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✈️ 3-Day 2-Night Plan · 2026

Matsu Islands
3 Days, 2 Nights — Complete Guide

Closer to mainland China than to Taiwan · Cold War tunnels · Blue Tears bioluminescence · Authentic Fuzhou cuisine

📅 Updated May 2026
About This Trip

A plan that covers every island — the glowing blue sea is waiting for you

Matsu is not just an island — it is a living museum that preserves Cold War history, Fuzhou culture, and rare natural phenomena all in one place. This 3-day itinerary is sequenced so you see Nangan on day one — military Tunnel 88 plus the Kaoliang Distillery in the afternoon, then wait for the Blue Tears to glow after dark. Beigan on day two — a Mediterranean-style stone village where people still actually live. Dongju on day three — the quiet island of ancient rock platforms before flying home. Everything is timed around real ferry schedules so you never miss a boat and never feel rushed.

Day-by-Day Schedule

Hour-by-hour itinerary for all 3 days

DAY
1
Nangan · Military tunnels · Blue Tears
08:00 AM
Fly from Taipei Songshan to BeiganUNI Air or Mandarin Airlines — 50 minutes, around NT$2,800 one way. Book at least 60 days in advance; seats are very limited. Beigan Airport is on Beigan Island, so you'll need a short ferry to Nangan afterward.
10:00 AM
Ferry Beigan → Nangan (10 minutes)The pier is just 5 minutes from the airport. Ferry fare NT$50–80, crossing takes 10 minutes. Check into your guesthouse and drop your bags before heading out to explore.
11:00 AM
Tunnel 88 + Kaoliang DistilleryTunnel 88 is a Cold War-era military tunnel carved through a mountain to shelter warships — 640 metres long with seawater inside. A 5-minute walk leads to the Kaoliang Distillery, where you can watch the 58° sorghum liquor being made. NT$50/glass for a tasting.
01:30 PM
Lunch — Fuzhou Fish Ball Soup + Ji-guang BingFuzhou-style fish balls (魚丸) in a clear broth — silkier and bouncier than anything you'll find in Taipei. Ji-guang Bing (繼光餅) is a flat, crispy baked bread with a history tied to Ming dynasty general Qi Jiguang. Find it in the central market in Nangan, NT$60–120 per bowl.
03:00 PM
Yangmingshan Park + Beihai TunnelThis is not the Yangmingshan in Taipei — Nangan's version is the island's highest viewpoint, with panoramic views over the South China Sea and surrounding islands. Beihai Tunnel is larger than Tunnel 88, with higher ceilings and emerald water reflecting the lights — the single best photo spot in Matsu.
07:00 PM
Blue Tears at Daping Beach / BeihaiBlue Tears is bioluminescent plankton (Noctiluca scintillans) that glows blue when disturbed, visible to the naked eye from April to September. Download the "Matsu Blue Tears" app and check the intensity level before you go. Turn off your phone screen, let your eyes adjust to the dark for 5 minutes, then watch the waves sparkle blue.
DAY
2
Beigan · Heritage villages · Fresh seafood
08:30 AM
Ferry back to Beigan + check inFerry Nangan → Beigan, 10 minutes. Check into your resort on Beigan to use it as a base. Beigan is smaller and quieter than Nangan, with prettier villages and a more relaxed atmosphere.
10:00 AM
Qinbi Village — the best-preserved stone village in MatsuQinbi (芹壁) is a fishing village built from grey granite on a hillside overlooking the sea — pure Mediterranean in feel. Many houses have been converted into B&Bs and cafés. Wander the narrow alleys, photograph the sea backdrop. Allow 1.5–2 hours.
12:30 PM
Lunch at Tangqi Village — seafood straight off the boatTangqi (塘岐) is Beigan's main village with a small fish market. Seafood here is cheap and impossibly fresh — shellfish, fish, and crab caught that same morning. NT$300–600 per meal. No Mandarin needed — just point at what you want from the display.
02:30 PM
Sakai Village + military observation postSakai (坂里) is another well-preserved village showcasing traditional Fuzhou architecture. Walk up to the old military fort viewpoint for a clear sightline across to Nangan and the surrounding smaller islands. About a 20-minute walk from Tangqi.
05:00 PM
Sunset at Houao BeachA small white-sand beach on the west side of Beigan with unobstructed views of the sun sinking into the sea. During April to September, you may even catch faint Blue Tears here once it gets fully dark.
07:00 PM
Dinner + Kaoliang by the waterSeafood restaurants in Tangqi market stay open until 21:00. Order steamed Flower Crab and sea urchin if they're in season. Kaoliang 38° (milder than 58°) is perfect with dinner — drink moderately, you still need an early start tomorrow.
DAY
3
Dongju · Ancient rock platforms · Fly home
07:30 AM
Check out + Ferry Beigan → Dongju (30 minutes)Dongju (東莒) is the quietest island in the Matsu archipelago. Ferry from Nangan (via Beigan) takes about 30 minutes, NT$80–100. There is no public transport on the island — rent a motorbike or bicycle for NT$300/day.
09:30 AM
Dajiu Hillside — free-roaming Sika deerDongju is home to a population of Sika deer that roam freely on the hillsides. You can get surprisingly close and photograph them. A 20-minute walk from the pier. Please do not feed them.
11:00 AM
Ancient granite rock platforms + Dongju LighthouseVast natural granite platforms that formed over billions of years along the shoreline. Dongju Lighthouse was built in 1872 by the British, still operational today, and is the oldest lighthouse in the Matsu Islands.
01:00 PM
Lunch + souvenir shoppingOnly a handful of restaurants on Dongju — keep it simple with steamed or stir-fried seafood. Buy your souvenirs here: a small bottle of Kaoliang + boxed Ji-guang Bing + 黑糖糕 (black sugar cake). Souvenir shops are right at the pier.
02:30 PM
Ferry back to Beigan + wait for your flightFerry Dongju → Nangan → Beigan, approximately 30–40 minutes. Allow 1.5 hours at Beigan Airport before your departure. If fog rolls in, flights may delay — never book anything important on the same day you fly out of Matsu.
04:30 PM
Fly Beigan → Taipei Songshan — heading homeEvening flights tend to depart more reliably than morning ones because sea fog usually clears by afternoon. Flying time is 50 minutes. If your flight delays significantly, the airline provides free accommodation. You'll be back in Taipei before 20:00 on a normal day.
Trip Budget

