Ba-ba Tunnel Introduction
The Eight Eight Tunnel, with its fragrant wines, opens the door to a hidden treasure trove. On both sides of the tunnel entrance, there are numerous wine jars, and above it, the four characters "八八坑道" (Eight Eight Tunnel) are prominently displayed. Walking into the tunnel, you'll find it pleasantly cool, maintaining a stable temperature of 16-19 degrees Celsius year-round, making it an exceptional wine cellar for aging quality liquor. The tunnel's main structure is made of granite, and it is located not far from the Matsu Distillery. Legend has it that the Eight Eight Tunnel was originally a cave for residents to hide from pirates. After the military was stationed in Matsu, it was reinforced, deepened, and widened, transforming it into a tank tunnel. The total length is 200 meters, capable of accommodating an infantry regiment, with the front exit designed to fend off enemy troops invading from the sea, and the rear exit leading to the former Zhanghang Military Airport. The construction was completed in 1974, taking about ten years, and since it was inaugurated on the 88th birthday of Chiang Kai-shek, it was named "Eight Eight Tunnel." After the military administration ended, the Matsu Distillery began using this tunnel to age fine wines, and the produced Kaoliang liquor was named after the tunnel, becoming a hallmark of Matsu liquor and boosting its popularity. Currently, the main passage serves as an area for storing bottled old liquor, while the secondary passage is designated for the Kaoliang liquor tanks. The old liquor stored in the aging area, due to its discontinued production, consists exclusively of bottles aged over fifteen years, making it even more precious. The intoxicating aroma of the wines fills the tunnel, creating a pleasantly dizzying experience.
