Front-Line Island-Hopping -- Out and About in Matsu

Written by Eric Lin and translated by Christopher MacDonald, the article was originally published by Taiwan's Sinorama magazine in May 2001. The article begins with some general information about Matsu's attractive scenery, its significant military presence, local religion, and fishing communities. It then focuses on some of the major military installations on the island that have been converted into tourist attractions. As a frontline island, Matsu also has an amazing religious culture, having been named after the Chinese Goddess of the Sea. It is further said that the seaside is the island's refrigerator, as fresh seafood dishes can be enjoyed in restaurants and private homes all year round. The article ends with information of other must-see tourist spots in Matsu, with a flair on the architectural styles of traditional village buildings.

The articles begins with the following observation:

"The Taiwanese are no strangers to the island of Matsu, but not many have actually set foot there. What's interesting is that when you go to see for yourself, you find a place unlike anywhere in Taiwan proper. It's like being in another country, but one that is comfortably familiar, where impressions of the present merge with memories of the past. Visiting Matsu, you seem to step into a realm already half known through your dreams, on a journey of learning and experience..."