Swimming, playing in the water, and seabird watching — Matsu launches four summer-themed activities this year

To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Republic, Matsu has organized four major summer-themed events: “Kayaking in Tunnels,” “Dongyong Kaoliang Liquor – A Drunken Love for the North Frontier,” “Juguang Ocean Clam Festival,” and “Eco Seabird Watching.” The first to kick off is the Kayaking in Tunnels activity, scheduled to begin at the end of June. Full-price tickets are NT$350, and the experience includes an instructional briefing, safety guidance, and about one hour of actual kayaking.

Meanwhile, Dongyin Township Office has designated the centennial year as the “Dongyin Tourism Year,” during which a series of events will be held locally, including the “Dongyong Kaoliang Liquor Festival,” “Antong Tunnel Music Festival – Emotions of the Heart,” “Blessing Journey at the Northern Border,” “Exploring the Beauty and Liquor of Dongyin,” and “Marine Eco Tour to See Seabirds from the Sea.” The “Dongyong Kaoliang Liquor Festival” includes a gourmet and liquor carnival, a celebration gala on the night of Dongyong Kaoliang, and a northern border marathon, starting June 23, with related activities taking place every Saturday and Sunday thereafter.

Matsu has long been known as a prime destination for seabird watching. This year, flocks of terns are returning once again in June. The seabird watching tours run weekly on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from July 1 to August 31, departing at 8:30–9:00 AM. Tickets can be purchased at Fugui Port in Nangan, with each ticket priced at NT$280. The tour route departs from Fugui Port in Nangan → Baisha Port in Beigan → sea views of Da Wu Island (Kojima – where you can see sika deer) → Zhongdao Island (bird watching) → Tiejian → back to Fugui Port in Nangan. The final themed event, the “Juguang Ocean Clam Festival,” will take place from July 22 to August 14, featuring weekly activities in Juguang Township such as scenic spot guided tours, cycling to watch seabirds, installation art workshops, parent-child sand sculpture competitions, military and tank experiences, and intertidal ecology lessons.