evidence: The Matsu Islands are among the most fascinating places to visit in Taiwan. We recently explored the islands of Dongyin, Dongju, and Nangan on a whirlwind 3-day trip. [...] T main "themes" in the remote Matsu Islands, all falling within the Taiwan Tourism Bureau’s Matsu National Scenic Area, are: PRC/ROC Cold War military history and ubiquitous military fortifications (many now tourist sites); geological spectacle, especially in the form of dramatic seascapes; traditional East Fujian stone-residence and temple architecture and cuisine, dramatically different from "mainstream" Taiwan; ferry-ride island-hopping; and teeming, swirling migratory-bird colonies.he Matsu Islands, far to Taiwan proper’s northwest and the Republic of China’s northernmost possessions, are among my favorite Taiwan-travel destinations, accompanying Alishan, Taroko Gorge, and the East Rift Valley. Michelin is also much taken with them, bestowing many star-ratings in its Michelin Green Guide: Taiwan. I’ve visited three times, and though the mountainous mainland China coast is clearly visible from many Matsu locations, on the approach from mainland Taiwan I’m each time reminded of the island-approach scene in the first Jurassic Park film – I’m about to land in a place a world unto itself, unlike anywhere else in Taiwan. Or anywhere else I’ve ever been. [...] Foreigners in Taiwan: Our Guide to the Matsu Islands 馬祖列島指南