Taiwan Food Atlas

Northern Frontier Monument

The geographical marker of Taiwan's northernmost territory — a stone monument at the end of a headland surrounded by sea on three sides
📍 Matsu · Dongyin Township · Northern Tip of Dongyin Island📷 Landmark🔖 Taiwan's Northernmost Point · Geographic Marker Stone Monument · Beigu Reef · Three-Color Rocks

Northern Frontier Monument marks the northernmost territory of Taiwan, located on a headland at the northern tip of Dongyin Island that juts into the sea. A carved stone monument inscribed "Northern Frontier" (Guo Zhi Bei Jiang) stands at the site. The headland is flanked by sea on three sides with open views; nearby are Beigu Reef and the sea-eroded rock formations colloquially known as Three-Color Rocks (Luohan Ping). This is the northernmost geographic point of the territory of Taiwan — a landmark with clear geographic and symbolic significance.

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

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Photograph the Geographic MarkerThe "Northern Frontier" stele is the must-photograph landmark here. Consider shooting both the inscription details and the sea view behind it to capture the sense of geographic boundary.
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Observe Beigu Reef and Three-Color RocksAt low tide when the reef is most exposed, you can view the different colored rocks up close, observe the mineral composition differences, and see the marks left by waves sculpting the reef.
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Look Out over the Northern SeaOn clear days, looking northward from the headland, the outline of the Chinese mainland coast can sometimes be seen if visibility is good — the most border-evoking viewpoint on Dongyin.
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Best for Sunrise ViewingThe headland faces to the northeast; in spring and summer the sunrise position shifts northward. Wait for sunrise here in the early morning — the golden light on the sea surface and the silhouette of the reefs make for a strong contrast.

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.

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