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Nangan is among the Matsu Island’s important locations and one of many locations I visited on my latest journey to the Matsu Islands. I spent 2 nights there and put collectively this little publish on my suggestions and issues to do in Nangan in case you are planning to go to these Taiwan offshore islands for your self.
This article appears on the sights and issues to do in Nangan. Check out this different publish for extra sensible info on get to the Matsu Islands and Nangan. I’ve one other publish all about Matsu Island’s Blue Tears as nicely. Stay tuned for my Beigan publish!
I’ve organized this text in accordance with the 2 main bus routes in Nangan Island for many who is perhaps planning to take the bus round. Both routes begin from Nangan airport – the Sea Route covers the north of the island whereas the Mountain Route hugs the southern coast.
How a lot time do you could discover Nangan?
I spent 2 nights in Nangan Island, flying in from Songshan Airport within the afternoon on a Friday, after which taking the ferry to Beigan through Daqiu Island on Sunday morning.
Day 1 (late afternoon + night): Iron Fort, Dahan Stronghold, Beihai Tunnel Blue Tears Boat Tour, Jinsha Village + Beach
Day 2 (full day): the whole lot else on this article, together with a return to Beihai Tunnel to stroll round within the morning
I had my very own transport to get round in order that undoubtedly made issues quicker, and in the end the island itself isn’t that large so I assumed this was ample time, however in the event you’re taking the general public bus to get round or simply need a extra enjoyable time, a further day won’t harm.
Can you are taking a day journey to Matsu Island’s Nangan?
If you flew in from Taipei on the earliest flight and reached Nangan at about 730am and departed on its newest flight at 645pm (assuming no flight cancellations), you most likely might see Nangan’s important sights, however in the event you’re already going all the way in which there you may as nicely staya little longer.
People typically don’t day journey to the Matsu Islands though it takes nearly an hour by airplane to get there. The customary package deal that I’ve seen for Matsu Island lights is for 3 days which is sufficient to see Nangan and Beigan in a whirlwind.
Important locations in Nangan
Nangan Airport 南竿機場 (LZN)
Nangan Airport is the busier of Matsu Island’s two airports and positioned on the jap fringe of the island – you may learn extra particulars about flying to the Matsu Islands from Taipei on my Matsu Islands planning publish.
It’s a really small airport! If you haven’t already made transport preparations, you may simply get a taxi from the queue exterior the airport.
Nangan Fu’ao Port 南竿福澳港
Nangan’s Fu’ao Port is the primary port not only for Nangan however connecting the primary Matsu Islands (Beigan, Juguang Islands and Dongyin) in addition to to Taipei mainland (Keelung, Bali).
You can purchase your ferry tickets from the ticket workplace right here, or through on-line at eMatsu – extra element in my Matsu Islands planning publish on get to the Matsu Islands by ferry in addition to island hopping.
Nangan Visitor Centre 南竿遊客中心
The Nangan Visitor Centre is positioned on the entrance to the Beihai Tunnel and Dahan Stronghold. You can decide up maps from there, ask questions and naturally use the bathroom.
Nangan Sea Route 南竿海線
The sea route begins from Nangan Airport within the east and runs alongside the northern shoreline.
Baba Tunnel 八八坑道
Right across the nook from the airport exit is the well-known Baba Tunnel with its distinct rows of wine jars lining the doorway.
The tunnel was first a hideout from pirates and when the army got here alongside, expanded for army use and named Baba (8-8) to commemorate Chiang Kai Shek’s 88th birthday which was its day of completion.
After demilitarisation, it was used to retailer the Sorghum wine that Matsu Islands are well-known for. As you stroll by way of the tunnel, it appears like you may get drunk simply by respiratory due to the robust wine scent within the air!
There is wine saved in conventional earthen jars in addition to extra fashionable storage tanks in a parallel chamber. The manufacturing of the jar wine has apparently been discontinued so finally what you see saved right here will run out!
If you have an interest in buying Matsu Island wine, the Matsu distillery and store is simply down the highway. I needed to see different issues and didn’t plan on shopping for something so I didn’t trouble popping in.
Opening Hours: 840am – 1130am and 140pm – 5pm
The Thorn Birds Cafe 刺鳥咖啡獨立書店
One factor you’ll discover a variety of on the Matsu Islands are army constructions and bunkers, largely due to its proximity to China (much like Kinmen). While the army presence will not be as overt because it was, many of those outdated constructions had been both became visitable sights or left deserted.
Stronghold No. 12 on Nangan is sort of an uncommon instance – on the northeastern finish of the island close to Niujiao Village, this construction was transformed right into a cute and hip cafe + bookstore with a beautiful coastal view often known as the Thorn Birds Cafe. It’s bought fairly an fascinating historical past if you wish to learn extra about it.
