5 Must-See Attractions on Kinmen Island! Learn About Its Relationship with Taiwan and How to Get There
If it's my first time visiting Kinmen Island, what should I see?
A.
You can walk through wartime tunnelsZhai Shan TunnelWith that in mind, I recommend Juguang Tower, the island’s landmark. If you’re strolling through town, don’t miss Kinmen Model Street, and if you’re looking for the local specialty, sorghum wine, the Kinmen Distillery is a must-see!
What Is Kinmen Island? The Charm of Taiwan's Offshore Islands
Kinmen Island is an offshore island located west of the main island of Taiwan, right next to Xiamen, China.
Chinese Civil WarYou can still see traces of its history as a former frontline, and you'll encounter scenery—such as mine tunnels and old townscapes—that's quite different from what you'll find on the main island of Taiwan.
In this article, we’ll cover everything from how to pronounce the name and its relationship with Taiwan to our top 5 recommended spots and how to get there.
◆For those who want to know about recommended sightseeing spots on Kinmen Island
◆For those looking for information on how to get from the main island of Taiwan to Kinmen Island
◆For those interested in Taiwan's wartime sites, history, and Minnan culture
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How to Pronounce "Kinmen" and Its Relationship with Taiwan
If you know how to pronounce "Kinmen" and understand its relationship with Taiwan, your trip will be much more interesting.
Let's take a quick look at the historical background here, too!
Includes a Japanese-speaking guide and transportation☆
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"Kinmon" is pronounced "kinmon."
Kinmon is pronounced “Kinmon” and is also known as “Kinmon Island.”
Kinmen County is,The large Kinmen Island (Da Kinmen) and other islands, such as Lieyu (also known as Little Kinmen)...is composed of.
Since the airport is located on the Da Jinmen side, if you're visiting as a tourist, you should head to Da Jinmen first.
Since it’s sometimes written as “Kinmen” in guidebooks and maps, it’s good to keep that in mind.
Why is Kinmen Island part of Taiwan?
Kinmen Island is an island administered as Kinmen County of the Republic of China (Taiwan).
In 1949,The Battle of GuningtouIt is known as the battle that marked a turning point in the Chinese Civil War.
After that, Kinmen remained a frontline island, and in 1958, the August 23 Artillery Battle broke out.
Martial law remained in effect on the island until 1992, and the island was in a state of prolonged tension.
As the landmines buried along the beach have been progressively cleared, the island is now open to tourists.
Distance from Xiamen, China
Kinmen Island is located near Xiamen, ChinaAbout 2 kilometers at the shortestIt is located that close.
It is located about 200 kilometers west of the main island of Taiwan and is closer to the mainland than to the main island of Taiwan.
If the weather is nice, you can sometimes see the cityscape of Xiamen from the rooftop of Juguang Tower and other spots.
Xiamen means “Small Three Links"…," and the ferry ride takes about 30 minutes.
5 Recommended Tourist Attractions on Kinmen Island
Kinmen Island offers a variety of attractions where visitors can experience its military history, Minnan culture, and even its famous sorghum liquor.
This time, we’ve selected five spots that are easy to visit, even for first-timers.
From the mine tunnels to the retro streetscape, every spot is worth seeing!
Perfect for a historical stroll☆
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Zhai Shan Tunnel
The Tekizan Tunnels are,A tunnel carved out of granite for wartime supply purposesIt is.
It has an A-shape and a total length ofApproximately 357 meters...The tunnel leads out to the sea.
Admission is freeAlso, every fall, a music festival is held in the mine tunnels.
If you'd like to get a sense of what it was like during the war, why not start by visiting this place?
◆Business Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
◆Directions: About a 20-minute drive from Kinmen Airport / Take a local bus and get off at Jincheng Station or the “Gugang Lake” or “Gugang” bus stop
Juguang Tower
Juguang Tower is a three-story building constructed in 1952 and is one of Kinmen’s most iconic landmarks.
Who distinguished himself in the Battle of GuningtouBuilt to honor the soldiers of the national armyIt is said that...
The museum opens atUntil 10:00 p.m.So, I also recommend going to see the night view in the evening.
It’s said that you can also enjoy the illuminations at night, so you can experience its different atmospheres during the day and at night.
◆Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
◆Directions: About a 15-minute drive from Kinmen Airport
Kinmen Model Street
Jinmen Model Street is located in Jincheng TownRed BrickIt's a street with a striking arcade.
It was built as a shopping district in 1924 (the 13th year of the Republic of China), and its name derives from the goal of making it “a model shopping district for Kinmen.”
Nowadays, it's home to a variety of shops selling gourmet foods, miscellaneous goods, and souvenirs, andPerfect for a strollThat's right.
Why not plan a half-day walking tour that includes both Juguang Tower and other sights in Jincheng Town?
