Lienchiang

Lienchiang County (連江縣), commonly known as the Matsu Islands (馬祖列島), is an archipelago of 36 islands and islets in the East China Sea governed by Taiwan. Located approximately 210 kilometers northwest of Keelung and just 10–50 kilometers from mainland China’s Fujian Province, the islands occupy a strategic position in the Taiwan Strait. The archipelago is administratively divided into four rural townships: Nangan (南竿), Beigan (北竿), Dongyin (東引), and Juguang (莒光), with Nangan serving as the county seat.

Historically, the Matsu Islands were fishing communities until their militarization in 1949 following the Chinese Civil War, when they became a critical frontline defense for Taiwan against mainland China. This military significance shaped the islands’ development, with numerous tunnels, fortifications, and military installations constructed throughout the islands.