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Updated Thursday, October 20, 2005 0:00 am TWN, By Lauren Swartz, Special to The China Post



	Be it a boom from a China rocket or a boom in Taiwan tourism, the Matsu Islands are prepared. Matsu (馬祖) presents a balanced blend of past and present, military and civilian, the gray of cement and the green of nature. Enlarge Photo

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Ready for anything: Matsu

Giving the village a really special feel, the terraced, stone dwellings are built in traditional Fujian style, with thick wooden doors, narrow wood-carved windows, and stones placed on the roof tiles to hold them down in the wind.

These dwellings include villagers’ homes, as well as a handful of charming little coffee shops-restaurants strung along the coast, connected by footpaths. Cinbi is the perfect place to relax with some food, drink and a blast of fresh air.

Aside from visiting the tunnels, forts and sites — including the impressive Matsu Folk Culture Museum — it’s fun and easy to rent a scooter and relish the picturesque scenery with the wind in your hair.

There’s no traffic anywhere. While you’re at it, be sure to stop for some succulent seafood in any of the fishing villages that await you. Try the famous fish noodles, along with sweet and sour fried fish and tender clam soup. It’s cheaper than in Taipei and tastier too!

When it’s time to wind down, Matsu offers a range of hotels. Or you might opt to stay in one of the Fujian-like “min-shus” (民宿) at Cinbi Village.

If you like swimming, Matsu would be best to visit in the summer when the water is especially clear, blue and warm. But when you’re in the mood for a down-to-earth, refreshing jaunt that’s not too far from Taiwan proper, Matsu is well worth checking out anytime.

HOW TO GET THERE:

UNI Air provides package deals, including a direct flight from Taipei to either Nankan or Peikan and a two-night hotel stay, for around NT$5,000 per person. It’s also possible to take an eight-hour ferry trip from Keelung to Matsu — remember to bring your remedy for seasickness.

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