Dongyin: Taiwan’s Northern Frontier
Dongyong Lighthouse, Dongyin
Dongyin Township in Matsu lies about 100 nautical miles northwest of Taiwan’s main island, near Keelung, and is the northernmost township in Taiwan, often referred to as the “northern frontier of the nation.” It is renowned for its stunning natural landscapes and dramatic sea-eroded coastal formations. Dongyin has undergone significant spatial and cultural transitions—from its origins as a coastal Fujian fishing village, through its period under military administration, to its current focus on tourism development. Today, elements of these eras are still visible throughout the township, from traditional Min-Dong architecture and military slogans to tourism-related infrastructure, all blending into a distinctive and layered living environment. This unique integration of cultures has shaped Dongyin’s characteristic tourism experience.
The township has centered its island development strategy on promoting a “livable community” and “quality tourism,” with a long-term goal of building Dongyin as a “Cittaslow brand.” Through sustained efforts to develop an island identity, Dongyin has embraced aesthetic values in its community engagement and branding. In 2022, it was awarded the Gold Award in the 4th Taiwan Town Brand Awards, recognizing its dedication to creating a beautiful and sustainable island lifestyle.
Where is Dongyin? | Transportation Guide
Dongyin is located about 100 nautical miles northwest of Keelung. As there is no airport on the island, transportation relies primarily on maritime routes. Travelers can take the New Taima Ferry from Keelung Port to Dongyin, with a voyage duration of approximately 6 to 8 hours.
Transportation to Dongyin — New Taima Ferry
Dining in Dongyin
Dongyin, also known as the hometown of yellow croaker, boasts abundant marine resources and is home to the unique “horizontal stone grouper.” Seafood is undoubtedly one of the essential dishes in Dongyin’s restaurants. In addition, Dongyin’s distinctive cuisine inherits the Min Dong lifestyle culture, often incorporating “old wine” and “red yeast” into its dishes. Special dishes like old wine noodles, red yeast chicken soup, and red yeast fried rice are local favorites. The Keiguang cake, famously known as the “Matsu burger,” is also an essential part of the dining experience. Additionally, the winter-only mullet roe dishes add a special touch to Dongyin’s food offerings.
Red Yeast Fried Rice
Yellow Croaker Dishes
Matsu Burger – Jiguang Biscuit
Mullet Roe Rice Ball
Experience Dongyin
Dongyin from the Sea
The “Dongyin from the Sea” activity is held annually from April to September. Dongyin’s rich rocky landscapes and spectacular tern ecology make it an ideal location for this unique experience. The event is designed to offer visitors a different perspective of the island, allowing them to witness and take in Dongyin’s natural grandeur.
Dongyin Military Obstacle Race
The Dongyin Military Obstacle Race is Taiwan’s only military-style trail running event. The race course integrates actual military training grounds in Dongyin, including the “500 Obstacle Course” and the Zhongzhu Tunnel, both opened exclusively for the event. Blending culture with sport, the event has become a signature competition unique to Dongyin.
Dongyin Arts and Culture Week
The Dongyin Arts and Culture Week performance event is presented in the form of environmental theater. Each year, the theme of the theater performance is based on the stories of Dongyin, showcasing its important culture. The theater encapsulates the big and small events of Dongyin, and the performances are staged in an environmentally friendly manner. The idea is to have the vast starry sky as the backdrop, allowing the audience to immerse themselves in both nature and the theater, creating a healing experience on Dongyin Island.
Dongyin Temple Culture Festival
Dongyin Township has a high density of temples, and from the ninth to the twenty-fourth day of the first lunar month, the island experiences the most vibrant temple cultural atmosphere. This period is an important part of showcasing the Minnan Eastern temple culture. Among the various activities, the procession of the local deity “Bai Ma Zun Wang” (White Horse King) is the grandest, with a pilgrimage route covering the entire island. The procession involves the full participation of the local residents, making it one of the most significant cultural events in Dongyin, symbolizing the strong sense of community.
Aesthetic Dongyin
Dongyin Township Image Business District Design
To embed the island’s branding into every corner of the village, the Dongyin Township Office has undertaken a redesign of address plaques and shop signs throughout the community. Departing from conventional, standardized designs, the new address plaques are inspired by local characteristics, using Dongyin’s sea-blue hues as their base and crafted from special moisture-resistant materials suited to coastal conditions. The shop signs draw inspiration from the body shape of the local golden threadfin bream (commonly known as yellow croaker), replacing large, modern, and flashy signage with more subtle and harmonious designs—restoring a sense of tranquility and aesthetic beauty to the environment.
Dongyin Kaoliang Liquor Commemorative Gift Box
During the off-peak travel season each year, Dongyin Township promotes slow travel experiences by showcasing its most iconic local product—Dongyin Kaoliang Liquor. Paired with aesthetic design, a commemorative gift box is offered to visitors who embark on slow travel to the island. Through unique packaging, this long-standing tradition of Dongyin Kaoliang is given a fresh new meaning.
