To immerse in Matsu’s war-time charm, be sure to include Iron Fort into your itinerary. Standing on this big reef rock in Tieban, Renai Village and you shall feel the area’s solemn atmosphere. Since the area is crooked and convenient for observing the sea, in early years, it was used as a military stronghold. The army dug a hole inside the rock and covered it with universal camouflage paint. Grass-green protective grids were set. Glass shreds and iron bars were also established along the coasts and waves to keep Chinese soldiers from approaching.
There are tunnels beneath the cement paths, making Iron Fort a highly functional military establishment although it is small. Today, there is no war anymore, but an old military site like this still indicates the toughness of Taiwan’s marine corps in early days.