Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
with tunnels and
beaches aplenty
people who want to get seri-
ously off the beaten path
Spring, sum-
mer, autumn,
(winter if you
like high
winds)
Spectacular beaches
& more temples than
you'd think possible
Windsurfers, beachcombers,
spiritual travellers
Penghu
Hikers, butterfly lovers, bird-
watchers, those interested in
authentic aboriginal culture
Tribal island with oth-
erworldly feel
Spring, sum-
mer, autumn
Lanyu
Year-round
(but it's
crowded in
summer)
Political-history enthusiasts,
snorkellers, divers, hot-spring
lovers
Green Is-
land
Yesterday's prison,
today's playground
KINMEN
082 / POP 116,570
Kinmen (Jīnmén), lying only 2km off the coast of mainland China, is an odd remnant
from the bitter civil war between communist and Nationalist forces. Along with Matsu,
Kinmen is a small chunk of Fujian province occupied by Republic of China (ROC)
forces and administered from Taiwan. This once heavily guarded island now greatly ap-
peals to military history buffs, but in fact, has something to offer to every visitor.
Well-restored villages dating from the Ming and Qing dynasties can still be found in
Kinmen today; they retain an old world charm not found anywhere in the rest of Taiwan.
Also, the pollution-free islands boast open fields, sandy beaches, thick forests, land-
scaped parks and artificial lakes that attract hundreds of species of migratory birds. Cyc-
lists and twitchers will find paradise here.
Kinmen is a fairly well-developed place. Roads double as runways (just in case!) so
they are wide and well-maintained. Parks are everywhere, and in general the atmosphere
is relaxed. But don't forget the fact that Kinmen remains a military outpost - restricted
areas still exist.
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