Kinmen consists of a group of islands with a subtropical monsoon climate and a hilly terrain made up mostly of granite. It is only 2,100 meters from China at the closest point so that China’s landscape can be viewed clearly with high-powered binoculars.

Kinmen can be justly termed "battleground islands," and most of the history originated in war. Everywhere on the islands you can see structures built to accommodate the needs of battle, largely underground tunnels and other structures designed for defense. But the cultural assets of these islands are not inferior to their battlefield aspects. There are as many as 21 government-designated historic sites that provide a rich insight into the folk culture of the old days. Most of the residences there are in the traditional three-sided courtyard southern Fujianese style; you can see these simple, rustic homes everywhere, exhibiting rich traces of history.

Although the people of the islands live relatively simple lifestyles, in their religious devotion they take a back seat to nobody; Taoist and Buddhist thought is their spiritual fortress, and they deeply venerate such deities as the City God and Mazu (Matsu), Goddess of the Sea. Veneration of the Wind Lion,in particular, is a unique feature of the religious structure in Kinmen.

Another attraction is the ceramic factory, which is the only "government kiln" in Taiwan. The products of this factory are especially famous as containers for special Kinmen kaoliang--fiery sorghum spirits--and these containers are treasured as collector's items by all who like alcoholic drinks. Other ceramic products include duplicates of some classic artworks, ceramic paintings, qinghua blue-and-white ceramics, and crystalline glaze pieces, all of which are favorites of collectors at home and abroad. Foreign visitors to Kinmen are frequently amazed by these exquisite artworks.

Kaoliang spirits, with their crisp, rich flavor, are perhaps the most famous specialties of Kinmen. The aged special-grade kaoliang is frequently hoarded so that supply is sometimes unable to meet demand. Other special products of the islands include tribute candies, Kinmen noodles, and yitiaogen medicinal herbs. The latter product is believed to enrich the blood, eliminate toxins, and alleviate rheumatism.