National Parks of Taiwan

As the cross-strait situation became more peaceful, many military camps in Kinmen were gradually decommissioned. These facilities that once witnessed military affairs are being revitalized and repurposed. They have been transformed into tourist attractions and environmental education sites to help drive tourism and expand the use of unique local resources.

Witnessing the Bygone Battlefield Era and Constructing a Complete Battlefield Tourism and Recreation Experience

Kinmen is akin to a large-scale military museum, making it an invaluable venue for activities and experiences. The Kinmen National Park Headquarters revitalized the decommissioned military barracks, bunkers, and tunnels, creating a cultural tourism route. A series of activities and experiences tailored to different groups have been launched, using learning content to teach conservation and preservation concepts. Children are guided to experience the atmosphere of the battlefields of the past and their unique defense systems through the design of environmental education modules.

Simulated Shooting Activity and Olden-day Kinmen Civil Defense Force Experience

In 2023, the Kinmen National Park Headquarters organized the “Revitalized Military Camp Immersive Experience” in collaboration with National Kinmen Senior High School, where they revisited the history of the battlefield at Lieyu Nanshantou Camp Four. The Nanshantou Camp Four, which took two years to refurbish, was officially opened to the public in 2018, and now includes a popular “Tunnel Room Escape Game.” Participants need to complete various challenges inside the tunnels, creating an adrenaline-pumping experience.

In addition, last year’s “Survival Game Promotional Education Training” incorporated a variety of sites, such as the Jiacun Camp in Zhongshanlin, Boat-Shaped Fortress, and Guningtou Camp Three. Departing from the traditional sedentary approach to revitalizing the past, instructors instead provided explanations to help participants quickly understand the different terrains and learn various tactical skills. These environmental education experiences impart entirely new value to these historical military sites and allow participants to understand the significance of preserving these important military relics.

Creating Tourism Highlights: Staying in Military Camps, Enjoying Concerts in the Tunnels

To comprehensively create new highlights for tourism and recreation, numerous exhibition halls and self-guided tour attraction points can be found across the island. Some of these are military camp leasing projects that have been taken up by private entities such as guesthouses or shops, imbuing these locations with new looks and vitality.

Since 2009, the Kinmen Tunnel Music Festival has been held, using Zhaishan Tunnel as a performance stage, with tickets sold out every year. The harmonious sounds of musical instruments and voices, accompanied by the sound of sea waves crashing against the granite walls, create a unique art feast.

The Kinmen National Park Headquarters also leased the tunnels that were originally used by the Kinmen Defense Command to store military supplies to Kinmen Kaoliang Liquor Inc. for storing kaoliang liquor. The fragrance of liquor has now replaced the smell of gunpowder, creating a heady atmosphere. Military strongholds are gradually being transformed into tourist attractions, providing opportunities to learn about past ways of life during festivals, thus allowing people to reminisce about the bygone era and be vigilant for the future.