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Mazu's wartime heritage lets you experience live-fire shooting

Published: 2026-09-26 👁 100 views

Last updated 2026-09-26 — To continue its distinctive wartime tourism, the Mazu region will ramp up its offerings this autumn with "live-fire shooting" events, open to the public for free. Visitors will get to witness the most thrilling artillery firings, all using real ammunition—an exceptionally rare chance to immerse themselves in an authentic wartime setting...

To sustain its unique wartime tourism appeal, the Mazu region will enhance its offerings this autumn with "live-fire shooting" events, open to the public for free. Visitors will experience the most exhilarating artillery firings, all with live ammunition, making it a truly rare opportunity to step into a wartime environment.

This is Mazu’s War and Peace Park, currently divided into three zones: Tangwo Beach, Outpost 06, Outpost 10, and Outpost 12. It fully showcases Mazu’s rich and unique wartime landscapes.

In conjunction with national defense education and military exercises, this event offers the most spectacular military experience. The live drills happen only once a year, making it a rare opportunity. Organizers describe last year’s cannon-firing spectacle: "On that day, dozens of machine guns and artillery pieces fired tens of thousands of rounds. Active-duty officers provided commentary and simulated scenario briefings. Artillery pieces were lined up, aiming at red targets in the night sky, demonstrating immense firepower. The crowd was left in awe."

The event is divided into two sessions, held in Matsu Village (Magang), Nangan Township. The first session features military equipment displays and trial rides on October 3rd from 10 AM to 4 PM, showcasing precision weapons of the armed forces, including Type 50 machine guns, among others. Armored personnel carriers will also be available for trial rides. The second session includes equipment displays and the Wanping Drill on October 8th from 10 AM to 4 PM. In addition to the "precision weapon displays" and "armored personnel carrier rides," the highlight will be the evening’s main event from 7 PM to 8 PM—the "Wanping Drill – Live-Fire Shooting." Join Mazu’s most "authentic" autumn wartime tourism experience.

Mazu’s Beigan Hill, standing at 298 meters, is not only the highest peak on Beigan Island but also the tallest across the Mazu Archipelago. From its summit, a viewing platform offers panoramic views of the outlying islands—Bengshan, Luoshan, Big Wu, and Small Wu—as well as sights like Tangqi Village, Houwo Village, and Beigan Airport. You can also feel the fierce winds sweeping across Beigan Island.

Due to the event’s excitement and appeal, attendance is expected to be high, and spots are limited. Interest has been overwhelming this year, with the public frequently inquiring about the schedule. The organizers have decided to announce the dates early, allowing those eager to witness the live-fire shooting again—or experience it for the first time—to plan their trips in advance.