Granite structure prone to cracking: Kinmen’s “Nine-Court Tunnel” temporarily closed for four days of inspection

▲ Scenic spot Nine-Court Tunnel on Lieyu Island, Kinmen. (Photo / Provided by Kinmen National Park Headquarters)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

The Nine-Court Tunnel on Lieyu Island in Kinmen will undergo four days of construction from June 1 to 4 to inspect the tunnel walls for potential falling rocks and carry out removal and cleanup work. The tunnel will be temporarily closed to visitors during this period.

Kinmen National Park Headquarters stated that the Nine-Court Tunnel on Lieyu Island was excavated in the 50th year of the Republic of China (1961) to meet wartime needs, serving as a small boat tunnel for the transport of personnel and supplies. Its structure consists of granite-gneiss, but due to factors such as rock joints and fractures in the tunnel walls, there is a potential risk of occasional falling rocks. The management office has posted notices at visible locations at the tunnel entrance, reminding visitors to wear safety helmets when entering the tunnel to prevent injuries from falling rocks or collisions with protruding walls. The office also regularly commissions professional technicians to conduct structural assessments and organizes twice-yearly hired labor to clear potentially unstable rocks, ensuring the safety of visiting tourists.

Precautions for visiting the Nine-Court Tunnel:
1. The tunnel is mainly constructed from granite-gneiss, with some sections posing potential hazards. Safety helmets are available at the tunnel entrance. Visitors must wear them to ensure their own safety.
2. Smoking is not allowed inside the tunnel.
3. Do not shout or play around while visiting the tunnel.
4. Do not allow young children to wander in the tunnel unattended.
5. Fishing and playing in the water inside the tunnel are strictly prohibited.