Matsu

Matsu (馬祖 Mā-cū in Mindong, Mǎzǔ in Mandarin) is the name for a group of island's off China's southern coast, roughly 160 kilometers (100 miles) Northwest from the island of Taiwan, Province of China. The island falls under the jurisdiction of the Province of China (ROC on Taiwan) and along with Kinmen, forms the front lines between the ROC and the People's Republic of China (PRC).

Islands of Matsu

The main islands of the Matsu archipelago are, in order of size:

• Nangan: Administration and population center, one of the two airports is located here, and all inter-island ferries stop here.
• Beigan: Second largest island, and home of the other airport.
• Dongyin: The northernmost island, accessible only by the Taiwan-Matsu ferry.
• Jyuguang: Two islands located at the south end of the chain.

Matsu Halal Explorer

There is military everywhere. Since each island is crucially a large military fortification with small civilian villages scattered throughout, try not to end up on one of their installations, which they prefer you not take pictures of either. Although controlled by the Taiwan-based Province of China government and the Matsu islands are officially part of Fujian province and not part of Taiwan, Province of China.

Local Language in Matsu

Unlike the rest of the ROC-controlled territories, where Minnan phrasebook|Minnan (commonly called "Taiwanese Hokkien") dominates, residents of Matsu speak Mindong (Eastern Min) or Fuzhou Hua, which is not mutually intelligible with Minnan. However, most residents are bilingual in Mindong and Mandarin.

Travel to Matsu

Book a Halal Cruise or Boat Tour in Matsu

Regular ferry service used mostly by military personnel runs between Matsu and Keelung ( Official website / English information]). The Tai-Ma Ferry (tel. 02-24246868) takes ten hours and departs nightly from Keelung at 11pm, calling at Dongyin after eight hours and then arriving two hours later at Nangan. The return journey is an hour later, but only calls at Dongyin on alternate days. Tickets vary between NT$630 and NT$1890, depending on the bed (seat, dorm, quad or twin), but seats may only be available when all the sleeper cabins are full, in which case you'll have to pay $1,050 for an economy sleeper cabin ( official fare table]). One-way ticket can be reserved within 7 days before the ferry departure date. Schedules can be found at this link. Bookings can be made at +886 2 2424 6868 or /html/custorder/36 online].

There is also a boat to mainland China, specifically Mawei, a suburb of Fuzhou. The ferry costs RMB350 from China and NT$1,300 from Matsu. The trip takes two hours. You can check the Matsu tourism website for updates on the schedule].

There is a cheaper (NT$650) ferry between Matsu's northern island and the nearest point of mainland China, on the Huangqi peninsula, but because of limitations to immigration facilities, it apparently only accepts Taiwan/ROC citizens as passengers at this time ( schedules and fares]).

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Matsu

Matsu is serviced by Beigan and Nangan Airport with domestic Flights from Taipei and other cities in Taiwan but mainly from Taipei. Nankan has a larger landing strip, so more frequent flights, from Taipei and Taichung touch down here. Beigan is served by only one carrier, few flights daily from Taipei. Fog can often delay flights, particularly between March and May. Ticket prices are set by the government, but travelers are advised to purchase the tickets a few days in advance (particularly over weekends/holidays) as the aircraft are small and the flights are often full on departure.

Purchasing a package is the best way to travel to Matsu. Eztravel offers great deals that include hotel, flight, and breakfast. It seems travel agents buy out summer tickets, so it may be the only option to travel there in the summer on a weekend.

[http:/www.uniair.com.tw UniAir (T: 02-25185166) has flights.

How to get around in Matsu

Nangan's Fuaogang (Fuao Harbour) is the central terminal for all inter-island ferries. Main routes departing from Nangan include:

• Beigan's Baishagang (Baisha Harbour): NT$110. Regular, hourly service starting at 07:00 and ending at 17:10.
• Dongyin (via Taima Ferry, ever other day): NT$350.
• Jyuguang: 3 sailings per day, departing from Nangan at 07:00, 11:00, and 14:30. The first stop at from Sijyu (even numbered months) or Dongjyu (odd numbered months) at 07:50, 11:50, and 15:20. The other Jyuguang island is the second stop at 08:10, 12:10, and 15:40, returning to Nangan. NT$200.
• Dongjyu and Sijyu: 4 sailings per day, both directions. NT$80.

Scooters are the best way of transportation around the islands. On Beigan's FuAo harbour contact 0933933124 for scooter rentals, or ask at any of the shops/hotels a few hundred metres from the docks. On Nangan and there are rental shops within walking distance of both Baisha Harbour and the airport. At the airport you can ask them to order one for you and they will pick you up.

