Kinmen Travel Guide – iBeauty Taiwan Travel Guide Blog Itinerary, Taipei Tourist Attractions

Tucked away in the Taiwan Strait, just a stone’s throw from mainland China, Kinmen (金門) is unlike anywhere else in Taiwan. Known for its deep wartime history, preserved military fortresses, and charming Minnan-style villages, Kinmen is a destination that speaks softly but profoundly — a place where the past and present co-exist with quiet dignity.

Far from the high-rises and neon lights of urban Taiwan, Kinmen offers a slower, reflective travel experience. It’s an island of ancient granite homes, secret tunnels, whispering battlefields, and traditions that have outlasted empires. Here, you’ll sip locally brewed sorghum liquor in century-old buildings, cycle through serene countryside roads, and witness firsthand how a former frontline has become a peaceful, deeply cultural haven.

Why Visit Kinmen
Military History – Explore underground bunkers, military museums, and coastal defense relics

Traditional Fujian Villages – Admire the Minnan-style architecture with red brick walls and swallowtail roofs

Unique Cultural Identity – A blend of Taiwanese and Chinese customs shaped by conflict and community

Sorghum Liquor & Gourmet Snacks – Taste local delicacies born of necessity and creativity

Cycle-Friendly Routes – Flat terrain, low traffic, and scenic countryside make biking a joy

Kinmen is a place where history feels alive, stone villages whisper stories, and every street feels like a step into the past. It’s an island unlike anywhere else in Taiwan—quiet, meaningful, and filled with character. Whether you’re sipping strong sorghum liquor, listening to the wind roar across the fort walls, or biking through misty rice fields at dawn, Kinmen leaves an impression long after you return home.

So take the detour, slow down, and let Kinmen show you a different side of Taiwan—one steeped in heritage, resilience, and quiet beauty.

What to Eat in Kinmen

Kinmenese cuisine is influenced by Minnan and military culture — hearty, simple, and local. Try Kinmen’s Famous Foods and Local Specialties

Kinmen’s food reflects its island and Fujian roots, with some truly unique flavors:

Kaoliang liquor – a strong sorghum spirit and Kinmen’s most famous export.

Beef noodles with handmade noodles and oyster pancakes are popular local staples.

Peanut candy, knife-cut noodles, and sorghum crackers make tasty souvenirs.

Kinmen-style beef jerky – Tender, sweet, and spicy

Kaoliang sausage – Infused with sorghum wine flavor

Fried oyster omelets – A local take on the Taiwanese classic

Mianxian – Thin noodles with slow-simmered broth

Tip: Visit a Kaoliang distillery (like Kinmen Kaoliang Liquor Inc.) to learn how this powerful drink is made—and sample it!

Tips for Visiting Kinmen

If you want to step into a place where time slows down and history speaks from every stone, look no further than Kinmen (also known as Quemoy). Located just off the coast of mainland China but governed by Taiwan, Kinmen is a unique blend of military heritage, traditional Fujian architecture, and island tranquility. It’s a far cry from Taiwan’s bustling cities—and that’s exactly the appeal.

Whether you’re a history buff, a photographer, or just someone looking for a peaceful getaway, Kinmen is full of surprises. Here are the top tips for making your Kinmen trip unforgettable:

Explore Zhaishan Tunnel

This incredible underground waterway was carved into granite during the Cold War as a place to secretly house and move military boats. Walking through its echoing chambers is like stepping back into a forgotten chapter of 20th-century history.

Tip: Go during the Zhaishan Music Festival to hear live classical performances inside the tunnel — acoustics are stunning.

Walk Through Shuitou Village

One of Kinmen’s best-preserved traditional villages, Shuitou boasts historic Western-style mansions, ancient clan houses, and granite alleyways. It reflects the wealth brought back by Kinmenese merchants who traveled overseas during the Qing dynasty.

Don’t Miss:

Deyue Tower — A Western-Chinese fusion mansion built in 1931

Museum of Overseas Chinese Culture

Visit the Kinmen Military Headquarters of the Qing Dynasty

Located in Jincheng Town, this well-preserved structure was once the seat of military power during the Qing period and now offers insights into Kinmen’s long history of defense and strategy.

Explore Kinmen’s Military History

Kinmen was once the frontline of the Cold War between Taiwan and China. Today, the remnants of that era are both eerie and fascinating.

Walk through the August 23 Artillery Battle Museum, dedicated to the 1958 bombardment.

Don’t miss Shishan (Mt. Lion) Howitzer Front, where you can see artillery still aimed across the strait.

Tip: Join a guided tour for rich context—many sites don’t have English explanations.

Relax at Guningtou Battlefield

Site of the pivotal 1949 battle between ROC and PRC forces, Guningtou is now a peaceful area dotted with memorials, old tanks, and bunkers — a sobering but important stop for those interested in modern Chinese history.

Admire the Traditional Fujian-Style Villages

Kinmen is one of the best places in Taiwan to see well-preserved Minnan (Fujian) architecture.

Shuitou Village is known for its Western-Chinese fusion mansions and granite alleyways.

Jincheng Old Street offers traditional shop houses, local snacks, and red lantern-lit charm.

Shanhou Folk Culture Village showcases 1930s-era homes built with coral and stone.

Tip: Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for the best light and fewer crowds—perfect for photography.

