Geographical Features -- Kinmen

As introduced by the Yearbook of the Republic of China:

The 12 islands of the Kinmen group are located off the southeastern coast of Fuchien Province, covering an area of 150.45 sq. km. They lie at approximately 118°24' E longitude and 24°27' N latitude, a key position in the Taiwan Strait that blocks the mouth of Xiamen (Amoy) Bay and protects Taiwan and the Penghu Islands.

The Kinmen Islands are 82 nautical miles west of the Penghu Islands and 150 nautical miles from Kaohsiung in southern Taiwan. The shortest distance from the main island of Kinmen to communist-held territory is only 2,310 meters.

Although its satellite islets are low and flat, Kinmen itself is hilly. Mount Taiwu is the highest point of the island, rising to 253 meters in the eastern part of the island. Mount Shuhao stretches into the sea, where precipitous cliffs have formed as a result of sea wave erosion. Most rivers in Kinmen are short and narrow with unsteady flows, so it is necessary to construct reservoirs for water supply and irrigation.

Due to its hilly terrain, there are several harbors around Kinmen. Liaoluo Bay on the southern tip of the island is the most famous. Zihgan Harbor of Liaoluo Bay is deep enough to accommodate ships of several thousand tons.

Rain showers in the Kinmen area usually occur from April to August, and typhoons often strike the islands in July and August. East winds last for about eight months a year. The average temperature varies from 13 to 28. The average relative humidity is 85 percent.