Kinmen

Introducing Kinmen

Along with Matsu, Kinmen (Jīnmén; formerly known as Quemoy) occupies a unique place in modern history. It’s a small chunk of Fujian province occupied by ROC forces and administered from Taiwan. Lying only 2km off the coast of mainland China, Kinmen is an odd remnant from the bitter civil war between communist and Nationalist forces, and this struggle (particularly the losing side’s tenacious hold on the islands) is a major part of Kinmen’s own history. And though war history supplies a big chunk of Kinmen’s appeal to tourists, there’s plenty here to attract those with interests other than military history.

As a result of its strategic position, Kinmen is fairly well developed. Roads are wide and well cared for (so they can double as runways, just in case) and Kincheng has several internet cafés, where you’ll often find off-duty soldiers practising their combat skills playing video games. There are ATMs, a not-bad pizza joint and plenty of English signage to make your trip fairly hassle­-free. Though the environment is relaxed, don’t lose sight of the fact that Kinmen is still a military outpost with restricted areas and a few beachfront properties bearing land-mine warnings.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009