Today, we gonna talk about Matsu Islands in Republic of China (aka Taiwan).
Matsu Islands, was named after the goddess in Chinese Folk Religion, Mazu, The Celestial Empress of the Chinese Pantheon. The picture above is the landmark Mazu statue on Matsu Islands.
Located at Northwest of Taiwan, it consists of four main islands. Nangan island, Beigan island, Dongyin island and Juguang island.
Used to be a heavily militarized defense stronghold against CCP, these days it has become a famous tourist destination. It has the population of 13,000.
Street view on Nangan island. (With iconic scooters in Taiwan!)
As you can see, the street views are gorgeous, Matsu islands is a fun place to travel around.
Since the road is too cramped to drive comfortably, tourists are advised to travel around in scooters for maximum Taiwanese experience.
Breathtaking seaside view on Niujiao village, Nangan island. Hard to imagine this is used to be a place where ROC National Guards has to stay frosty about the possibilities of CCP launching naval assaults on the islands.
Mazu Temple, where locals pray to Goddess Mazu, for safety during sea travels.
Mazu Temple, Night view.
Beihai Tunnels, the mysterious enigmatic water tunnel that has a strong military past. It used to be a hidden spot for ROC military-use boats.
Qinbi Village on Beigan island, known as "The Mediterranean of Taiwan Straits"
Last but not least, the famous "Glowing Blue Tears" on the seaside of Matsu islands. It also can be seen in Beihai tunnel. These are bioluminescent planktons being washed ashore.
There are many other places that are fun to visit in Matsu islands, so if you are interested, you may get a plane ticket anytime soon.
Thank you for reading 👍
(Pic: A Stone Lion that guards the border of Taiwan on Matsu Islands)