Mazu (Matsu) was once a battlefield on the front lines of the cross-strait conflict in earlier years. During the current peacetime, the guns have long been silenced but the legacy of this era is still palpable throughout the island group, from the tunnel systems to artillery guns, reminding one of the trials of war and the hardships of the troops who defended their country.

Apart from its military history, Mazu (Matsu) is known for its eastern Fujianese culture. This influence can be seen in the traditional houses, temple architecture, and vibrant ceremonial traditions throughout the islands here. The down-to-earth warmth of the island residents further adds to Mazu (Matsu)'s considerable charms.

The combination of Fujianese culture and island environment has also given Mazu (Matsu) a unique culinary culture. Specialties here include aged wines and warming foods to fight off the winter chill, a stunning variety of seafood, fish ball soup, fish noodles, sweet potato dumplings and other delicious seasonal dishes that will have you longing for more.

The ecology of Mazu (Matsu) is equally distinctive, with granite terrain and precipitous reef rocks. There are plenty of opportunities to get up close with the local plant and animal life. Walking along the beach or through the forest, it is difficult not to marvel at nature's generosity to this island paradise.

Due to its beauty and position just off the coast of Fujian, the Mazu (Matsu) island chain is known as the "Pearl necklace at the mouth of the Minjiang River." The islands are located northeast of the main island of Taiwan, in fact being closer to China than to Taiwan. Mazu (Matsu) County is formed of four island townships: Nangan, Beigan, Dongyin, and Juguang, which jointly embrace 29 islands of various sizes. Zhong Island (Jhong Island), Tiejian Island, and Huangguan Islet are internationally-known as tern refuges. After the sighting of rare Chinese crested terns on Zhong Island (Jhong Island), Mazu (Matsu) rose to the ranks of the world's premier bird-watching destinations.

With so much to see, Mazu (Matsu) is thoroughly worthy of multiple visits and visitors should appreciate its abundant beauty at a slow pace!