The Dadan Island sits between Taiwan's offshore Kinmen Island and the coast of Xiamen, China. Administered by the Kinmen government, the island was once the closest battlefront between troops on both sides of the Taiwan Strait. Starting on March 1, the island will be open to tourists, at a limited number of 150 per day. Kinmen County Magistrate Yang Cheng-Wu says that he and his team are planning different touring packages in hopes to allow the public to see the true face of the former military base.


A veteran who served on the Dadan Island 50 years ago still remembers the military order during his training. He's fully energized when he return to his old training ground.

Singing an army tune, Kinmen County Magistrate Yang Cheng-Wu announced the opening of Dadan Island to tourism starting in March.

The one-day trip on Dadan Island includes a field trip to old military training area, as well as an expedition trip. Many veterans who once served on the island have also come back to serve as volunteers.

The number of visitors is limited to 150 a day. The island currently does not accept applicants from Mainland China, Macao, and Hong Kong. All other applicants could take off from Jiugong Harbor in Kinmen's Lieyu Township to arrive for a trip to Dadan Island. The ticket costs NT$ 1,500, Kinmen natives enjoy a 50 percent discount, needing to pay just $ 750 per ticket. Many veterans have returned to the island to remember their military career.

My bunker is right there at the very top, that was where I slept and where I fought the war.

War-time slogans are still seen all across the island. The once battlefront has now been turned into a tourist spot, and those who are curious could come see for themselves.