Nangan

Nangan (南竿) is the largest and most populous island in the Matsu archipelago, serving as the administrative center of Lienchiang County. Located in the East China Sea approximately 210 kilometers from Keelung, Taiwan, the island covers an area of about 10.64 square kilometers. Nangan is characterized by its rugged granite terrain, with Yuntai Mountain (雲台山) as its highest peak at 248 meters.

Historically significant as a military outpost during cross-strait tensions, Nangan features numerous military installations, including the famous Beihai Tunnel (北海坑道). The island preserves traditional Eastern Min (閩東) culture and architecture, with stone houses built in the distinctive Fujian coastal style, and is home to several temples dedicated to Mazu (媽祖), the sea goddess for whom the archipelago is named.