Dongyin (東引 Dōngyǐn) is an island in the Matsu region of Taiwan.
Understand
[edit]Due to its military significance, Dongyin has been an active and heavily stationed base. As of early 2001, up to 50 Tien Chi (Sky Spear) missiles were deployed at two sites: Tungyin Island, and an unidentified second location. The Tungyin Island missiles are said to be housed in silos and protected by batteries of Tien Kung-2 SAMs. The number of soldiers, the major consumers, is several times as many as the residents.
- 1 Dongyin Visitor Center (東引遊客中心), ☏ +886 83677266. 08:00-17:00. For more information regarding the attractions and services on the island, you may wish to visit the Centre.
Get in
[edit]By air
[edit]
- 1 Dongyin Heliport (東引直升機場). There is a helicopter service for connecting the islands. These are most commonly used in an emergency, such as for medical transport. Services are operated by Emerald Pacific Airlines.
By sea
[edit]
- 2 Zhongzhu Harbor (中柱港). The main port for accessing the island; there is a ferry that runs between Dongyin and Nangan.
Get around
[edit]
Map of Dongyin
Local transportation around Dongyin are taxis and scooters since the area doesn't have public buses. Dongyin can be explored by foot due to its relatively flat terrain.
- 2 Dongyin Petrol Station (東引加油站), Nan'ao Road, ☏ +886 83676048. 08:00-17:30. If you plan to hire a scooter while you're here, it is probably a good idea to get to know where this is as it's the only petrol station on the island.
See
[edit]Culture and history
[edit]
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- 1 Dongyong Lighthouse (東湧燈塔). In the late 19th century, Qing Dynasty opened a port in the area, thus the Dongying Lighthouse was built by British engineers to guide ships. The construction was completed in 1902.
- 2 Andong Tunnel (安東坑道). The tunnel path was constructed with 30 degrees angle downwards with 464 steps at a length of 260 meters. The tunnel itself is 640 meters long. It features military utilities, such as dormitories, ammunition depots, viewing platform etc.
- 3 Ganen Pavilion (中柱感恩亭), ☏ +886 83625631. A small gazebo situated on an island in the middle of the bridge which links the two islands. The gazebo covers a statue of the former President of the ROC, Chiang Ching-kuo.
- 4 Loyalty Arch (忠誠門). A large stone wall with a doorway set into it which visitors must pass through to access the village. There is a bronze statue of an ROC soldier atop the arch.
- 5 Sanshan Strongpoint (三山據點), ☏ +886 83625631. At the end of the peninsular there are a number of gun emplacements that the public can access for taking photos.
- 6 The Northernmost Frontier (國之北疆), ☏ +886 83625631. 08:00-17:00. This is the northernmost point of land controlled by the ROC government. In 2006, it was developed into a scenic spot and a stone monument inscribed with Northernmost Frontier (國之北疆) was erected. Out from the observatory, the north is the endless sea, and the west is the famous Luohanping (Lohan Flat) (羅漢坪), aka Three-Colored Stone (三色石).
- 7 Xiyin Triumph Monument (西引人定勝天). A large monument painted on the hillside to extol mankind's struggle over nature.
Museums
[edit]- 8 Anti-Communist National Salvation Army History Museum (陸軍東引指揮部隊史館). The name says it all.
Temples
[edit]- 9 White Horse King Temple (白馬尊王廟), ☏ +886 83676181.
- 10 Taishan Temple (泰山府).
Nature
[edit]- 11 Yixiantian Cliff (一線天), ☏ +886 83625631. 08:00-17:00. Erosion has created a narrow pass between two rock faces, leading to the Chinese name which roughly translates as "a thread of sky".
- 12 Suicide Cliff (烈女義坑). It is said that in Qing Dynasty a fisherman’s wife was kidnapped by mobsters to this island. Resisting, she escaped to this cliff, jumped off, and died. To commemorate her chastity, this cliff is named Suicide Cliff.
- 13 Dragon Sea Cave (海現龍闕). A stone arch and caves formed through erosion from the sea.
- 14 Qingshui'ao (清水澳). An area worn flat by erosion from the sea where local sit and contemplate.
- 15 Houao (后澳). Features a number of unusual rock formations which have been carved into unusual shapes by eons of erosion from the sea.
- 16 Crouching Crocodile (靜伏鱷魚), ☏ +886 83625631. The long peninsular, when viewed from the land opposite, resembles a semi-submerged crocodile.
Do
[edit]Hiking
[edit]- 1 Mount Taishan Scenic Trail (泰山府景觀步道).
Sports
[edit]- 2 Dongyong Sports Park (東湧運動公園). An outdoor sporting facility featuring a running track and grassed area.
Eat
[edit]- 1 Zhen Shan Mei Restaurant (珍膳美餐廳), ☏ +886 83677289. 11:00-20:00. Specialises in local seafood.
- 2 Qingye Restaurant (青葉餐廳), ☏ +886 83677307. 11:00-19:00. A well-established Fujianese restaurant.
Drink
[edit]- 1 Dongyin Matsu Distillery (馬祖酒廠東引分廠), ☏ +886 83676006. 08:00-17:30. A working distillery making Moutai. There is an information centre which outlines the history of the industry, as well as a shop where visitors can buy some.
Sleep
[edit]- 1 Dong Yin Hai Jiao (東引 海角民宿), ☏ +886 928418308. A small B&B featuring free wifi and a bar.
- 2 Royal Hotel Dongyin (東湧行旅旅店). A modern hotel set atop the hill near the harbour.
- 3 Ease Inn (安逸旅店), ☏ +886 83677010. A simple B&B which provides a simple Chinese and Western-style breakfast.
- 4 Bian Cheng (邊辰), ☏ +886 83676053. A small, new B&B sitting just behind the Loyalty Arch. There is complementary wifi.