Andong Tunnel Introduction
One of the must-visit military attractions in Dongyin, the Andong Tunnel is a massive military tunnel carved through the Dazhong Mountain, which is the location of the Dongyin Command Center. Built around 1971 during the Cold War, the military released the tunnel for public access in 2002, and it was renovated by the Matsu National Scenic Area Administration before opening to the public in 2004. The tunnel entrance, adorned with camouflage, is located next to the training class. Descending from the entrance involves navigating a steep slope and approximately 464 steps down, leading into the Andong Tunnel, which features a tree-branch-like branching structure with multiple paths. The interior of the Andong Tunnel, which pierces through Dazhong Mountain, is about 300 meters long. Along the corridor, there are eight chambers, including the company leader's room, large and small dormitories, Zhongshan room, operations room, ammunition depot, washroom, and even a pigsty, all connected to the seaside. The observation points, situated on the edge of the cliff, were once cannon ports that have now transformed into the best viewpoints for enjoying the sea, seagulls, and fjords. From the openings, the rocks are named after their distinct shapes, such as "Indian Head" and "Puppy Head," making it worthwhile for visitors to explore. Visiting the tunnel, one can see the restored original features, which hold significant tourism value. Around April each year, protected bird species such as black-tailed gulls and crested terns migrate south from Japan to breed at the tunnel entrance and surrounding reefs. From the viewpoint, one can admire the blue sea and sky, unusual rock formations, and the fluttering of seagulls, which is truly breathtaking. Every summer, many bird enthusiasts are attracted here for a pilgrimage. Notes: 1. A complete visit takes about 30-60 minutes, and the tunnel has steep stairways. It’s recommended to be mentally prepared for the uphill return journey. 2. Please remember to turn on and off the lights when entering and exiting the tunnel. The tunnel is steep, and vehicles are prohibited from entering! 3. Terns are very sensitive to noise, so please speak softly when entering the Andong Tunnel for bird watching to avoid disturbing the nesting terns.
