Kinmen

Kinmen (Quemoy) sits merely two kilometres from mainland China’s Fujian coast, and this proximity has defined nearly every aspect of the island’s modern identity through its role as a front-line military garrison during decades of cross-strait tension. The landscape remains dotted with psychological warfare broadcasting stations, anti-landing beach obstacles, and an extensive network of tunnels hewn through solid granite, which now open to visitors, creating what is essentially an open-air museum of Cold War history. Traditional southern Fujianese architecture, particularly the ornate “western-style” mansion houses built by returning overseas Chinese merchants, coexists with this military heritage to create a unique cultural landscape. Kinmen appeals particularly to history enthusiasts and those interested in cross-strait relations, as you can literally see mainland Chinese cities across the water whilst exploring how geopolitics has shaped daily life. The island also produces renowned kaoliang (sorghum) liquor and distinctive knife craftwork fashioned from recycled artillery shells, offering insight into how communities adapt resources during prolonged isolation.