Andong Tunnel is an underground military tunnel on Dongyin Island in Matsu, hand-excavated by stationed soldiers during the Cold War era. Opened to visitors in 2004 after renovation, it descends approximately 450 steps to an underground complex of facilities including an ammunition depot, sleeping quarters, and a dock.
Andong Tunnel was excavated around 1971 during the Cold War by soldiers stationed with the Army's Dongyin Area Command, hand-carving through the granite mountain. The military released the tunnel in 2002, and after renovation by the Matsu National Scenic Area Administration it opened to visitors in 2004; the stairway originally had 464 steps, later adjusted to about 450. As of July 2026, the tunnel is fully closed from July 1 through September 30, 2026, for a military renovation project on the tunnel's command post facilities — visitors should check current opening status with the Matsu National Scenic Area Administration or Dongyin Visitor Center before planning a visit.
Highlights of Andong Tunnel
Dongyin Island, located at the northernmost point of Taiwan and closest to the Chinese mainland, was an important military frontline during the Cold War. Andong Tunnel was excavated entirely by the manual labor of stationed soldiers, driving steel chisels into granite, over the course of many years. The tunnel system was designed to be self-sufficient for combat operations: the underground dock could berth small vessels for covert resupply; the ammunition depot maintained a constant temperature; sleeping quarters were arranged compactly to house large numbers of soldiers for extended periods.
Stepping into the tunnel, the temperature drops noticeably below that outside. The rock walls are damp, the lighting dim, and the space narrow. The four-hundred-step descent is itself a way of experiencing history: each step affirms the hardship soldiers endured while excavating, and the isolation of life on a wartime island. At the bottom, the underground dock opens directly to the sea — you can see waves breaking among the reefs, with light filtering in from the sea entrance, a rare brightness in the otherwise dark tunnel.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit
Practical Information
Getting There and Time Needed
- To reach Dongyin, take the Taima Ferry or fast ferry from Fuao Harbor on Nangan. Journey time is approximately 2 to 3 hours by fast ferry or longer; schedules are significantly affected by weather. Check the latest timetable with the official Taima Ferry service.
- Scooters are available to rent on Dongyin Island. Andong Tunnel is not far from the main settlement area at Zhongzhu Harbor — follow the road signs after renting.
- The tunnel has set opening hours. Confirm the day's access status with the Dongyin Township Office or posted signs at the site before entering.
Nearby Connections
- Can be combined with Dongyin Lighthouse, Lienyu Yijing, Dongyin Sky Crevice, and Northern Frontier Monument for a one- or two-day Dongyin itinerary. All attractions are within scooter range.
- Zhongcheng Gate (the East-West Dongyin Cross-Sea Bridge) is closest to Zhongzhu Harbor and can serve as your first stop upon arriving on Dongyin.
Source: Matsu National Scenic Area Administration, Lienchiang County Government Dongyin Township Office. Photos pending Dio's on-site shots.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Andong Tunnel currently open?
As of July 2026, Andong Tunnel is fully closed from July 1 through September 30, 2026, for a military renovation project — check with the Matsu National Scenic Area Administration before your trip.
How many steps does Andong Tunnel have?
The tunnel originally had 464 steps, later adjusted to about 450, descending to facilities including an ammunition depot, sleeping quarters, and an underground dock.
When did Andong Tunnel open to visitors?
The military released the tunnel in 2002, and it officially opened to visitors in 2004 after renovation.
Sources
- 東引安東坑道自115年7月1日起暫停開放－馬祖國家風景區觀光資訊網 — 確認2026年7月1日起暫停開放公告
- 東引安東坑道整修 7月起暫停對外開放－馬祖日報 — 確認暫停開放起訖日期（2026-07-01至2026-09-30）與工程原因