The joy of ecological exploration

Butterfly watching in Dongyin (such as swallowtails, pierids, lycaenids, and some species of the nymphalidae family) is best from spring to autumn and is considered a unique natural attraction of Dongyin. In Juguang, birdwatching and intertidal-zone exploration are also popular.

Day1｜Dongyin

On clear days at Zhongzhu Harbor, visitors may spot many swallowtails and pierids gliding through the air currents. Along the trail from the bus stop to Dongyong Lighthouse, lycaenids are commonly seen, especially species such as the Pale Grass Blue. On the grassy slopes, one will also find various species of pierids and nymphalidae, including the Yellow Albatross and the Red Lacewing. The stretch from Suicide Cliff (烈女義坑) to Taibai Echo Cliff is the only habitat in Matsu where the Oriental Green Hairstreak can be found. These butterflies appear from spring to autumn and have become one of Dongyin’s most remarkable natural highlights.

Transportation

1. Take the Taima Star / New Taima ferry from Keelung West Pier No.2 to Dongyin. The sailing time is approximately 8–10 hours.
2. Fly with Uni Air or Mandarin Airlines to Matsu Nangan Airport, then take a taxi to Fu’ao Harbor and board the Taima Star for Dongyin.
3. You may also inquire with your accommodation regarding scooter rental or harbor pick-up services.

Fare Information

1. One-way fare: Keelung → Dongyin (Economy Class) approx. NT$1,050
2. One-way fare: Nangan → Dongyin (Economy Class) approx. NT$400
3. New Taima Ferry Fare Chart
4. Taima Star Fare Chart

Travel Tips

1. Dongyin Dongyong Travel (Tickets for Dongyin → Nangan Taima Star): 0933-512-666
2. Chuan-Kang Shipping (Tickets for Dongyin → Nangan New Taima Ferry): Keelung 02-2425-6777, Nangan 0836-23888, Dongyin 0836-77077
3. Reminder: The Taima Star / New Taima Ferry may experience cancellations or schedule changes due to weather or seasonal conditions. Please confirm before boarding.
   Chuan-Kang Shipping: Keelung 02-2425-0396, Nangan 0836-26368, Dongyin 0836-77077
   Be sure to check whether the ferry route of the day is “Nangan → Dongyin” first or “Dongyin → Nangan,” so you can plan your itinerary properly.

Day2｜Dongju

1. The waters surrounding Juguang include uninhabited islets such as Snake Mountain Islet (She Mountain) and Yongliu Islet. These islets were once used by the military as target islands. Since the end of the military administration era, nature has gradually reclaimed them. Located at the mouth of the Min River, these waters are rich in anchovies, ribbonfish, and other marine resources, making them excellent feeding and breeding sites for birds and terns. Snake Mountain in Xiju has been designated as the Matsu Tern Conservation Area. In the villages of Dapu and Fuzheng, resident birds can often be seen. Even in residential areas, barn swallows frequently nest under eaves and rooftops. Residents of Juguang proudly say that “our refrigerator is by the seaside”—referring to the abundant intertidal zone of Xiniuyu, where visitors can find top shells, clams, turban shells, seaweed, oysters, and more. This area is often described as “Juguang’s marine pasture.”
2. In recent years, Dongju has made efforts to restore native species such as lilies and pyracantha. Their blooming seasons are spectacular—pyracantha in March and lilies in May—covering the island in beautiful white landscapes.

Transportation

1. From Dongyin Zhongzhu Harbor, take the Taima Star/New Taima Ferry to Nangan (approx. 2 hours). After arriving, you may transfer to Juguang Township.
2. Nangan → Juguang ferry: 07:00, 11:00, 14:30
   Ferry departure times from Juguang back to Nangan vary depending on whether Xiju or Dongju is served first in odd or even months. Please refer to on-site port announcements or check official routes and the latest ferry schedules in advance.
   Odd months: West Juguang first, then East Juguang.
   Even months: East Juguang first, then West Juguang.

Fare Information

1. Nangan → Juguang one-way fare: NT$250
2. Dongju → Xiju fare: Full NT$80 / Half NT$40
3. Scooter rental: approx. NT$500 per day

Travel Tips

1. Juguang’s food and accommodation options are mainly found in: Xiju—Qingfan Village, Tienao Village Dongju—Daping Village, Dapu Village, Fuzheng Village

Day3｜Nangan & Beigan

Nangan and Beigan are the primary winter dolphin-watching areas in Matsu. The best dolphin-watching route in Nangan is the Jinren Trail, connecting Jinsha Village and Ren’ai Village. Along the way, visitors will pass Shengtian Indigenous Botanical Garden, which preserves native vegetation and is also a good place to spot resident birds such as the White-spotted Fantail. A 10-minute drive leads to the Fisheries Research Institute in Siwei Village, where visitors can view fish specimens, including famous Matsu seafood such as dried anchovies, yellow croaker, grouper, mussels, and various edible seaweeds—making the area truly a “marine paradise.”

Transportation

1. As the largest island in Matsu, Nangan offers taxis, car rentals, and scooter rentals for convenient travel.

Fare Information

1. Taxi service: Lienchiang County Taxi Association 0836-22705
2. Scooter rental: approx. NT$500 per day
3. Car rental: approx. NT$2,000 per day

Travel Tips

1. Chunghwa Telecom generally provides the best mobile reception in the Matsu region.
2. The Beihai Tunnel is affected by tidal conditions. Please check the 30-day tide table before planning your visit.

※ The above fares and ferry schedules are for reference only. Please check the latest official announcements.