (the main ones) are said to be renting out bikes as well but this hasn't been confirmed as of 2026. None of the visitor centers are nearby harbours or airports, so you'll need some form of transportation to get there first. Rental is for free, though an ID document (e.g. passport) is kept as deposit. Open 09:30-16:30. Rental max 4 hours at a time. Must be at least 18 years old. Nangan visitor center has about 10 bikes, mostly Giant brand, in rather good condition. Some might need to get their tires pumped, but there are bike self repair tools right outside the visitor center. As of 2026, there are no other known options to rent bicycles in the islands. You can bring a bicycle with you on the ferry (and also on smaller boats to other islands). === By bus === Regular public bus service is provided on Beigan and Nangan by Lienchiang County Bus during daylight hours. Bus routes and ETA can be found here. Google Maps seems relatively updated. The fare is NT$15 per boarding, payable by cash or EasyCard. Buses are rather infrequent and routes change during the day (as scheduled), this requiring some amount of advance planning. There is no regular bus service on Dongyin Island, though this island is smaller than Nangan and Beigan, so walking is even more viable of an option. Dedicated tourist bus routes run on Nangan, Beigan, Dongju, Xiju and Dongyin. There is one scheduled departure per line per day. Nangan and Beigan feature two half-day routes, than can be taken one after the other (the morning routes otherwise circle back to the departure station). Tickets can be purchased in advance online, but as of 2026, buses seemed relatively empty so advance booking might not be necessary. ETA is available at the same link as that of regular bus service above. === By car === There is probably nowhere to rent a car, but it is possible to take one on the ferry from Taiwan if arranged in advance. == See == The Matsu Islands have been designated an official National Scenic Area by Taiwan's government, and there are extensive interpretive signs and directions posted throughout the islands in Chinese, English, Japanese, and Korean. There is a full list of official sightseeing destinations on the scenic area's official website. Most or all destinations, including former military sites, and be visited completely free of charge. The Blue Tears (藍眼淚) - an annual bloom of bio-luminescent algae than makes parts of the coastal seawater glow blue at night. This is the islands' most famous attraction among domestic tourists from Taiwan. It starts in early April and continues at least until July, but depends on the weather (locals say it's best on days with a light wind from the south). Iron fort - Built as an outpost manned by special forces near a location vulnerable to water ghosts (Chinese People's Liberation Army frogmen infiltrators), the fort has been decommissioned and opened to tourists. You must travel down a winding road. Few decide to visit this location, and it can be dark going through the bunker. Mazu Temple - The religious center of Matsu, goddess of the sea. Matsu was supposedly buried here once, her personal belongings are interred in the center. The Huge Statue of Matsu. Near the Matsu Temple in Matsu Village is a huge statue of the goddess. Follow directions for Matsu Park and drive up, up, up. Great views of China on a clear day. A bit far from the harbor, but impossible to miss once you get close. Folk Cultural Artifacts Exhibition Hall - Museum sheds light on life and culture on Matsu. Also has AC, so great way to escape the heat. Andong and Beihai tunnels on Dongyin Island - Hollowed out tunnels going in for hundreds of metres, almost like an underground rebel base out of a Star wars movie. Previously used by the military, they are now open to the public. Suicide cliff - Located near Dongyin's lighthouse, a short stairway down to a viewpoint inside a huge crevasse between two granite cliffs, with the other end open to the sea. Dongyong and Dongcyuan lighthouses - Dongyong Lighthouse on Dongyin Island (possibly the other one too?) was built over a hundred years ago by a British architect working for the Qing Dynasty, making it one of the few historic sites that predates the islands' militarization due to the Chinese Civil War. Bird Watching - Due to its proximity to Mainland China, Matsu has some different bird species from Taiwan proper (specialties include the Blue Whistling Thrush, common in the forested areas of Nangan). Dongyin Island is known for its colony of Black-tailed Gulls, which due occur in Taiwan but not in such great numbers. Fujian architecture - Matsu has distinct traditional architectural styles than the main island of Taiwan, including wooden facades and stone houses. Take a moment to notice the quirky roofs of the traditional houses, where the tiles are not attached, but only held down with stones placed on top. Fuxing Village (NiouJiao). Fantastic village with stone houses build against the mountain on the sea. Can spend hours wandering. A highlight is the village's picturesque temple, featuring an unusual bright red facade and views of Beigan Island in the distance. == Do == Circumnavigate your island of choice in a single day, zipping between small villages, abandoned fortifications, and active military facilities while locals and troops eye you with amusement. Visit fortifications dating from the days when the Cold War was hot, and locals and troops hunkered down in bunkers and tunnels to face regular artillery shelling, and the threat of Chinese PLA frogmen infiltrators. See authentic stone houses built in the traditional eastern Fujian-style, dating from the 19th century days when the islands were inhabited by fishermen, merchants, and mariners. Travel from island to island, imagining what it must have been like for a conscript from Taiwan serving when the slogan "Reconquer the Mainland" was still serious business. Meet the 9000 or so locals, who have made these tiny islands their home, where practically everyone knows everyone else. Sample the local kaoliang and laojiou liquors. The Matsu Distillery on Nangan, which makes the sorghum-based kaoliang (pinyin: gaoliang) has a showroom that's popular among domestic tour groups from Taiwan. == Eat == Matsu is famous for its fantastic seafood. Be sure to try superb authentic northern Fujian cuisine at East Fujuin Pearl (22 Matzu village, Nankan) - the specialty is "Buddha Hand clams". Fish noodles (ground fish meat combined with potato starch and salt to form a dough, which is then cut into noodles) is a local specialty - best place is Qinbi village on Beigan. Jiguang pastry - Made from flour and baked in charcoal urns, these pastries resemble bagels in appearance (and slightly so in taste). They were used by General Chi Jiguang in the Ming Dynasty, so that his soldiers could carry their food on strings on their chests during long marches. Golden dumplings: Made from sweet potatoes, with sweet peanut and sugar filling. Served cold with sweet pea soup. == Drink == Matsu distills Tunnel 88 brand kaoliang (38 and 58 proof) sorghum liquor, and aged laojiou rice wine (around 30% alcohol). Free tastings and a video about the process at the Matsu distillery on Nangan Island. Dongyin also has its own brand of kaoliang. == Respect == Locals generally prefer to be called "Matsunese" or "Chinese" rather than "Taiwanese". To be safe, you should call the country as a whole the "Republic of China", and use "Taiwan" only to refer to the island of Taiwan. == Stay safe == Though actual fighting ended many decades ago, Matsu is still something of a frontline area. Visitors are strongly advised not to wander off paved roads when exploring the island due to the possibility of running across old unmarked minefields. It is also advisible to avoid traveling to certain sensitive areas after dark, such as coastal areas or areas near military installations. Visitors should also obey all orders given by military personnel and avoid entering or photographing sensitive areas. == Go next ==