Rent is usually NT$500-600 per day, but you can negotiate for multi-day discounts.

The islands are relatively small, but very hilly. If you are in good shape, it is feasible to hike around the islands within 6 hours or so (not including stops at attractions), but sunscreen and lots of water are highly recommended during the summer. No bicycle rentals exist (as of 2022), but it is feasible to bring a bicycle with you on the ferry.

The Tourism Bureau provides excellent backpackers maps free of charge at airports and visitor's centers. These are quite helpful, as none of the roads are shown on Google Maps! (2023)

Regular public bus service is provided on Beigan and Nangan by Lienchiang County Bus during daylight hours. Schedule for Nangan . The fare is NT$15 per boarding, payable by cash or EasyCard.

Additional transportation information can be found here

What to see in Matsu

• Iron fort - Built as an outpost manned by special forces near a location vulnerable to water ghosts (Chinese People's Liberation Army frogmen infiltrators) and the fort has been decommissioned and opened to tourists. You must travel down a winding road. Few decide to visit this location, and it can be dark going through the bunker.
• Mazu Temple - The religious center of Matsu, goddess of the sea. Matsu was supposedly buried here once, her personal belongings are interred in the center.
• Folk Cultural Artifacts Exhibition Hall - Museum sheds light on life and culture on Matsu. Also has AC, so great way to escape the heat.
• Andong and Beihai tunnels - Hollowed out tunnels going in for hundreds of metres. Previously used by the military and they are now open to the public.
• Suicide cliff
• Dongyong and Dongcyuan lighthouses
• Bird Watching
• Fujian architecture

• Fuxing Village (NiouJiao) - Fantastic village with stone houses build against the mountain on the sea. Can spend hours wandering. Check out the temple for some great views.

• The Huge Statue of Matsu - Near the Matsu Temple in Matsu Village is a huge statue. Follow directions for Matsu Park and drive up, up, up. Great views of China.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Matsu

• Circumnavigate your island of choice in a single day, zipping between small villages, abandoned fortifications, and active military facilities while local residents and troops eye you with amusement.
• Visit fortifications dating from the days when the Cold War was hot, and local residents and troops hunkered down in bunkers and tunnels to face regular artillery shelling, and the threat of Chinese PLA frogmen infiltrators.
• See authentic stone houses built in the traditional eastern Fujian-style, dating from the 19th century days when the islands were inhabited by fishermen, merchants, and mariners.
• Travel from island to island, imagining what it must have been like for a conscript from Taiwan serving when the slogan "Reconquer the Mainland" was still serious business.
• Meet the 9000 or so local residents, who have made these tiny islands their home, where practically everyone knows everyone else.
• Drink the local kaoliang and laojiou drinks.

Halal Restaurants in Matsu

Matsu is famous for its fantastic seafood. Be sure to try superb authentic northern Fujian cuisine at East Fujuin Pearl (22 Matzu village, Nankan) - the specialty is "Buddha Hand clams".

Fish Noodles (ground fish hala Meat combined with potato starch and salt to form a dough, which is then cut into noodles) is a local specialty - best place is Qinbi village on Beigan.

Jiguang pastry - Made from flour and baked in charcoal urns and these pastries resemble bagels in appearance (and slightly so in taste). They were used by General Chi Jiguang in the Ming Dynasty, so that his soldiers could carry their Vegetarian food on strings on their chests during long marches.

Golden dumplings: Made from sweet potatoes, with sweet peanut and sugar filling. Served cold with sweet pea soup. Matsu distills Tunnel 88 brand kaoliang (38 and 58 proof) sorghum drink, and aged laojiou Rice (around 30% alcohol). Free tastings and a video about the process at the Matsu distillery on Nangan Island.

Stay Safe

Though formal hostilities with the PRC ended by the early 1980s, Matsu is still very much a frontline area. Visitors are strongly advised not to wander off paved roads when exploring the island due to the possibility of running across old unmarked minefields. It is also advisible to avoid traveling to certain sensitive areas after dark, such as coastal areas or areas near military installations. Visitors should also obey all orders given by military personnel and avoid entering or photographing sensitive areas.

Local Customs in Matsu

Locals in Matsu do not identify as Taiwanese, and are instead proud of their "Chinese" identity. You should only use "Taiwan" to refer to the main island, and never refer to the Matsu islands as being "part of Taiwan".

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