Baba Tunnel is a 273-meter tunnel carved into the granite hillside of Nangan's Fuxing Village, completed on October 31, 1974, and named because its inauguration coincided with Chiang Kai-shek's 88th birthday. After Matsu's wartime military administration ended in 1992, the Matsu Distillery moved in and began using the tunnel's constant temperature and humidity to cellar kaoliang liquor, transforming the military relic into a local liquor-culture space.
Baba Tunnel was completed on October 31, 1974, and is 273 meters long; it was named because its inauguration coincided with Chiang Kai-shek's 88th birthday. After Matsu's wartime military administration ended in 1992, the Matsu Distillery moved in to cellar kaoliang liquor there (source: Chinese Wikipedia entry "八八坑道").
What to See at Baba Tunnel
The tunnel was carved into a granite hillside, comprising a main tunnel and several branch tunnels totaling 273 meters in length; hand-carved tool marks remain visible on the walls. Construction took place during the most tense period of cross-strait confrontation, and the tunnel's military purpose ended with the lifting of wartime administration. After military governance ended in 1992, the Matsu Distillery moved in, transforming the tunnel into a storage space and using the granite's natural insulating properties to preserve aged kaoliang liquor.
Walking through the tunnel, you see large ceramic crocks lined up neatly on both sides, each bearing a vintage label; the oldest aged liquors stand in silent rows. The temperature inside is noticeably cooler than outside, and the air carries the distinctive aroma of kaoliang. This experience of "military heritage as wine cellar" is utterly unique in Taiwan. A Matsu Distillery shop near the tunnel exit offers old vintages and souvenirs for purchase; local dishes such as old-wine noodles (laojiou mianxian) also use the Baba Tunnel-cellared liquor as an ingredient.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Visit
Practical Information
Getting There & Timing
- To reach Nangan, take the Taiwan–Matsu ferry (departing Keelung) or fly (Songshan / Taipei to Nangan). Sailings and flights are easily affected by weather; check official announcements from Taiwan Navigation Co. or the Civil Aviation Administration before departure.
- Baba Tunnel is in Fuxing Village; about 10–15 minutes by taxi or rented scooter from Nangan Airport or Fuao Harbor.
- For opening hours and cellar sale events, check the Matsu Distillery's official announcements.
Nearby Connections
- The "Zhengegedaidan" stone inscription is near Fuao Harbor, on a hilltop — recommended as the first stop after arriving by ferry.
- Yuntai Mountain lookout is on the central ridge of Nangan; it can follow Baba Tunnel as a hilltop viewing segment of the day's itinerary.
Source: Lienchiang County Government Tourism Bureau, Matsu Distillery official website. Photos pending Dio's field photography.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does Baba Tunnel's name come from?
It was named because its October 31, 1974 completion coincided with Chiang Kai-shek's 88th birthday.
How long is Baba Tunnel?
It is 273 meters long, carved into the granite hillside of Fuxing Village.
Since when has Baba Tunnel been used to cellar kaoliang liquor?
Since 1992, when the Matsu Distillery moved in after wartime military administration ended.
Sources
- 八八坑道－維基百科 — 完工日期、坑道長度、命名由來、馬祖酒廠進駐年份