Tucked between Taiwan and mainland China, the Kinmen Islands (金门) may not be on every traveler's radar, but they’re rich in history, heritage, and quiet beauty. From old military tunnels to charming villages and timeworn architecture, Kinmen offers a unique glimpse into a different side of Taiwan—one that feels both rooted and remote. There are 2 ways to enter Kinmen- either by flight (domestically from Taiwan) or ferry ride. We took the latter one, refer the end of this blog entry for more information. Also sharing some of the places that we've been to in this trip for your reference:
1) Yuan Tou Taiwanese Beef Noodles 圓頭牛肉麵
Address: 莒光路一段32號1樓, 893, Kinmen County, Jincheng Township
Business Hours: 9:30 am to 8:30 pm. Opens Daily.
Taiwanese Beef Noodles 鲜冲总汇牛肉面 (TWD 338)
Taiwanese Braised Beef Noodles 红烧私房牛肉面 (TWD 190)
Free Flow of Side Dishes 牛肉面自助吧 (top up TWD 50 per pax)
The Taiwanese Beef Noodles are famous for its rich, beefy broth but Yuan Tou takes it to the next level. They were the first to invent the fresh-pour technique where they use scorching hot broth to pour over thinly sliced Beef and cook it on the spot. This technique reduces the cooking time and diners get to enjoy the meat as soon as the soup is completely poured over. The broth is as beefy as it gets. Another unique selling point of this restaurant is the free flow of side dishes. Simply top up TWD 50 per pax and you get to enjoy unlimited refills on the side dishes. On our visit- we saw some specially marinated Kimchi (with a hint of creamy-sweetness), braised Peanuts, braised Beef innards and Tendons. Considering the price, it is definitely worth it especially if you are a huge fan of the gooey-chewy Beef Tendons. Just a couple of helpings will exceed the values. Do put it on your list if you are visiting the Kinmen Islands.
2) Yong Chun Cantonese Congee 永春廣東粥
Address: 莒光路162-2號, 893, Kinmen County, Jincheng Township
Business Hours: 6 am to 1:30 pm. Opens Daily.
Seafood Cantonese Congee (TWD 100)
Chinese Crullers (TWD 15)
Peanut Sweet Soup (TWD 40)
Kinmen has quite a number of popular breakfast places and Yong Chun Cantonese Congee is one of them. Located right smack in the heart of Jincheng town, the place is especially busy in the mornings. They specialize in Cantonese Congee, almost like blended Porridge sans the Rice... in a super starchy form. The menu allows you to choose from different toppings- be it Seafood, Pork or just Egg. It is typical eaten with Chinese Crullers or You Tiao, over Peanut Sweet Soup. The Congee is certainly comforting with a generous amount of toppings. Extremely wallet-friendly for a generous portion.
3) Ah Gong's Handmade Bean Curd 阿公ㄟ手工豆花
Address: 模範街15號, 893, Kinmen County, Jincheng Township
Business Hours: 10:30 am to 8 pm. Closed on Mondays.
Muar Chee On Shaved Ice 麻糍刨冰 (TWD 75)
Soya Bean Curd with Taro and Grass Jelly 豆花芋泥仙草 (TWD 75)
Built during the Japanese era, the Mofan Old Street of Jincheng town is a must-visit spot. It feels like time-travel here, where you get to see the well-maintained houses in red bricks. There are quite a number of shops selling touristy stuff but one particular stands out will be Ah Gong's Handmade Tofu Bean Curd. The dessert parlor withstood the test of time and has been around for decades. It specializes in Tofu Bean Curd or commonly known as Tofu Fah, served with various condiments and dessert toppings. Popular toppings in Kinmen would be Taro and Glutinous Rice Cakes. Perfect to cool down during summer days.
4) Kinmen Animal Product Research Institute 金门县畜产试验所
Address: 惠民富康農莊17號, 891, Kinmen County, Jinhu Township.
Business Hours: 8 am to 5 pm. Opens Daily.
A nice place for a quick photograph opportunity will be at the Kinmen Animal Product Research Institute, there's this seemingly intriguing Milk Box outside. Many take the opportunity to take a photo here and use as the thumbnail for social media sharing. It is totally free. Why not if you have the time?
5) Old Streets of Yang Zhai 阳翟老街
Address: 890, Kinmen County, Jinsha Township.
Business Hours: NA
The Yang Zhai Old Street is another spot worth-visiting in Jinsha town. Walking on the street feels like time-travel, it retains the beauty and the charm of the old buildings; as if time has stopped. The place gained fame after a Taiwanese movie filmed some scenes here. The place showcases how bustling the town used to be in the past. If you have time- visit some of the cafes in this neighborhood.
6) Old Streets of Sha Mei 沙美老街
Address: 893, Kinmen County, Jincheng Township
Business Hours: NA
Though completely not necessary, if you have the time or would like to explore more of Jincheng town, head to Sha Mei Old Streets where you can find the charm of the old town. There is this corner known as the Little Morocco of Sha Mei Old Town, for its crumbling Western-Moroccan style structures, believed to be the remnants of Kinmen's history as a trading center years before. Nothing much to do except for photography.
