Matsu Military Bunker Transformed into Youth Hostel – Blue Tears Included for Just NT$700

▲A former military bunker has been redesigned into Matsu’s most distinctive youth hostel, “Outpost 55,” located on Nangan Island.

Reported and photographed by Cai Wenjun / Matsu

Once a frontline in wartime, Matsu boasts a strong military ambiance. In recent years, with significant troop withdrawals, many former attack and defense bunkers have been left abandoned. To allow travelers to more deeply experience the island’s military past, local returnee Li Zhenyuan and his like-minded friends bid for the formerOutpost 55, transforming it into a youth hostel. For just NT$700 per night, guests can enjoy this unique stay and, without even leaving their rooms, admire the stunning Blue Tears phenomenon through the window.

▲Li Zhenyuan, one of the owners of the youth hostel “Outpost 55.”

▲The exterior of “Outpost 55,” showcasing its former military charm.

Li Zhenyuan noted that he felt most accommodations in Matsu nowadays tend to be standardized, so he wanted to create a more distinctive lodging space. Upon learning that the Matsu National Scenic Area Administration was releasing the OT (Operate-Transfer) project for Outpost 55, he bid for it and spent 10 months on the renovation. He explained that Matsu’s coastal military outposts are all numbered, and since this one was No. 55, the hostel retained the number as its name.

▲The common area inside “Outpost 55,” which also offers light meals and drinks.

▲The common area in “Outpost 55” features a simple kitchen where guests can prepare their own breakfast.

Li Zhenyuan pointed out that due to his experience with working holiday programs and backpacking, he incorporated many international design concepts into the interior space. To stay true to his vision, he and his friends sourced materials and handcrafted items such as bed frames and tables themselves.

▲Dormitory rooms, each with a personal storage cabinet.

▲The only dormitory with an ocean view, featuring double occupancy.

Outpost 55 Youth Hostel primarily targets backpackers. It currently offers an 8-bed female dorm, an 8-bed mixed-gender dorm, a 4-bed mixed-gender dorm, and one ocean-view double dorm. Prices start at NT$700 per person per night, while the ocean-view double dorm is NT$2,200 per room.

▲The common area features lockers and simple yet charming furnishings.