Summer Vacation Island Getaway Special: A Lazy Guide to 13 Dreamy Photo Spots in Matsu

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

Is going to outlying islands not as good as going abroad? Have you ever thought that? Please give the outlying islands a chance and support Taiwan’s island charm. In fact, many foreigners go through great lengths and spend a lot of money just to visit Penghu, Matsu, Kinmen, Green Island, and Orchid Island. As Taiwanese, shouldn’t you cherish this a bit more? ETNEWS Cloud is here to introduce13 fun, photogenic, and stunning spots in MatsuDon’t think it’s only about tunnels and bunkers—keep reading to find out more.

Beigan

▲Qinbi is also known as the Mediterranean of Matsu. (Photo / File)

1. Qinbi Village (Matsu Mediterranean)

Known as the “Mediterranean of Matsu,” the distinctive architecture of “Qinbi Village,” where time seems to stand still, is one of the most iconic sights in Matsu. Qinbi is a well-preserved cluster of Minnan-style buildings in Matsu, set against mountains and facing the sea with breathtaking scenery, making it loved by travelers from both home and abroad. Once a village full of vacant houses, Qinbi has been revitalized through government restoration policies that preserved the original architectural essence while integrating local characteristics. Locals have opened homestays and cafes here, bringing Qinbi back to life.

▲Banli Beach boasts stunning scenery and is the second largest beach in Matsu. (Photo / IG@cat.h_Provided, please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.)

2. Banli Beach

The second largest beach in Matsu is Banli Beach, surrounded by Qianshan, Banshan, and Lishan. Under the sunlight, the beach sparkles, and its long coastline fulfills visitors’ island dreams of sun, sand, and bikinis. On clear days, the scenery is enchanting, making it perfect for watching both sunrise and sunset. Banli also has homestays, adding convenience for beach lovers.

▲Tanghou Beach is a unique sight on Sand Island. (Photo / File)

3. Tanghou Beach

The most famous beach spot in Beigan is “Tanghou Beach,” where blue tears have been spotted. This unique feature of Sand Island has seawater on both the north and south sides, with a sandy path in the middle during high tide—truly captivating. Known for its clean, white appearance, Tanghou Beach is called “sugar sand.” When planes take off or land at the nearby Beigan Airport, you can watch them fly overhead from the beach, creating an undeniably romantic atmosphere.

▲%On Dawu Island, you can spot successfully reintroduced Formosan sika deer, and if you’re lucky, you might even get up close to them. (Photo / File)

4. Dahu (Dawu) Island Eco Park

When visiting Beigan, be sure to take a boat to Dahu. This small island is home to adorable Formosan sika deer and the island’s owner, Hu Jinjiang. Dahu Island was uninhabited for decades until Hu Jinjiang moved here and renovated several old houses into a homestay, living alongside the deer. If you visit Matsu, make sure to stop by Dahu Island, stay a few nights, and enjoy the romance of sharing the island with the deer.

Nangan

▲The nearly 30-meter-tall Mazu giant statue stands solemnly in Matsu’s “Mazu Religious Culture Park.” (Photo / File)

5. Matsu Religious Culture Park (Mazu Giant Statue)

The “Matsu Religious Culture Park” includes Tianhou Temple, the Mazu Giant Statue, Qianmen Mountain Tunnel, the Pilgrimage Path, and the surrounding Makung commercial area. The Pilgrimage Path, built along the mountainside with over 440 steps, is considered a must-visit route for pilgrims heading to Tianhou Temple. Along the way, the coastal scenery is captivating. Upon reaching the ship-shaped... (text cut off), you can not only get up close to the 9.6-meter-tall Mazu Giant Statue made of 365 stones but also enjoy sweeping views of the eroded coastline and fishing boats sailing across the sea.

▲The classic architecture of Jinsha Village is super photogenic. (Photo / IG@00.04.24Provided, please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.)

6. Jinsha Village

Matsu wine is a delicacy foodies must try. Famous for its wine, Jinsha offers more than just classic Min-style buildings and old streets—Matsu wine and related dishes are also a treat. Jinsha Village fully showcases Matsu’s traditional architecture, and literary youths who love old houses and ruins will fall in love with the streets and buildings here. Perhaps pick a cozy tavern, read a book, and end up spending the whole day immersed in Matsu’s slow-paced lifestyle.

▲Iron Fort is located on a standalone reef and painted in camouflage colors, giving it a strong military vibe. (Photo / IG@ccyndiiiProvided, please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.)

7. Iron Fort

Iron Fort is situated on a solitary rock reef. Standing here, you can truly feel the desolate sense of “the vast world, with only me alone in this place.” Looking out, there’s nothing but the boundless sea, offering a truly expansive view. Though small in size, Iron Fort is fully equipped with a basement, gun emplacements, a kitchen, rooms, and more—like a fortress at sea.

▲ Blue Tears can also be seen in Beihai Tunnel. (Photo / Reporter Li Ziyi)

8. Beihai Tunnel

Beihai Tunnel is one of the well-known attractions in Matsu, located near Ren’ai Village in Nangan, Matsu, by a harbor inlet. Once inside the tunnel, you can take a paddle boat and glide along its approximately 600-meter length, while the boatman paddling explains the historical background of Beihai Tunnel along the way. During certain seasons, Blue Tears can also be spotted inside the tunnel. Next time, why not come here to experience the unique charm of the tunnel?

Address: Ren’ai Village, Nangan Township, Lienchiang County
Phone: 08 362 5630
Business Hours: Daily 8:00–16:00 (adjusted according to tide schedules)

Dongju

▲ The Dongyong Lighthouse stands quietly on the grass, like a painting. (Photo / IG@sheng_wen0328Provided. Please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.)

9. Dongyong Lighthouse (Dongju Lighthouse)

An ultra-photogenic pure white lighthouse, Dongyong Lighthouse, also known as Dongju Lighthouse, is Taiwan’s first lighthouse built with granite. It has stood quietly on Dongju for over 100 years. Next to the lighthouse, there is a lighthouse cultural exhibition hall and a continuous 30-meter-long white windbreak wall. Against the backdrop of blue sky, white clouds, and green lawns, it also makes for a great photo spot.

▲ Matsu Dongju Island’s hidden “Parting of the Sea” wonder – Rhino Islet. (Photo / Reporter Zhou Chen-geng)

10. Rhino Islet

Rhino Islet on Dongju Island also boasts a Penghu-style “Parting of the Sea” wonder. In the Bible, Moses used divine power to part the sea, creating a safe path for his people to cross. In Penghu and Matsu, that divine power comes from nature. When the tide is high, Rhino Islet and Dongju are separated by the sea and stand in the distance; when the tide recedes, a rocky path emerges, even connecting directly to Rhino Islet. Similar to the concept of the connected Chimei and Chihsia Islets in Penghu, the differing tidal forces on both sides continuously smash and pile up rubble, gradually forming the current parting pathway—a true masterpiece of nature’s beauty.

To capture a clear view of the Parting of the Sea pathway, you’ll need to time your visit during the roughly one-hour window around low or high tide. However, this period is also quite dangerous. Travelers are advised to check the daily tide schedule carefully if they plan to explore the intertidal zone pathways, allow ample time, and not let the rich intertidal ecosystem distract you from the changing water levels.

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