Dongyin Township in Matsu, located approximately 100 nautical miles northwest of Keelung on Taiwan’s main island, is the northernmost township in Taiwan, often referred to as the “northern frontier of the nation.” Renowned for its stunning natural scenery and sea-eroded landscapes, Dongyin has undergone significant spatial and cultural transformations—from its origins as a Fujianese fishing village, through its era as a military outpost, to its current focus on tourism-driven development. Today, the living culture of Dongyin preserves elements from all these periods, including traditional Fujianese architecture from its fishing village days, slogans and military installations from its wartime years, and a thriving tourism industry. This unique blend of cultural elements is reflected in the township’s distinctive communal layout and offers visitors a one-of-a-kind tourism experience.
Dongyin Township centers its development on the concepts of creating a “livable township” and promoting “quality tourism,” with the strategy of building the Dongyin “Cittaslow Brand” at its core. Committed to sustainable development, Dongyin has worked to establish its identity as an island brand. In 2022, it was honored with the “Gold Award at the 4th Taiwan Township Branding Awards” for its dedication to shaping the brand of this small island. By integrating aesthetics into its communities, Dongyin has transformed into an island of beauty and inspiration.
Where is Dongyin｜Transportation Guide
Located approximately 100 nautical miles northwest of Keelung, Dongyin Island has no airport, with transportation relying primarily on sea routes. Travelers can take the New Taima Ferry from Keelung Port to Dongyin, a journey that takes approximately 6–8 hours.
New Taima Ferry
Dining in Dongyin
Dongyin, also known as the “Hometown of Yellow Croaker,” boasts abundant marine resources and features the iconic fish species, “Striped Beakfish.” Seafood is a staple in Dongyin’s cuisine. In addition, Dongyin’s distinctive dishes carry the influences of Fujian culture, often incorporating “old wine” and “red fermented rice” as key ingredients. Signature dishes include Old Wine Noodles, Red Fermented Chicken Soup, and Red Fermented Fried Rice.
The Jiguang Biscuit, often referred to as the “Matsu Burger,” is also a must-have on the dining table. In winter, seasonal mullet roe dishes further enhance the culinary experience in Dongyin.
Red Yeast Fried Rice
Yellow Croaker Cuisine
Matsu Burger – Jiguang Biscuit
Mullet Roe Rice Ball
Experience Dongyin
View Dongyin from the Sea
The “View Dongyin from the Sea” activity is held annually from April to September. Due to the rich rock formations and stunning tern ecology around Dongyin, this event is designed to allow visitors to experience the majestic scenery of Dongyin from a unique perspective.
The Dongyin Military Obstacle Race
The Dongyin Military Obstacle Race is the only military cross-country running event in Taiwan. The racecourse combines the Dongyin actual military training grounds, with a 500-obstacle course and the exclusive Middle Pillar Tunnel, which are open only during the event. It is an activity that merges culture and sports, creating a unique event brand for Dongyin.
Dongyin Arts and Culture Week
The Dongyin Arts and Culture Week performance events are presented in the form of environmental theater. Each year, the theme of the theater performance revolves around the stories of Dongyin, showcasing the important culture of Dongyin. The performances condense the significant events of Dongyin into the theater. The theater is designed to be environmentally friendly, with the hope that the audience can enjoy the drama while the vast starry sky serves as the backdrop, allowing the soul to connect with nature and the theater, creating a healing island experience in Dongyin.
The Dongyin Temple Culture Festival
Dongyin Township has a high density of temples, and the period from the 9th to the 24th of the first month of the lunar calendar is when the temple culture in Dongyin is most prominent. It is also an important part of showcasing the Minnan Eastern temple culture. Among these activities, the procession for the local deity “Baima Zunwang” is the grandest, with a route that covers the entire island. The procession is a full community mobilization, and it can be considered one of the most unifying cultural events in Dongyin.
Aesthetic Dongyin
Dongyin Township Image Business District Design
In order to implement the island’s brand in every corner of the village, the Dongyin Township Office specially redesigned the house numbers and shop signs in the settlement. Unlike the previous standardized designs, the house numbers of Dongyin are uniquely based on the local features. Through research and investigation of local characteristics, the sea color of Dongyin was used as the base, and special materials resistant to moisture from the coastal area were employed. As for the shop signs, inspiration was drawn from the local yellow fish, replacing the modern large and bright signs to restore a serene beauty to the environment.
Dongyin Sorghum Liquor Commemorative Gift Box
During the off-peak travel season each year, Dongyin Township promotes slow travel, combining the most iconic local product—Dongyin sorghum liquor—with aesthetic design. The “Slow Travel Commemorative Gift Box” campaign offers visitors a special souvenir when they arrive on the island. Through various packaging designs, the long-standing Dongyin sorghum liquor gains a new meaning.