7) Mi Xiang Oyster Pancake 小摩洛哥米香蚵嗲
Address: 三民路41號, 890, Kinmen County, Jinsha Township.
Business Hours: 10 am to 6 pm. Closed on Wednesdays.
Oyster Pancake 蚵嗲 (TWD 40)
A short walk from the Little Morocco of Sha Mei Old Streets is Mi Xiang Oyster Pancake, a popular treat in Kinmen. It has some fresh Oysters and vegetables, encased in an addictive, crispy batter. Other sauces or dips were not necessary, it was already well-seasoned. We could taste the Oysters and the crunch of the vegetables. Definitely worth a try if you happen to find it.
8) Xin Da Miao Kou Seafood Restaurant 新大庙口海鲜餐厅
Address: 外武廟戲臺, 893, Kinmen County, Jincheng Township.
Business Hours: 5:30 pm to 11 pm. Closed on Wednesdays.
Stir Fried Sea Mushroom with Basils (TWD 280）
Stir Fried Water Snowflake (TWD 180)
Xin Da Miao Kou Seafood Restaurant is probably the most popular Seafood restaurant in Kinmen thanks to a China-based Taiwanese influencer. The restaurant is just located next to a temple in the heart of Jincheng town. Do not expect fancy restaurant setting but some simple tables and chairs setup by the road side. The menu is of something though, you can find some uncommon dishes (to Malaysians) here but the prices are on the higher side. Placing order can be chaotic, you will need to walk to the server to place your order and they don't run by sequence. You will get your orders randomly and certain dishes might take longer time. We did not get to try many dishes here (was trying to save some space for something else) but a couple of the best sellers. The Sea Mushroom had a an extremely chewy texture, almost like Sea Cucumber but way chewier. Whilst the Water Snowflake had a Chives-like crunch. Definitely worth checking out.
9) Kinmen Jincheng Whiskey Museum 金門金城飯店威士忌博物館
Address: 中興路67巷10-1號, 893, Kinmen County, Jincheng Township.
Business Hours: 7:30 pm to 12 am. Opens Daily.
Hello Kinmen 哈喽金门 (TWD 350)
Siren's Blue Tears 海妖蓝眼泪 (TWD 360)
Salted Butter Popcorn 咸奶油玉米花 (TWD 120)
Probably the one and only speakeasy bar in Kinmen, it takes a bit of navigation skills to locate Kinmen Jincheng Whiskey Museum. Though it is helpful with Google Map, navigating the narrow alleys of Jincheng Township requires a little courage. The entrance to the bar is on a narrow end of an alley. The bar is usually packed during weekends and holidays so it is best to make early reservations if you are coming in a group of more than 2 pax. The menu features some creative Cocktails as well as some that include local produces such as the Kaoliang Liquor. The seating arrangement is cramped but the atmosphere is overall cozy and relaxed, with light music in the background. We had some of their best sellers and we must say that they were delicious. We love our orders, particularly Hello Kinmen, a Gin-based Cocktail with Pineapple, Lemon and Apple for a refreshing touch. The Siren's Blue Tears contains Kaoliang, and brilliantly salt-rimmed the glass for the extra saltiness. It has this exquisite Rice Wine after taste. We enjoyed our Cocktails with the freshly popped Salted Pop Corns.
10) Shaxi Fort 沙溪堡
Address: 濱海大道, 894, Kinmen County, Lieyu Township.
Business Hours: NA
The Lieyu Township or commonly known as Small Kinmen (小金门) is well connected via the Kinmen Bridge. The Kinmen Bridge is approximately 5.4km long and was completed in late 2022. Traveling to Lieyu Township has never been easier. The drive to there from Jincheng Township will take a little over 30 minutes. We recommend picking the Shaxi Fort as one of the destinations. Though it was previously used as a military base due to its geographical location, the place does offer spectacular view. You can technically see Xiamen from this spot. There is also the nature element that makes this place worth the visit. Do note that you will need to walk for approximately 10 minutes from the car park to the Fort and probably another half an hour or more to explore the area.
11) Huanan Soda Factory 華南汽水廠
Address: 81-2號, 894, Kinmen County, Lieyu Township.
Business Hours: 9 am to 6:30 pm. Closed on Wednesdays.
Soda (TWD 80)
One of the 5 Soda factories on Kinmen Islands- Huanan Soda Factory is like a museum to showcase the history of the Soda-manufacturing. The factory started in the 1970's and has maintained its old charm. After a brief tour (less than 5 minutes), you can have a taste on the Soda. There are a few flavors and some can be quite unique. Consider stopping by only if its along the way. We did not spend more than 20 minutes here.
12) Huang Cuo San Ceng Lou Taro Restaurant 黃厝三層樓芋頭餐館
Address: 黃厝23-1號, 894, Kinmen County, Lieyu Township.
Business Hours: 9 am to 6 pm. Closed on Wednesdays.
