3-Day Ecology Tour

Butterflies can be spotted across Dongyin from spring to autumn, including swallowtails, pierids, lycaenids, and various species of fritillaries. In Juguang, visitors can enjoy birdwatching and exploring the intertidal zone.

Day1｜Zhongzhu Harbor → Lienü Yikeng → Taibai Echo Cliff → Dongyong Lighthouse → Northernmost Frontier → Zhongzhu Island
On clear days at Zhongzhu Harbor, numerous butterflies such as swallowtails and pierids can be seen gliding swiftly on the sea breeze. Along the trail leading to Dongyong Lighthouse, lycaenids are especially abundant, including species like the Dark Grass Blue and other fritillaries such as the Yellow Gorgon and Red Lacewing. The area between Lienü Yikeng and Taibai Echo Cliff is home to Matsu’s only population of the Green Hairstreak, appearing from spring to autumn—truly a natural wonder unique to Dongyin.

Transportation

1. Take the Taima Star from Keelung’s West Pier No. 2 to Dongyin. Travel time is approximately 10 hours.
2. Take a UNI Air or Mandarin Airlines flight to Matsu Nangan Airport, then travel by taxi to Fu'ao Harbor and transfer to the Taima Star for Dongyin.
3. Taxis are readily available at Zhongzhu Harbor, and many accommodations also offer scooter rentals upon request.

Fare Information

1. One-way fare on the New Taima from Keelung to Dongyin: approximately NT$1,050.
2. One-way fare on the New Taima from Nangan to Dongyin: approximately NT$400.
3. Detailed fare table available: New Taima Fare Chart.

Travel Tips

1. Dongyin Royal Hotel (sells Taima Star tickets for the Dongyin–Nangan route). Contact: (0836) 77168.

2. Reminder: The Taima Star schedule may be adjusted or suspended due to seasonal or weather conditions. Please confirm before departure.

   Hsin Hua Shipping:

   Keelung: 02-2424-6868

   Nangan: 0836-26655

   Dongyin: 0836-77555

3. Take note whether the vessel operates “Nangan → Dongyin” or “Dongyin → Nangan” first when planning your itinerary.

Day2｜Dongju: Meng'ao Harbor → Dapu Rock Inscription → Fuzheng Beach → Dongjyu Lighthouse → Lily Park → Dapu Settlement
Day2｜Xiju: Qingfan Harbor → Xiqiu → Ledao'ao → She Mountain → Caipu'ao

1. Waters around Juguang include several uninhabited islands such as She Mountain and Yongliuyu. These islands were once used by the military as artillery targets, but since the end of Martial Law, they have gradually returned to nature. With no human disturbance, the nutrient-rich estuary of the Min River produces abundant anchovies, whitefin fish, and other marine life—making it an ideal feeding and breeding ground for seabirds. She Mountain in Xiju is now designated as the Matsu Tern Conservation Area. Dapu and Fuzheng Settlements in Juguang are also known for frequent sightings of resident birds. Even within residential neighborhoods, barn swallows can be seen nesting under the eaves. Locals proudly say “our refrigerator is the seashore,” referring to the rich intertidal zone of Xiniuyu, where visitors can find top shells, clams, oysters, laver, and more—Juguang’s natural ocean farm.
2. In recent years, Dongju has successfully restored native plant species such as the pearlbush and lilies. Every March the pearlbush blooms, and in May the island turns white with blooming lilies—an enchanting sight.

Transportation

1. From Dongyin’s Zhongzhu Harbor, take the Taima Star (approx. 2 hours) to Nangan, then transfer to Juguang Township. Ferry schedules from Nangan to Juguang: 07:00, 11:00, 14:30. In odd-numbered months: Fu'ao → Xiju (50 min) → Dongju (10 min) → Fu'ao (50 min). In even-numbered months: Fu'ao → Dongju (50 min) → Xiju (10 min) → Fu'ao (50 min).
2. Daily inter-island ferry schedule: Xiju departures: 07:30, 10:00, 11:00, 14:00, 17:10 Dongju departures: 07:40, 10:10, 11:10, 14:10, 17:20

Fare Information

1. Nangan–Juguang ferry: NT$250 (one-way).
2. Dongju–Xiju ferry: full fare NT$80, half fare NT$40.
3. Scooter rental: approximately NT$500 per day.

Travel Tips

1. Accommodation is available in Xiju’s Qingfan and Tian’ao Villages, and in Dongju’s Daping, Dapu, and Fuzheng Settlements.

Day3｜Nangan: Fu'ao Harbor → Ren'ai Village Coast → Shengtian Park → Siwei Village
Nangan and Beigan are the main islands for dolphin watching during winter. The dolphin-watching route in Nangan follows the Jinsha–Ren’ai coastline along the Jinren Trail. Passing the Shengtian Native Plant Garden, visitors can observe preserved native flora and resident birds such as the White-spotted Bush Robin. A 10-minute drive leads to the Fisheries Research Institute in Siwei Village, where fish specimens are displayed. Matsu’s well-known seafood includes dried shrimp, yellow croaker, grouper, mussels (locally called “dan cai”—Mytilus coruscus), and the edible seaweed known as “group algae,” showcasing the richness of Matsu’s marine ecosystem.

Transportation

1. As the largest island in Matsu, Nangan offers taxis, rental cars, and scooter rental services.

Fare Information

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

Travel Tips

1. Scooter and car rental are available on the island.
2. Chunghwa Telecom generally provides the best mobile reception.
3. Beihai Tunnel access depends on tides; please check the 30-day tidal forecast in advance.
4. Taxi inquiries: Lienchiang County Taxi Association – 0836-22705

※ The above fares and ferry schedules are for reference only. Please follow official announcements.