Kinmen

Far from Taiwan yet only a few kilometres off the coast of mainland China, Kinmen (金門; Jīnmén) is a geopolitical curiosity which, through a series of historical chances, is now one of the most authentically old-Chinese places left on the planet. Great food and a relaxed, friendly vibe add to the appealing Ming- and Qing-era architectural remnants and reminders from Kinmen's decades as a 20th-century military outpost. The islands are well worth a couple of days' investigation, especially if you're in transit between Taiwan and Xiamen (China), which is a short boat hop away.