Taiwan to open former military island in Kinmen to tourists

2019/01/17

A former military-controlled island in Taiwan’s outlying Kinmen County will be opened to tourists from March 1, according to the local government.
 
 Administered by the Ministry of National Defense until Kinmen County Government took over in 2014, Dadan Island will accept 150 tourists a day following a successful trial last year when a limited number of people were allowed to visit.
 
 The island, which has an area of just 0.79 square kilometers, is home to several historically important military installations including those that played a role in the Battle of Guningtou in 1949 and the Artillery Bombardment of Aug. 23, 1958.
 
 Among the many attractions, tourists will be able to view a wall emblazoned with a giant psychological warfare slogan as well as a military broadcast station built in the 1950s.
 
 Access to Dadan will be provided by a ferry service running from Kinmen’s Lieyu Township, the local government said.
 
 Travelers must apply at least 15 days beforehand and join a tour group with admission priced at NT$1,500 (US$49), which will include transport, food and guides.
 
 KCG’s Tourism Department has designed several souvenirs for Dadan’s visitor center, including a series of creative products inspired by the local legend of a chicken that was said to cry out a warning whenever enemy bombing raids were imminent during the 1950s.

Source: Taiwan Today (https://taiwantoday.tw/news.php?unit=18&post=148846)