The cafe itself covers 2 flooring and the employees will assign you seats, although the home windows in fact have one of the best view. Since I used to be solo, they put me in one of many internal rooms which was like a examine the place there have been bench seats and a wonderful window view. Lots of Chinese books and outdated knick knacks throughout so you actually do really feel such as you’re in somebody’s residence.
There’s a minimal order of 200 NTD (about S$8.50) although that’s not too exhausting to hit in the event you’re ordering a drink and a few snacks. The menu is generally tea/drinks and a few toast/dessert pastries.
What’s actually particular although is within the basement – Descend some stairs and stroll by way of a tunnel and as an alternative of the standard army watch publish, this one has been jazzed up with artwork and artefacts and became mini artwork gallery of types.
Opening Hours: They sometimes open 10am-6pm. A reservation MUST be made both through their social platforms (IG or FB) or by cellphone, they don’t permit walk-ins in any respect even when the place is empty. Only cafe friends can entry the artwork tunnel.
The Thorn Birds is briefly closed for renovations till Nov 2023, keep tuned to their socials for his or her reopening!
Zhenge Daidan Memorial Park 枕戈待旦牌樓
If you are taking the ferry to Nangan from the opposite Matsu Islands or from Taipei, you’ll undoubtedly see this massive signal as you strategy the Fu’ao Ferry Terminal.
The phrases are learn Chinese type from proper to left: 枕戈待旦 zhěn gē dài dàn, which is a Chinese idiom that actually interprets as ‘Spear on pillow, waiting for dawn’ and has a which means of at all times able to battle the struggle – it was phrases written by the president Chiang Kai Shek as a reminder for the troops and residents to spur them on throughout their battles with China.
I took the straightforward route and rode up right here, however you may as well climb the steps for a scenic climb. There are extra phrases behind the signal that faces the ocean!
Matsu Folklore Culture Museum 馬祖民俗文物館
Just previous Qingshui Village is the Matsu Folklore Culture Museum and it’s an ideal place to get a fast overview of the historical past and tradition of the Matsu Islands.
The 2nd degree was closed so I solely bought to see the first degree, however it was visually engaging and nicely put collectively. There had been even English translations for the reveals, so it’s good for foreigners too. It was a pleasant post-lunch break to simply escape the midday warmth and be taught some historical past of the islands.
Opening Hours: 9am – 5pm (Closed on Mondays)
Mazu Statue 媽祖巨神像
The Matsu Islands are named for the ocean goddess Matsu or Mazu 媽祖 because the Chinese say it, and naturally since these are the Matsu Islands, there’s a big ass Mazu statue right here subsequent to the Tianhou Temple on the western finish of the island.
Built in 2009, the measurements of this statue maintain a variety of significance – 365 granite rocks had been used to characterize days of peace all year long, and the peak of the statue is 29.6m as a result of the overall land space of the Matsu Islands is 29.6 sq km.
Those on bikes can experience as much as the highest of the hill so there’s much less strolling, however the religious (and automobile drivers) can climb these stairs to get to the viewing platform on prime.
From the platform, you have got a chicken’s eye view of Mazu Port the place there are army ships berthed.
Matsu Blue Tears Experience Centre 藍眼淚生態館
If you need a assured sighting of Matsu Island’s well-known Blue Tears, this expertise centre will will let you see the Blue Tears up shut in any climate, albeit in a lab setting of types. It’s positioned close to the large Mazu statue.
Read this publish for full particulars concerning the Matsu Blue Tears Experience Centre.
Opening Hours: 10am – 5pm (Sessions begin each half hour)
Admission Ticket: 350 NTD. You can guide your Blue Tears Experience Centre Tickets through KKday [affiliate link] or purchase on the door topic to availability.
Furen Cafe 夫人咖啡館
Since I used to be within the northwestern nook of the island, I made a decision to discover this space a bit extra. Here I discovered Furen Cafe which can also be a bit guesthouse by the ocean. I undoubtedly wasn’t anticipating to seek out so many cute cafes right here within the Matsu Islands!
It was a bit uncommon in that they impose a ‘minimum spend’ by charging a ticket value on the door, however in any other case it’s a charming little conventional stone home with a lot of vegetation and an ideal view.
This was a little bit of a bizarre time however I made a decision to have a late lunch/early dinner and had their cheese fried rice with pink yeast. Lots of cute cats throughout to maintain you firm!
This cafe can also be a guesthouse which you can keep at, although it’s a bit bit too distant for me however if you’d like peace and quiet it is a excellent spot.
