Jhaishan Tunnel📍 landmark
The Jhaishan Tunnel is an A-shaped military waterway hewn from granite, designed to conceal small naval vessels.
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Jhaishan Tunnel
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The Jhaishan Tunnel on Kinmen Island is an awe-inspiring testament to Taiwan's military history during the Cold War. Excavated into solid granite between 1961 and 1966, the tunnel was designed to protect supply ships and small landing craft from heavy artillery shelling from mainland China. The A-shaped tunnel system features a wide waterway that opens directly to the sea and can accommodate up to 42 boats at a time. The construction was an immense undertaking, carried out by soldiers who worked around the clock using explosives and hand tools in the extremely hard rock. Following the easing of military tensions, the site was opened to the public in 1998. Because of its extraordinary acoustics, the water-filled tunnel now serves as a unique concert venue for the Kinmen Tunnel Music Festival, where musicians perform from boats gliding through the cavern.
- Location: Taiwan
- Top sights: Jhaishan Tunnel · Dashanding · Jiugong Tunnel
- Nearby: Jinsha Town (12 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, Oct, Nov.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 14 | 14 | 17 | 20 | 24 | 27 | 28 | 28 | 27 | 24 | 21 | 16 |
| Rain mm | 65 | 62 | 118 | 125 | 186 | 209 | 140 | 182 | 129 | 44 | 65 | 63 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The Jhaishan Tunnel on Kinmen Island is a historical structure open to the public. The tunnel can be visited inside; it is partly lit and walkable.
Typical hours
Opening hours follow local customs; typically the tunnel is open during the day. It is advisable to check locally for current times as they can vary by season.
Photography
Photography is allowed in the tunnel, but without flash to avoid disturbing other visitors. The narrow passages and historical atmosphere offer impressive shots.
Time needed
A walk through the tunnel takes about 30 to 45 minutes. Allow extra time to explore the visitor center and historical exhibits.
Combine with
Combine the visit with other military historical sites on Kinmen, such as Gugang Tunnel and Kinmen National Park. Lieyu Island is also worth a day trip.
Getting there
The tunnel is near Kinmen harbor, reachable on foot or by taxi. Public buses serve the area; renting a bicycle is also a good option.
Insider tip
Book a guided tour to learn more about the military history and engineering. Bring a flashlight as some areas of the tunnel are poorly lit.
Geography
Facts
- The construction of the tunnel took exactly five years (1961-1966).
- The total length of the tunnel waterway is 357 meters.
- The width of the canal inside the tunnel is about 11.5 meters.
- It was designed to hold up to 42 small landing crafts simultaneously.
- The entire structure was manually excavated by military personnel.
- An annual music festival has been held inside the tunnel since 2009.
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Sights in the town Jhaishan Tunnel (4)
Deyue Tower📍 landmark
Deyue Tower is a distinctive defensive structure built to protect the local community from pirates.
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Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the Jhaishan Tunnel?
A former military tunnel for supply boats.
Why is it worth visiting?
The impressive engineering in solid rock.
Is admission free?
Yes, admission is free.
Is it cool inside?
Yes, the climate inside the tunnel is usually pleasantly cool.
What is nearby?
The island of Kinmen with other military historic sites.
Jhaishan Tunnel: where is it located?
Jhaishan Tunnel is located in Taiwan.
Jhaishan Tunnel: what is there to see?
Highlights include Jhaishan Tunnel, Dashanding, Jiugong Tunnel.
Jhaishan Tunnel: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, Oct, Nov.
Jhaishan Tunnel: why is it worth visiting?
The Jhaishan Tunnel on Kinmen Island is an awe-inspiring testament to Taiwan's military history during the Cold War.
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