Matsu

Situated outside the mouth of the Min River, the Matsu Islands form the northern anchor of the offshore defense line commanding the Min River. The main island of the complex is Nankan, more commonly known as Matsu, from the name of the major port of the island. It is 114 nautical miles northwest of Keelung, the port city on the northern tip of Taiwan, and is the same distance north of the Kinmen (Quemoy) Islands.

There are two harbors in Nankan: Fuwo and Matsu. Other major islands of the group are Peikan, Kaoteng, Tungyin, Hsiyin, Tungchu, and Hsichu. Nankan is the largest, with an area of 10.4 square kilometers. Kaoteng is located only 5.5 nautical miles (9,250 meters) from the Chinese mainland.

The islands are composed of an uplift of igneous rock. Granite is the Matsu area's major natural resource. The climate is characterized by monsoon rains from August to December and typhoons during the summer.

Although the hilly terrain is not well suited for agriculture, 26 reservoirs, nine sea dikes, and 113 ponds have been constructed and 480 irrigation wells drilled to facilitate farming. Vegetable production has reached the point of self-sufficiency.

Here are some interesting articles to read:

• Matsu's human history could trace back to late Tang Dynasty (August 15, 2007)
• Four types of native lilies found in Taiwan (April 14, 2006)
• Front-Line Island-Hopping -- Out and About in Matsu (May 2001)
• Matsu -- The Stuff of Legends (May 2001)
• Matsu Facts (May 2001)
• The Fine Liquors of Matsu -- Chengao, Daqujiu and Laojiu (May 2001)