Introduction

Matsu was designated as one of Taiwan’s geoparks in 2011 with its typical beauty of granite coasts and coastal ecology. Matsu has plenty of geological heritages, ecological features, Mindong architecture, unique folklores and military relics. Fishing was the main economy in historical times; now migrant birds become a big attraction for both the locals and tourists. Terns of various sorts, especially Chinese Crested Terns are often attractions to seasonal tourists. Plants like Matsu Lycoris radiates are unique and not commonly found elsewhere. Mingdong architectural culture and military tunnels record the history of the last century. The military underground tunnels have become a characteristic part of black tourism. As war relics they are not only important for the local, but also for the globe as they symbolize the Cold War. These are all specialties of Matsu.

Matsu is mainly formed by granite, with the exception of Dongying mainly composed of diorite and Siju composed of rhyolite. These plutonic rocks manifest a body of intrusive igneous rock with various influences of SiO2. These rocks have been through erosion and weathering, and displayed the diversity of the landscape, including the magnificent crags and cliffs, sea trenches, sea arches, sea stacks and caves. All reflect the power of marine processes.

The Matsu Geopark, partly supported by central agencies and local governments, mainly operates at the local community level, and fully advocates from the academic community. As a geopark, Matsu contributes significantly to environmental conservation and provide means to enhance local economy and local social cohesion so that a sustainable society and environment will become possible.