Chameleon chasing squirrel: The "Sea View of Dongyin" in Matsu is full of wonders

▲ The chameleon is chasing the squirrel from behind. It is said that the little squirrel told it: “If you eat me, then you won’t have anyone to keep you company.” That’s why the chameleon never ended up eating the squirrel, and they’ve been companions to this day.

Reported and photographed by Chen Zi-Yin / Matsu

In late spring to early summer, there's something exciting happening in Matsu — the "Sea View of Dongyin." This year, trial sailings and official departures started earlier than usual, allowing many tourists to enjoy the breathtaking views of the “northernmost frontier of the country” in recent days.

With improved transportation, the name “Dongyin” in Matsu is no longer unfamiliar. Many people come here specifically to witness the “most beautiful scenery in the Republic of China,” and the “Sea View of Dongyin” allows visitors to take a boat tour around Dongyin and Xiyin islands. The granite geology, eroded by sea waves into various unique forms, becomes an interesting masterpiece shaped by the power of nature.

Aboard the “Lilong,” the guide Liu Yapei’s commentary never stops — because every rock has a story, every inch of reef holds something incredible, along with the sweat and toil of soldiers. Natural beauty, historical struggles, and ecological wonders all intertwine in Dongyin, Matsu.


▲ The small protruding reef on the left is called “Mouse Reef.” It has stood firm against Matsu’s strong winds for thousands of years. It is said that the ancestral tablets of the Banqiao Lin Family Garden thrived because they faced this Mouse Reef.

▲ The northernmost lighthouse visible from the sea, the “Dongyong Lighthouse,” shimmers through the mist. One can only imagine how arduous it was to build a lighthouse on such steep cliffs 109 years ago.


▲ On the back side of Dongyin Island lies the sea-eroded cliff known as “Lie Nü Yi Keng” (Maiden’s Chasm). Legend says a pirate chased a beautiful woman to this cliff edge. Rather than surrender, she jumped off, and the site was named in her honor.
Dongyin Island is also home to a variety of avian visitors. Liu Yapei said that in March of this year, the first batch of black-tailed gulls officially arrived at Dongyin. So during the “Sea View of Dongyin,” the birds you might see could very well be these gulls. At their peak, they even land on boats, coming close to visitors. Dongyin is the southernmost habitat of the black-tailed gull in the world. These gulls follow their food source, the lantern fish, migrating en masse from Siberia between May and August each year to mate and breed here. Once the chicks learn to fly, they leave. Visitors to Dongyin in Matsu during this season can spot them.

▲ The first lucky close-up view of a black-tailed gull, perched and watching the shore at Zhongzhu Port in Dongyin Township.

The Sea View of Dongyin activity had its maiden voyage on May 12. Activity details are as follows:
Duration: From May 12, 2013, until early September (or until 47 trips are completed)
Registration hotline: Dongyin Township Office 0836-76206#31~34
Regular sailings: Every even-numbered day (excluding Tuesdays and Wednesdays)
Flexible sailings: Special trips arranged for groups of 21 or more
Ticket sales: Available on-site at the fishing port starting at 4:00 PM before departure
Boarding location: Zhongzhu Port Fishing Port
Departure time: 4:30 PM for a one-hour cruise around Dongyin and Xiyin islands
Fee: NT$200 per person per trip (half-price discounts for seniors over 65, children under 12, and people with disabilities)
(Please bring ID for registration before boarding. Sailing times may be adjusted due to weather, sea conditions, or operational needs.)

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