Other than the main island, Taiwan has plenty of small surrounding islets, administered by counties such as Penghu, Kinmen and Lienchiang(Matsu).
Penghu County (澎湖縣)
Penghu, an archipelago of 90+ islands in the Taiwan Strait, offers sun-soaked beaches, dramatic basalt landscapes, and a slower pace of life. Often nicknamed the “Hawaii of Taiwan,” it’s beloved for its marine culture, fresh seafood, and rich maritime heritage. The islands celebrate unique traditions like the annual Penghu Wind Festival, attracting windsurfers and kite enthusiasts worldwide.
The heart of Penghu lies in Magong City, where you’ll find historic Mazu temples, stone-lined alleys, and lively night markets. Basalt columns—like those at Chixian Rock and Siyu—are remnants of ancient lava flows, while pop-culture stone formations such as Double-Heaven Rocks add to the rugged charm. Penghu’s beaches, including Shanshui and Baisha, provide shallow waters perfect for snorkeling, swimming, and whale watching.
For island-hopping fun, smaller islets like Qimei Island, with its scenic Twin-Heart Stone Weir, and Jibei Island, known for its white sand and windmills, are accessible by day trip. Penghu’s cuisine pulses with ocean flavor: grilled squid, oyster omelets, and seafood stews are local staples best enjoyed at sunset.
Highlights:
Magong Old Street & Mazu Temple – Maritime culture and temple heritage
Basalt Column Coast (Chixian Rock) – Distinct volcanic scenery & photo ops
Qimei Twin-Heart Stone Weir – Romantic island attraction and symbol
Penghu Wind and Kite Festival – International event for wind sports
Jibei Island’s White Sand Beach – Island escape and windmill-lined shores
Kinmen County (金門縣)
Kinmen, just off China’s Fujian coast, is a living museum of Taiwan’s Cold War era, dotted with historical bunkers, military tunnels, and Fujian-style villages. Often called the “Steps Between Taiwan and Mainland China,” Kinmen provides unique insight into cross-strait history blended with countryside charm and strong traditional culture.
The county’s villages—such as Jincheng and Jinsha—feature distinctive traditional Tulou (earth dwellings), wind lion god statues, and family courtyards. You can explore former battlegrounds and tunnels like the Zhaishan Tunnel, which recount the island’s heroic defense past. Historic cuisine, such as Kinmen Kaoliang Liquor, Peanut Candy, and Jinjiang Oyster Omelet, reflects the region’s heritage.
Nature here is ruggedly striking—coastlines dotted with nature reserves like Shuitou, perfect for birdwatching. Outdoor activities include cycling, beachcombing, and visiting old pirate coves. Kinmen’s cultural ties deepen in spring and autumn festivals, especially during Mid-Autumn, when locals roast mooncakes together in a display of island community spirit.
Highlights:
Zhaishan Tunnel & Guningtou Battle Museum – Cold War military history
Wind Lion God Statues – Unique stone guardians of local villages
Kinmen Folk Culture Village – Traditional architecture and crafts
Kinmen Kaoliang Distillery – Famous locally brewed spirit tasting
Shuitou Seaside Park – Coastal birdwatching and sunrise views
Lienchiang County / Matsu (連江縣 / 馬祖)
Matsu, known for its fog-shrouded dramatic coastlines and stone houses, lies closer to China’s Fujian province than Taiwan’s main island. Shaped by maritime history and military heritage, Matsu charms visitors with blue and white Beigang Qingtian houses, coastal iron forts, and panoramic Mt. Qinbi, crowned by wind-sculpted basalt.
Nangan and Jinmen Township are the largest islands. Their connected villages boast narrow lanes, old temples like Qianliyan Shrine, and Matsu lore celebrating goddesses and fishermen traditions. You can explore military relics, fortified tunnels, and Dongyue Temple, built directly on coastal rock cliffs to bless sailors. Matsu’s unique geography creates the famous Blue Tears—bioluminescent plankton glowing along the shore in summer.
Island-hopping lets you visit Beigan, Dongyin, and historic lighthouses like Dongyin/Beigan Lighthouse. Matsu tourists enjoy jeep tours, sea fog photography, and getting lost in traditional underground fortresses. Seasonal festivals such as the Matsu Pilgrimage—Taiwan’s longest religious procession—offer profound cultural insight.
Highlights:
Mt. Qinbi and Blue-White Houses – Iconic photo opportunities & architecture
Dongyue Temple on the Cliff – Sea-blessed temple with dramatic location
Matsu Military Tunnels & Caves – WWII and Cold War relics
Blue Tears on Dongyin / Nangan Beaches – Bioluminescent natural wonder
Matsu Pilgrimage Festival – Longest goddess celebration in Taiwan