Northern Frontier Monument is the geographic marker for the northernmost point of the Republic of China's territory, located at a viewing platform near Houao on the western half of Dongyin Township (formerly Xiyin Island); the Matsu National Scenic Area Administration erected the stone monument in 2006. The actual northernmost point is Beigu Reef, about 600 meters offshore, which disappears and reappears with the tides; the platform's floor is inscribed with the reef's coordinates, making this one of Dongyin's most symbolic border landmarks.
The Matsu National Scenic Area Administration erected the "Northern Frontier Monument" stone tablet and viewing platform near Houao on the former Xiyin Island in 2006; the true northernmost point of the nation's territory is Beigu Reef, an uninhabited rock about 600 meters offshore (26°22'58.8"N, 120°28'34.0"E), which submerges and re-emerges with the tide, and its coordinates are inscribed on the platform floor; the chain railings around the platform are covered with padlocks left by soldiers stationed on the outlying islands and by visitors.
Highlights of Northern Frontier Monument
Dongyin Island is the northernmost point of Taiwan, lying approximately 10 to 15 kilometers from the Chinese mainland coast at its nearest. Historically it was an important strategic position at the northern mouth of the Taiwan Strait. The "Northern Frontier" stele stands at the island's northernmost headland — a concrete geographic marker that also carries the historical memory of border defense during the wartime period. The granite landscape around the headland has been shaped by East China Sea wave action into multiple reef formations.
Beigu Reef is a reef formation just offshore from the headland; at low tide the reef surface is exposed in rugged shapes. Luohan Ping (Three-Color Rocks) gets its name from the way rock mineral composition differences cause the rocks to appear different hues from different angles. Looking northward from the headland, the vast East China Sea stretches ahead; on days with good visibility, the outline of the Chinese mainland coast can occasionally be made out — the most border-evoking visual experience this place offers.
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 Nangan. Schedules are affected by weather — confirm with the official Taima Ferry service. Strong winds may cause cancellations.
- Northern Frontier Monument is at the northernmost tip of Dongyin Island. Rent a scooter, follow the north-side road signs, then walk from where you park to the headland — about 5 to 10 minutes on foot.
Nearby Connections
- Can be combined with Yanxiu Chaoyin for a Dongyin north coast route. The two sites are close together and can be completed in half a day; spend the afternoon at Lienyu Yijing or Andong Tunnel on the southern side.
- The southern Dongyin sites — Lienyu Yijing and Andong Tunnel — can be scheduled for another half-day, covering both sea-eroded landforms and wartime heritage for a complete Dongyin day itinerary.
Source: Matsu National Scenic Area Administration, Lienchiang County Dongyin Township Office geographic information. Photos pending Dio's on-site shots.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Northern Frontier Monument on Dongyin Island or Xiyin Island?
It sits near Houao on what was formerly Xiyin Island, within Dongyin Township's administrative area; the monument and platform were erected by the Matsu National Scenic Area Administration in 2006.
Where is Taiwan's actual northernmost point?
It is Beigu Reef, an uninhabited rock about 600 meters offshore that submerges and re-emerges with the tide.
What are the padlocks on the platform railing for?
They were left by soldiers who served on the outlying islands over the years and by visitors, forming a local memorial custom.
Sources
- 國之北疆 - 維基百科 — 位置、經緯度、北固礁說明
- 國之北疆 - 馬祖國家風景區觀光資訊網 — 官方景點介紹
- 【馬祖】東引-國之北疆 | 中華民國領土最北端 — 石碑細節與鎖頭現況