Popular 行程＆体验 in 马祖

Matsu offers a rich and diverse array of local delicacies. We recommend trying the 'Jiguang Bing' (a type of pancake) with egg, 'Dingbianhu' (a savory pancake soup), 'Laojiu Mianxian' (old wine noodles), fish noodles, and 'Huangjinjiao' (golden dumplings), all of which are dishes with unique Min-Dong flavors. Local seafood dishes are also very popular, such as red yeast pork and 'Lipi' (oyster fritters). For souvenirs, Matsu crisp, 'Furong Su' (a type of pastry), sorghum wine, and old wine are all excellent choices with distinctive local characteristics, perfect for sharing with friends and family to let them experience Matsu's unique flavors.

For a first-time visit to Matsu, a 3-day, 2-night or 4-day, 3-night itinerary is generally recommended to be more fulfilling. A 3-day, 2-night trip is sufficient to deeply explore the main attractions of Nangan and Beigan, with opportunities to experience the 'Blue Tears' tour. If time permits, a 4-day, 3-night trip allows for a more relaxed pace for island-hopping, such as visiting Dongju, Xiju, and Dongyin, to experience richer island scenery and military culture, making the journey more diverse and unhurried.

Matsu's Blue Tears are a seasonal natural wonder, primarily observed at night. The Nangan-Beigan island-hopping tours focus on daytime exploration of historical culture, village life, and natural landscapes. We recommend combining both: spend your days island-hopping between Nangan and Beigan, exploring the unique attractions and local cuisine of each island, and then in the evenings, join a Blue Tears guided tour to chase the romantic 'sea stars'. If time is limited, choose based on your personal preference. Those who love natural wonders can focus on the Blue Tears, while those who prefer cultural history and island scenery can prioritize island-hopping.

The best season for viewing Matsu's Blue Tears is typically from late spring to early summer, roughly between April and September. The peak period for Blue Tears outbreaks, with the highest chances of sightings, is from April to June. Viewing the Blue Tears requires consideration of weather, tides, and moonlight intensity. The period around the new moon (农历初一), when moonlight is weakest, is usually the prime time for spotting them. Choosing bays with minimal light pollution and clear nights will increase your chances of witnessing this magical blue sea.

There are primarily two transportation options from mainland Taiwan to Matsu: flights and ferries. Flights are the fastest and most convenient choice, available from Taipei Songshan Airport or Taichung Qingquangang Airport directly to Nangan or Beigan Airport in Matsu, with a flight time of about 50 minutes. If you have ample time and wish to experience a different kind of journey, you can opt for a ferry. From Keelung Port, you can take the 'Taima Star' or 'New Taima Star' ferry to Nangan or Dongyin, with a journey of about 8 to 10 hours. These are mostly overnight ferries, which can save on accommodation costs for one night and suit a leisurely travel pace. We recommend choosing the most suitable transportation method based on your personal time, budget, and travel preferences.

Matsu offers a rich itinerary plan that can cover military culture, Min-Dong villages, natural landscapes, and culinary experiences. We recommend visiting attractions on Nangan Island such as Beihai Tunnel, Tiebao (Iron Fort), and the Giant Matsu Statue; then, island-hop to Beigan to experience the Mediterranean-like atmosphere of the Qibelie settlement. If time permits, you can extend your trip to Dongju Lighthouse and Dongyin's 'One Line Sky'. Local activities include the Beihai Tunnel rowing experience, night tours for the Blue Tears, in-depth explanations of the military heritage, and sampling Matsu's old wine and sorghum wine, making your trip diverse and memorable.

As the transportation and political-economic center of Matsu, Nangan boasts many must-visit attractions. We recommend visiting the awe-inspiring Beihai Tunnel for a unique rowing experience; touring Tiebao, a unique sea fort, to feel the wartime atmosphere; ascending the Giant Matsu Statue for panoramic sea views and to learn about Matsu culture; and exploring the Jinsha settlement and Dahan Stronghold, both featuring characteristic Min-Dong architecture. Additionally, the Matsu Distillery and the '88 Tunnel' are excellent places to learn about Matsu's sorghum and old wine culture, making them unmissable highlights for a first-time visit to Nangan.

When traveling to Matsu, the choice between staying in a hotel or a characteristic guesthouse primarily depends on your personal preferences and budget. Matsu has many characteristic guesthouses with unique Min-Dong architectural styles or incorporating elements of its military past. Especially in settlements like Qibelie and Jinsha, they allow you to experience local life more deeply, feel the warmth of local hospitality, and get insider tips on attractions from the hosts. If you seek well-equipped facilities, standardized services, and higher comfort levels, you can opt for local hotels. We recommend choosing based on your itinerary plans and the atmosphere you wish to experience.

Matsu's military heritage sites are one of its unique charms. We recommend visiting Tiebao (a sea fort), Dahan Stronghold, and Beihai Tunnel (a former military tunnel) on Nangan, as well as the War and Peace Memorial Park Museum on Beigan. On Dongyin, there is the famous 'One Line Sky' and Andong Tunnel. To gain a deeper understanding of the historical background and stories, we suggest participating in local travel agencies' military culture guided tours. These often feature professional guides who can provide in-depth explanations, giving you a more profound understanding and experience of these military relics.

Dongju Lighthouse is not only a national monument but also its surrounding area is full of charm. In addition to taking photos at the lighthouse, you can walk down to the Fuzheng settlement to experience the simple fishing village charm of traditional Min-Dong stone houses and sample local snacks. You can also visit the Dapu settlement, home to the precious Dapu Stone Carvings. Furthermore, the Mysterious Small Bay reveals a rich intertidal zone ecosystem during low tide, making it a great spot for observing marine life. During the right season, Dongju is also one of the prime locations for viewing the Blue Tears at night.