Matsu Islands

The Matsu Islands are a small archipelago in the Taiwan Strait off the coast of Fujian province, administered as Lienchiang County by the Republic of China (Taiwan). The group consists of several inhabited islands and numerous islets with rocky coastlines and traditional villages.

The islands are noted for stone houses, wind-swept coastal scenery and a local culture shaped by fishing and military history. Transport connections are by ferry and limited flights to the larger islands, with local tourism focusing on village architecture, sea views and historical sites.

During the 20th century the Matsu Islands were garrisoned and restricted; in recent decades they have been gradually opened to civilians and tourists, with several preserved military sites now part of visitor itineraries.

The archipelago lies close to the southeastern coast of mainland China in the northern Taiwan Strait and is the ROC territory nearest to Fujian province.

• Administration: Administered as Lienchiang County under the Republic of China (Taiwan).
• Military history: Historically a frontline military area during cross-strait tensions, with preserved coastal fortifications and military sites.

What to See#

• Nangan and Beigan: Nangan and Beigan are the two largest and most-visited islands, serving as administrative and transportation hubs for the archipelago.

• Flights to Nangan are the most reliable way to reach the Matsu Islands; schedules can be seasonal so book flights early and allow flexibility in your itinerary.
• Ferry services are common but very weather‑dependent-build buffer days into plans in case of cancellations and check maritime/weather bulletins before traveling between islands.
• Spend time exploring the islands' military history and coastal tunnels-those fortifications and village architectures are a defining feature of Matsu that many visitors miss on quick day trips.