Rent a Scooter or Bike to Explore

Kinmen is compact and mostly flat, making it ideal for cycling. Many scenic routes connect major historical sites, beaches, and villages. Kinmen is easy to get around, and renting a scooter or electric bike gives you the freedom to visit all the hidden spots.

Popular Cycling Spots:

Shanhou Folk Culture Village

Lake Ci

Shuitou to Shanhou village trail

Oucuo Beach – Quiet and rarely crowded

Tip: You’ll need a local/international driver’s license to rent a scooter. Roads are quiet and scenic, passing through rice paddies, coasts, and forests. Visit ancient wells, wind lion statues, and abandoned military bunkers scattered around the island.

Search for Wind Lion Gods

Wind Lion Gods are protective stone figures scattered across the island. These small stone guardian statues, unique to Kinmen, are found scattered across the island. Originally placed to protect villages from evil spirits and typhoons, they’ve become beloved local symbols.

Fun Challenge: See how many you can find — there are over 100 wind lion statues, each with its own personality and backstory. Use a “Wind Lion God map” (available at visitor centers) and go on a scavenger hunt.

Tip: This is a fun, offbeat way to explore the island, especially with kids or as a couple.

Visit the Coastlines and Secret Beaches

While not as famous for beaches as other parts of Taiwan, Kinmen has quiet shorelines perfect for walks, photos, and reflection.

Mashan Observation Post lets you peer across the water to Xiamen with telescopes.

Guningtou Beach and Ci Lake are peaceful spots for sunset.

Tip: Tides can dramatically change the landscape—check tide charts for your visit.

Experience Local Arts and Crafts

Kinmen is known for traditional knife-making, ceramics, and handicrafts.

Kinmen Knife Factory makes blades from repurposed military shells.

Pick up handmade pottery or calligraphy brushes as meaningful, locally-made souvenirs.

Tip: Some workshops allow DIY experiences—ask your hotel or guide for recommendations.

How to Get to Kinmen from Taipei

The Complete Travel Guide
Kinmen, also known as Quemoy, is a small group of islands off the southeastern coast of mainland China, yet it’s governed by Taiwan. Known for its wartime history, traditional Fujian architecture, and unique cultural identity, Kinmen offers a totally different travel experience from Taiwan’s main island.

While it’s geographically closer to Xiamen, China than to Taipei, Kinmen is accessible via a quick domestic flight. This guide covers everything you need to know about traveling from Taipei to Kinmen, including airports, ticket costs, and what to expect once you land.

Due to its remote location, flying is the only practical way to reach Kinmen from Taiwan’s main island.

Option 1: Direct Flight from Taipei to Kinmen

The only way to get to Kinmen from Taipei is by plane. Ferries do not operate between the main island of Taiwan and Kinmen due to distance and political sensitivities.

Route: Taipei Songshan Airport (TSA) → Kinmen Airport (KNH)
Flight Time: ~1 hour
Cost: NT$2,000–3,500 (one-way)
Airlines: UNI Air , Mandarin Airlines, Daily Air

Pros:
Fast and convenient
Multiple daily flights from Songshan Airport (located in downtown Taipei)
Views of Taiwan Strait during the flight

Cons:
Occasional delays due to weather or military airspace restrictions
Luggage weight limits on smaller aircraft

Booking Tip: Use Taiwan’s domestic airline websites like UNI Air or Mandarin Airlines to check schedules and book directly. Booking a round-trip ticket can save money.

Arriving in Kinmen: What to Know
Kinmen has one main airport:

Kinmen Shangyi Airport
Located near Jincheng, the island’s main town, it offers easy access to most of Kinmen’s attractions.

Airport to Town:
Taxi to Jincheng: ~15–20 minutes, NT$250–300
Bus: Regular local buses run to major towns and attractions (fare: ~NT$15–30)

Required Documents
No passport or visa is needed if you’re traveling from Taipei to Kinmen—it’s a domestic flight within Taiwan’s territory. Just bring a valid ID (such as an ARC, Taiwan ID card, or passport for foreigners).

ID Tip: Foreign visitors can use their passport or Resident Certificate (ARC) to board domestic flights in Taiwan.

Final Travel Tips

Book Early: Flights to Kinmen can fill up quickly during long weekends and holidays (like Chinese New Year or Mid-Autumn Festival).

Weather Consideration: Flights may be delayed due to fog or military exercises—build in some buffer time.

Getting Around: Kinmen is compact, but public transportation is limited. Consider renting a scooter, car, or e-bike for maximum flexibility.

Stay Overnight: Don’t rush—Kinmen is full of traditional guesthouses, historic villages, and scenic coastal trails. A 2–3 day stay is ideal.

Suggested 3-Day Kinmen Itinerary

Day 1: History and Heritage

Visit the Military Headquarters Museum and Juguang Tower

Explore Shuitou Village and enjoy a local lunch

Sunset walk at Shuangli Wetlands

Day 2: Tunnels and Battlefields

Start with Zhaishan Tunnel

Tour the Guningtou Battlefield Memorial

Visit a few Wind Lion God statues and end with dinner in Jincheng

Day 3: Rural Life and Cycling

Morning bike ride to Shanhou Village

Visit Shanhou Folk Culture Village

Relax at Ci Lake and enjoy local snacks before your flight