◆Directions: About a 15-minute drive from Kinmen Airport / Take the local bus and get off at Jincheng Station, then walk about 3 minutes
Kinmen Distillery
Kinmen Distillery produces the island's specialty, "Kinmen Kaoliang LiquorIt is a sake brewery that produces “Koryang-shu” and has a history of more than 70 years since its founding.
Sorghum liquor is a well-known brand in Taiwan, andClassic Souvenirs from KinmenIt is.
The Kinnei store page says you can sample products and shop there.
◆Business Hours: 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. / 1:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
◆Directions: About a 5-minute drive from Kinmen Airport / Take the Blue 1A bus from Kinmen Airport and get off at the “Kinmen Distillery” bus stop
Tokugetsuro
Tokugetsuro is a tourist attraction in the Maesui area where you can learn about the history of the overseas Chinese community.
In Kinmen, there are people who have found success overseasOverseas ChineseThere is a history of people building homes in their hometowns, which has had a significant impact on the island's landscape.
In the same Maeshimizu area, there’s also a craft shop featuring Fushiya as its theme, so it’s easy to stop by.
◆Business Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
◆Directions: About a 15-minute drive from Kinmen Airport / Take bus routes 6, 6A, 7, 7A, or 7B from Jincheng Station and get off at the “Shuitou Roundabout” bus stop.
How to Get to Kinmen Island
To get to Kinmen Island,The standard way to get there is by plane from the main island of Taiwan.It is.
The island is larger than you might expect, so it’s a good idea to plan your transportation options on the island in advance.
I'll summarize the key points for each one.
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Traveling by plane from the main island of Taiwan
There are direct flights to Shangyi Airport in Kinmen from Taipei’s Songshan Airport, as well as from Taichung, Chiayi, Tainan, and Kaohsiung.
・Operating Airlines: Uni Air, Mandarin Airlines
Routes to remote islands are susceptible to weather conditions, and it can be difficult to secure seats during long weekends and peak seasons, so,Booking early gives you peace of mindIt is.
You'll need a form of identification when boarding, so,PassportDon't forget to bring it with you.
Transportation on the Island
Kinmen Island covers an area of about 150 square kilometers, which is too large to explore entirely on foot.
Public Bus
Public bicycle service "Kinmen K BIKE," etc.
There is also a sightseeing bus called the “Taiwan Tourist Shuttle—Kinmen Line” that takes you to popular attractions; to use it,Advance reservations are requiredIt is said that...
If you're short on time, I recommend narrowing down the places you want to visit and seeing those.
By the way, on the main island of Taiwan—in places like Taipei and Tainan—private charter services with Japanese-speaking drivers are very popular.
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Highlights and Things to Keep in Mind When Visiting Kinmen
To help you enjoy your trip to Kinmen without a hitch, we've put together some tips on the best times to visit and what to eat.
There are so many local specialties you’ll want to take home, so please use this as a guide!
We hope this helps you plan your trip.
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Best Season
Kinmen Island is,Spring (March–May)とFall (September–November)It is said to be a pleasant time of year.
In winter, the northeasterly monsoon winds are strong, and the wind chill makes it feel colder along the coast, so it’s a good idea to bring a jacket.
From around April through June, if you're lucky, you might see “Blue TearsYou may sometimes see “Blue Tears.”
Since flights to remote islands may be canceled due to weather, be sure to leave plenty of time in your return itinerary!
Local Delicacies and Souvenirs
A breakfast staple is a dish packed with ingredients,Cantonese CongeeIt is.
Made with local oystersOyster MianxianIt's definitely a dish you'll want to try in Kinmen.
For souvenirs, peanut snacks...Kinmen Gong Tang and the local specialty, Kinmen Kaoliang liquor, are popular.It is.
Each one offers a glimpse into the island's way of life and history, making them the perfect souvenirs from your trip!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Sightseeing on Kinmen Island
The standard route is to fly from Japan to Taiwan proper (such as Taipei) and then take a domestic flight to Shangyi Airport on Kinmen. Uni Air and Mandarin Airlines operate scheduled flights, but since flights to outlying islands are sometimes canceled due to weather, be sure to allow plenty of time in your itinerary.
Spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) are generally considered the most pleasant times of year. In winter, strong northeasterly monsoon winds blow, and it gets chilly along the coast, so it’s a good idea to bring a jacket. From around April to June, if you’re lucky, you might even see the “Indigo Tears.”
It is connected to Xiamen via a route known as the “Small Three Links,” and the ferry ride takes about 30 minutes. However, since the terms of use and entry procedures are subject to change, please be sure to check the latest information in advance.
summary
Kinmen Island is a place where the history of the Chinese Civil War and Minnan culture still thrive,Unique Outlying Islands in TaiwanIt is.
Be sure to check the official website for the latest business hours before you go!
Why not plan your trip to include sightseeing on the main island of Taiwan?
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