Giant Matsu Statue

Top choice in Matsu

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At a towering 28.8m, this serene 2009 statue is said to be the world's tallest image of the sea goddess Matsu (Mazu). As well as facilitating many a 'See Matsu in Matsu' tour book slogan, it's a genuinely impressive icon, fronted by a huge wooden viewing deck shaped like a ship's prow. Beneath it runs a curious Y-shaped web of pedestrian tunnels.

Road signs pointing here rather grandly dub the place Mazu Religious Cultural Park (馬祖宗教文化園區; Māzǔ Zōngjiào Wénhuà Yuánqū) which is a bit of a stretch.

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Nearby Matsu attractions

1. Matsu Temple

0.14 MILES

This colourful temple is considered one of the most sacred spots in Taiwan, featuring as it does the purported grave of Lin Mo-niang (林默娘; b 960) who…

2. Blue Tears Museum

0.5 MILES

Most of the information is in Chinese, but if you're visiting Matsu outside the summer season, this three-room interactive museum is the only place you'll…

3. Jinsha Village

1.03 MILES

Jinsha is Nangan's most attractive old village. Its central core is a series of tile-roofed stone buildings – many now B&Bs – forming a tight-knit unit…

4. Iron Fort

1.36 MILES

This dinky little fortified islet, linked by a footbridge to the main island, is a pretty strip of coral topped by a cactus-lined walkway, but cut into…

5. Matsu Folklore Culture Museum

1.38 MILES

This large, professional yet little-heralded museum uses many old photos, artefacts and films to introduce the culture and lifestyle of the Matsu islands.

6. Beihai Tunnel

1.49 MILES

This 700m of sea tunnel took three laborious years to carve out with many soldiers losing their lives in the process. Completed in 1971, it was used as a…

7. Banli Mansion

5.19 MILES

Beside the 7-Eleven shop in Banli is a very short row of four restored Qing dynasty stone-and-timber mansions. One of them is open to visitors as an…

8. Qinbi Village

6 MILES

Qinbi is by far Beigan's most complete traditional village, with its array of interconnected stone homes built on a steep slope, facing the curved bay and…