To promote winter slow travel and in-depth experiences of battlefield culture, Matsu National Scenic Area Headquarters of the Tourism Administration, Ministry of Transportation and Communications specially invited travel writer Mr. Hsieh Che-ching and “Grandma Amy” from the United Kingdom—beloved by Taiwanese audiences for her warm and insightful observations of everyday life—to embark on a two-day in-depth journey across Beigan and Nangan on December 3–4.
Traveling on foot, the two explorers came to know the islands through settlements, trails, faith, and natural geology, presenting Matsu’s unique charm from a cross-cultural perspective—where the slower you go, the more you are able to see.
The journey began in Beigan as the first stop. After gathering at Fuao Port, the group took part in the “Beigan Prayer Walk” experience, walking along the coastline of Longjiao Peak to enjoy dramatic sea cliffs. Along the Ankang Trail and through the Qinbi Village, they experienced Beigan’s iconic scenery, where stone houses blend harmoniously with the layered hues of sea and sky.
After lunch in Qinbi Village, the itinerary continued to the Banli Grand House and Banli Mazu Temple (Tianhou Temple), offering insights into the settlement’s historical development and religious traditions. The journey then led into the Beihai Tunnel, where the interplay of tides and shifting light created a deep, atmospheric landscape that left both travelers in awe.
In the evening, the visit concluded at the Luoshan Nature Trail, where geological observations and the diverse plant life along the path provided a rich and satisfying finale to the Beigan experience.
The following day, the itinerary moved on to Nangan, beginning with a traditional breakfast at the Jieshou Lion Market. Through local flavors such as dingbianhu, oyster cake, and coffee from the local Xiao Qi Café, the two travelers experienced the rhythm of everyday morning life in Matsu.
After breakfast, they embarked on the Nangan Mazu Pilgrimage Journey, setting off from the Nangan Visitor Center and proceeding through Tieban’ao Harbor, Jinbanjing Mazu Temple (Tianhou Temple), the old trail of Tieban Village, Jinren Trail, and Jinsha Village. Walking this route allowed them to deeply appreciate the layered nature of Matsu’s island culture and the evolution of its settlements.
In the afternoon, the journey continued to the Jinsha Mazu Temple, following Shengtian Road to the end of the Tianhou Temple Trail, and finally arriving at the Matsu Mazu Temple. This faith-filled “Mazu Cultural Axis” offered a complete and immersive presentation of Nangan’s cultural essence.
Hong Zhiguang, Director of the Matsu National Scenic Area Administration, noted that Matsu is an island best appreciated at a slow pace. “The beauty of Matsu is not found in haste, but in the feelings accumulated through time and every step taken.” Through the visit of these two travelers with cross-cultural influence, the Administration hopes to help more domestic and international visitors discover Matsu’s tranquil winter charm, the delicate stories embedded in its settlements, and the healing power of its natural environment.
The Matsu Administration will also simultaneously promote winter in-depth travel through visual and written content across relevant platforms, continuing to enhance the international visibility and cultural value of outlying-island tourism.