Estimated costs for 3 days 2 nights (per person)

TransportNT$7,500
AccommodationNT$4,000
FoodNT$2,500
Activities & TicketsNT$600
TotalNT$14,600
Estimated per-person cost — round-trip flights NT$5,600 + total ferry NT$800 + Dongju motorbike rental NT$300. Accommodation based on 2 nights averaging NT$2,000/night. Three meals per day. Activities and tunnel entry included. Does not include Kaoliang souvenirs.
Travel Tips

5 things you should know before you go

✈️
Book flights at least 60 days in advance
Matsu flights have very limited seats — UNI Air and Mandarin Airlines each operate only 1–2 flights per day per route. The cheapest fares appear 2 months out. Book late and you may pay double or find nothing available at all.
🌫️
Fog causes delays — never fly out on the day of an important appointment
Sea fog is thick and frequent, especially in winter and spring. Flight delays of 3–8 hours are genuinely routine. Always build a buffer day after you return to Taipei. Airlines provide free accommodation if a delay runs overnight.
🌊
Blue Tears only appear April–September — download the app first
The Matsu Blue Tears App (iOS/Android) shows real-time plankton intensity. Level 3 or above means a clear sighting. Best spots: Beihai Tunnel in Nangan and Houao Beach in Beigan. Wait until full darkness after 21:00 for the best effect.
🍶
Kaoliang 58° is very strong — drink moderately, never drive after drinking
Kaoliang 58° is a doubly-distilled sorghum liquor at 58% ABV — stronger than standard whisky. Available as a gift from the distillery or shops across the island. If you're not used to high-proof spirits, choose 38° instead. There's no ride-hailing on the islands — if you rent a vehicle, skip the liquor.
🎁
Don't leave without: Kaoliang · Ji-guang Bing · Black Sugar Cake
Kaoliang: 600ml bottle NT$300–500. Ji-guang Bing (繼光餅): the flat crispy flatbread eaten with ham or pork — an original recipe you won't find in Taipei. 黑糖糕 (black sugar cake): soft, fragrant, and unique to Matsu. All available at shops right at the Nangan and Beigan piers.
Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ · Common questions answered

How do I get to Matsu — fly or take the overnight ferry?
Flying is recommended. Flights from Taipei Songshan to Beigan or Nangan take 50 minutes and cost around NT$2,800 one way. The ferry from Keelung takes 8–10 hours and costs NT$600–1,200 — much cheaper but very rough. Great if you want the experience; otherwise, always fly.
What are Blue Tears, and when and where can I see them?
Blue Tears is a bioluminescence phenomenon caused by plankton (Noctiluca scintillans) that glows blue when disturbed. Best window: April to September, especially after rain. Top spots: Beihai Tunnel (Nangan) and Houao Beach (Beigan). You need complete darkness after 21:00. Download the Matsu Blue Tears app to check live intensity before heading out.
How is Fuzhou cuisine in Matsu different from food in Taipei?
Most food in Taipei is Minnan (Hokkien) style with Japanese influence. Matsu cuisine is authentic Fuzhou from the mainland directly across the water — Fish Ball soup with a silky clear broth, Ji-guang Bing flatbread, Red Yeast Wine Chicken, and ultra-fresh seafood caught that morning. The flavours are lighter and rely entirely on ingredient freshness.
Does fog delay flights often? How much buffer time should I allow?
Sea fog is a real problem, especially November to March. Delays of 3–6 hours happen regularly. The rule: never schedule anything important (a meeting, a wedding, a connecting flight) on the same day as your return flight. Add a 1-day buffer if possible. Airlines provide free accommodation if delays run overnight.
Should I buy Kaoliang 58° or 38°?
58° is the original — stronger and more aromatic, ideal as a gift for confident drinkers. 38° is better for drinking yourself or giving to someone not used to high-proof spirits. Prices are similar at NT$300–500 for a 600ml bottle. Buying at the Nangan distillery is slightly cheaper than shops around the island.
How many days do you need in Matsu? Is 3 nights really necessary?
2 days 1 night if you only want Nangan — you can cover Tunnel 88, Beihai, and Blue Tears. 3 days 2 nights if you want to add Beigan and Dongju. 4–5 days if you enjoy hiking, diving, or want multiple nights watching Blue Tears. This itinerary fills 3 days comfortably without rushing or dead time.
Matsu Travel Guide
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Fish Ball · Ji-guang Bing · Kaoliang
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