Signature Taro Shaved Ice 双芋泥招牌冰 (TWD 130)
Taro Balls 芋头丸子 (TWD 250 for 6)
Dried Oysters and Taro Rice 芋头蚵干饭 (TWD 200/ small)
The Lieyu Township is known for its superior quality of Taro or Yam. Huang Cuo San Ceng Lou is one of the popular places to go for a Taro feast. There are 2 different menus- one will be mains while the other one will be desserts. Both menus are quite Taro-focused so if you are allergic to Taro, do give this place a pass. On our visit, the place was almost full at noon. Many were there to try out their famous Taro delicacies. They do have course meals but unless you are famished, going for ala-carte sounds wiser. Their signature Taro Balls are unique with Taro paste being fried to perfection. Inside, there will be a small piece of Salted Egg, so expect a salty-sweet combination. Do not miss their Taro desserts, the creamy Taro paste is to die for. But their sugar tolerance is lower than Malaysians'. For ourselves, we found the dessert a little unsweetened.
13) Warrior's Fort 勇士堡
Address: 894, Kinmen County, Lieyu Township.
Business Hours: 8 am to 5 pm. Opens Daily.
Entrance Fee: Free
A short walk from Huang Cuo San Ceng Lou restaurant is the Warrior's Fort, one of the 3 popular forts on Kinmen Islands. It was previously used as a military base years ago and there are complicated tunnels underneath. Follow the guide and expect to walk for almost one kilometer. Through the journey, you will see some of the previous spaces occupied for military purposes (now defunct). The exit is quite far from the entrance, so expect to walk for at least 10 minutes from the exit back to the entrance (where the car park is located). Personally, I do not recommend this tourist spot unless you are into military and history.
14) Everrich Golden Lake Plaza 金湖廣場
Address: 太湖路二段198號, 89141, Kinmen County, Jinhu Township.
Business Hours: 9 am to 6 pm. Opens Daily.
McDonald's
Mia C'Bon Market
Everrich Golden Lake Plaza is the only shopping mall in Kinmen. If you are a mall rat or merely to kill time or have a short respite from the weather (be it too warm or cold), do consider spending an hour or two here. There's a McDonald's here where you will find products unique to Taiwan. It is noteworthy that this is the only McDonald's in the whole of Kinmen Islands. Right opposite is the Mia C'Bon Market, a small scale supermarket selling imported products. Local produces are available too but at slightly marked up rates. The mall carries international luxury brands as well with some tax-free incentives. If you are driving, there are ample parking space available but at a fee.
15) Kaoliang Liquor Factory 金門酒廠
Address: 金寧鄉桃園路1號, Kinmen County, Jinning Township.
Business Hours: 9 am to 12 pm, 1 pm to 5 pm. Opens Daily.
Entrance Fee: Free
If you are a fan of liquor, do consider making a trip to the Kaoliang Liquor Factory at Jinning township. The entrance is free and you get see the evolution of Kinmen Kaoliang and its brief history. The tour is really simple and basically done in 5-10 minutes. The store closes for an hour during lunch so do plan your trip accordingly. Personally, I don't think this place is worth the visit.
16) Carrefour Kinmen Store 家樂福金門店
Address: 伯玉路二段223號, 892, Kinmen County, Jinning Township.
Business Hours: 8 am to 10:30 pm. Opens Daily.
The one and only grocery supermarket in Kinmen is Carrefour, a short 10-15 minute drive away from Jincheng town. You will find all the stuff you need here, including some favorite souvenirs to bring back. Fresh produces like fruits and vegetables are also available. Items are way cheaper than convenient stalls and if you are buying in a large quantity, this is probably your best bet. Plenty of parking space available behind the building and parking is free. We recommend doing one round of souvenir-shopping here before your departure.
How to travel to Kinmen Islands (Taiwan) from Xiamen (China)?
Doing a short trip to Kinmen Islands from Xiamen has never been easier. While you can purchase the tickets onsite at the Xiamen Wu Tong Pier but my recommendation is that you purchase in advance so you get to lock in the ferry tickets. You don't want to waste time waiting in the pier just in case the ferry tickets get sold out and you will need to wait hours for the next one. The tickets get sold out quick and can be really popular especially on weekends or holidays.
As for us, we booked our (return) ferry tickets via trip.com. All payment was made on the platform and what we needed to do was to present our passports at the counter for the issuance of ferry tickets. At the point of purchase- ensure the passport number is correctly entered, exactly like you are issuing an air ticket. For reference, we paid approximately RM230 per pax for a pair of return ferry tickets.
It is advisable to arrive at the pier at least an hour before the actual ferry ride. We recommend arriving at least 1.5 hours especially if you are not familiar with the processes. Once you have retrieved the ferry tickets from the counter, proceed to the 2nd floor of the Wu Tong Pier for custom clearance and ticket validation. Note that the gate will only be opened approximately 45 minutes before. The queue can be terribly long so be sure to be there early. The ferry ride to Kinmen Islands from Xiamen takes around 30 minutes. Our ride was good and calm but do consider motion sickness medications if you are sensitive.
It is noteworthy that Malaysians do not need visas while traveling into China and Taiwan. The Visa-free status allows us to stay in both countries for up to 30 days. You will need to fill in some forms before the custom clearance though.
Counters for exchanging ferry tickets
Have Fun Exploring Kinmen!
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