Babang Tunnel Introduction
The Ba Ba Tunnel, filled with the aroma of wine, opens a gateway to hidden secrets within. At the entrance, rows of wine jars are displayed on both sides, with the large characters "Ba Ba Tunnel" prominently above. Upon entering the tunnel, one is greeted by a pleasantly cool environment, maintaining a constant temperature of 16-19 degrees Celsius throughout the year. This stable atmosphere ensures that the aged wines stored here are of exceptional quality, making it an excellent wine cellar. The tunnel is primarily constructed of granite and is located not far in front of the Matsu Distillery. It is said that the Ba Ba Tunnel originally served as a refuge for residents escaping from pirates. After the military took control of Matsu, the tunnel was further excavated deeper and reinforced, repurposed as a tank tunnel measuring 200 meters in length, capable of accommodating an infantry regiment. The front exit was designed to confront invading naval forces, while the back exit led to the former military airport on Nan'kan. Completed in 1974 after approximately ten years of construction, it was named "Ba Ba Tunnel" in honor of General Chiang Kai-shek's 88th birthday, as its completion coincided with this occasion. After the ceasefire of military governance, the Matsu Distillery began using the tunnel to store fine wines, branding its sorghum liquor as "Ba Ba Tunnel." This not only became a notable feature of Matsu wine but also enhanced its reputation. Currently, the main passage serves as a storage area for bottled aged wines, while the secondary passage houses the fermentation area for sorghum liquor. The aged wines stored here, due to cessation of production, are all over fifteen years old, making them even more precious as stocks run out. The aroma of wine permeates the tunnel, and being within it can lead to a slight intoxication.
