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Sightseeing and Attractions

Lienchiang Country

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Named after the goddess" Matzu", Matzu Archipelago is located northwestward by west in Taiwan Strait, which is the very water Matzu had saved many sailors' lives. Matzu is subordinate to Lienchian County of Fuchien Province, facing the river mouths of Minchiang (Min River), Lienchiang (Lien River), and Luoyuan Bay. Four villages and five islands, including Nangang (Southern Rod), Beigang (Northen Rod), Juguang, Dungyin, are the components of Matzu, which is the north-most front of Taiwan-Penghu-Kinmen-Matzu free zone, scarcely holding a stream away from Mainland China. Besides, numerous scenes---natural, cultural, or of fortifications---are found on these islands. For example, Iron Blockhouse in Nangang Shiang, Beihai (North Sea) Tunnel, Tienhou Temple in Matzu, Yuntai Mountain, the aboriginal tribe at Qinbi of Nangang, Banli and the golden beach at Tangqi, Dongchuan (Dongju) Light House in Juguang Shiang, Stone Carvings of Dapu around Huaigu Temple, Dungyung (Dungyin) Light House in Dongyin Shiang, Lienuyikang (the Justice Hole of a female martyr), Yixiantian, Yianxiuchaoyin (the sound of tides) and so on. Moreover, rare plants like red spider lily, bean pear, charming coast lines, migratory birds in transit, and all those customs, language, livelihood, architecture transplanted from north Fuchien, had reinforced the unique while fascinating atmosphere of Matzu, where is definitely worth a visit.


NATIONAL SCENIC AREA

• Matzu National Scenic Area
  Historical Background : Ma Tzu is named after the Goddess of Sea, who carried the body of her drowned fisherman father back to shore. The casket of the Goddess is still preserved in a local temple. Ma Tzu consists of more than 10 islets with a total area of 28.8 square km. Due to its sensitive position, Ma Tzu used to be a military fortress like Kin Men. With the cross-strait relations growing friendlier, Ma Tzu is now developing its tourism. In 1999, Ma Tzu was designated as a national tourist district and began attracting tourists.
  Cultural Highlights : Scenery in Ma Tzu differs with the four seasons. The spring is the blossom season and the summer is perfect for sea watching. The autumn is particularly comfortable and the winter is suitable for fishing. Islets in the vicinity often attract photographers and painters. Many tourists come here to appreciate the starry skies at night and to enjoy local food.
   

TAIWAN TOP 20

• Matzu National Scenic Area
  Historical Background : Ma Tzu is named after the Goddess of Sea, who carried the body of her drowned fisherman father back to shore. The casket of the Goddess is still preserved in a local temple. Ma Tzu consists of more than 10 islets with a total area of 28.8 square km. Due to its sensitive position, Ma Tzu used to be a military fortress like Kin Men. With the cross-strait relations growing friendlier, Ma Tzu is now developing its tourism. In 1999, Ma Tzu was designated as a national tourist district and began attracting tourists.
  Cultural Highlights : Scenery in Ma Tzu differs with the four seasons. The spring is the blossom season and the summer is perfect for sea watching. The autumn is particularly comfortable and the winter is suitable for fishing. Islets in the vicinity often attract photographers and painters. Many tourists come here to appreciate the starry skies at night and to enjoy local food.
   

BEACHES / ISLANDS

• Beihai Tunnel
  Historical Background : Pei Hai Tunnel is located between Jen Ai Tsun and Mei Shi Tsun. In 1970, the military excavated a tunnel here for the ships to avoid bad weather and attacks. The tunnel could harbor several naval vessels, but after a severe typhoon, it was damaged. As the cross-strait relations grow friendlier, the tunnel has become a tourist attraction. With a total length of 700 meters, the tunnel is also called as the nderground dock featuring Ma Tzus military importance in the past.
  Cultural Highlights : Pei Hai Tunnel goes deep into the granite mountain. The waterway is 18 meters in height, 10 meters in width and 640 meters in length, capable of harboring 120 small vessels. It took 820 days to complete the establishment of the tunnel. The construction was very difficult at that time, and some soldiers even sacrificed their lives during the construction.
   

• Chin Pi Ancient Village
  Historical Background : Chin Pi Village is located on Pei Kan Isle of Ma Tzu, between the Chin Mountain and the Pi Moutain. It features the typical southern Fu Chien village. The community here began developing since the 13th century and major industry here is fishing industry. During 1951 to 1961, the KMT government sent army here to control the outflow of residents due to its thriving fishing industry. Chin Pi Village has the most sophisticated buildings in Ma Tzu. Since the 1970s, people have been moving to Taiwan and thus the buildings present the 1970s architectural style.
  Cultural Highlights : Buildings in Chi Pi Village are mostly made of granite and marble, featuring beautiful colors. The fish-shaped object on the roof is used to drain water on the roof. In front of the buildings are stone lions, which are used to expel evil spirits. In order to prevent strong wind and bandits, stones are placed on the roof tiles and windows are higher. These characteristics are those of eastern Fu Chien style.
   

• Tung Ying Lighthouse
  Historical Background : Dongyin Lighthouse was built in late 19th century by British engineers. This white lighthouse has been designated as a third grade national ancient site. In late 19th century, the Ching government opened several ports in this area and thus the lighthouse was built to guide ships. The construction was completed in 1902.
  Cultural Highlights : Dongyin Lighthouse faces the Taiwan Strait, located on the northeast of Dongyin Islet. It is made of bricks and painted white on the outside walls. The lighthouse is 14.3 meters in height and the light flashes 3 times every 20 seconds. The lighthouse, designed by the British engineers, consists of the main body, the lamp and the roof. It is beautifully designed and has become a tourist attraction in recent years.

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