Opening Hours: 10am – 10pm. Check out their web site or guide a mattress (they’ve a 8-pax dorm) at Furen Homestay [booking.com affiliate link]
Admission Ticket: there’s a 150 NTD ‘admission ticket’ or minimal spend that it’s a must to pay on the door however you should utilize that quantity to offset your invoice on the cafe.
Qiugui Pavilion 秋桂亭
Not removed from Furen Cafe is Qiugui Pavilion, which is nothing notably particular however it does have an ideal view and a desk with some seats which you can cease and relaxation at.
Nangan Mountain Route 南竿山線
This route covers the stuf you may see alongside the southern highway that cuts throughout Nangan.
Jieshou Shizi Market 介壽獅子市場
Jieshou Village is the closest to Nangan Airport and the Shizi Market is meant to be an ideal place to seize breakfast in Nangan. Unfortunately I solely went within the early afternoon and the whole lot was closed by then. Hopefully I get the possibility to go to in future!
Opening Hours: 6am – 10am
Dahan Stronghold 大漢據點
Dahan Stronghold and Beihai Tunnel are literally positioned in the identical space within the south of the island, simply on reverse sides of the bay. You can enter this previous army stronghold and discover its tunnels, although it would really feel a bit claustrophobic for some.
Opening Hours: 8am – 5pm
Beihai Tunnel 北海坑道
The Beihai Tunnel is one other place within the Matsu Islands the place you may assure a 100% Blue Tears sighting, although it won’t be what it appears like in pix. Read extra concerning the Beihai Tunnel Blue Tears boat experience that takes place after hours (6-9pm normally, although I used to be there throughout peak so that they opened a 530pm slot and 10pm slots).
Believe it or not, this tunnel which runs in a sq. is totally artifical and was the place they hid army boats. Unfortunately, a variety of troopers and builders died within the creation of those tunnels again within the day.
Most individuals come right here for the Blue Tears boat experience within the night, however within the day time throughout low tide, you’re allowed to stroll in and stroll across the whole perimeter by yourself. It’s a bit damp and funky however the reflections of the rock within the water make all of it fairly majestic.
Opening Hours: To stroll round, throughout low tide from 8am-5pm. Click right here to verify the Beihai Tunnel opening hours. Boat experience occurs from 6pm-9pm sometimes.
Admission Ticket: It’s free to stroll across the Beihai Tunnel, however in the event you intend to take the boat experience, that prices 350 NTD. More in my Blue Tears publish.
Ren’ai Beach 仁愛沙灘
This seashore could be very near Beihai Tunnel and one of many locations that I noticed the Blue Tears within the wild! Some Taiwanese mates I made had been staying in a guesthouse that neglected this seashore.
Random tip for you: in the event you’re headed to Ren’ai Beach from Jinsha Village, don’t take the coastal Jinban highway at night time as a result of it’s not lit!
Iron Fort 鐵堡
Out of all of the army constructions, I believe the Iron Fort is among the prettier ones price visiting as a result of you cannot solely stroll by way of the tunnels however on its roof as nicely. If you look carefully on the rocks round right here, they’re lined with glass to cease enemy frogmen from climbing up them simply.
You begin by strolling inside and see the quarters the place troopers used to stay and watch from, after which climb out to the roof to stroll again.
Opening Hours: 8am – 5pm
Yuntai Mountain 雲台山
Head to Nangan’s highest level on Yuntai Mountain for a splendid view from 248m above sea degree! There’s a pleasant viewing platform to sit down and relaxation in.
There is a army publish right here that sadly obstructs the 360º view – you could apply for a allow if you wish to go to it.
Jinsha Village 津沙聚落
Jinsha Village sits on the foot of Yuntai Mountain within the south western nook of Nangan and is among the island’s most historic villages with a lot of conventional stone homes. This is the village that I stayed in for 2 nights (learn extra in my Matsu Islands planning publish), although many different guests do pop by to go to in the course of the day.
Jinsha Village has its personal seashore, sadly no Blue Tears had been current after I was there. I noticed some SUP paddlers right here within the afternoon.
A notice that you could eat dinner pretty early when in Matsu Islands, or make prior preparations in the event you plan to eat late. In Jinsha itself there are simply two locations which are open for dinner, one in every of which is Under the Banyan Tree (Rongshu xia Xiaochi 榕樹下小吃) the place I had dinner the primary night time and made some new Taiwanese mates.
Looking for extra concerning the Matsu Islands? Check out my Matsu Island Guide to plan your journey or see the Blue Tears within the Matsu Islands.
Or take a look at extra about Taiwan’s offshore islands under: