Andong Tunnel

Andong Tunnel: A tunnel with a long staircase, it is one of Dongyin's must-visit military attractions. Andong Tunnel is a massive strategic tunnel excavated through Erzhong Mountain, the former site of the Dongyin Command Post. It was constructed around 1971 during the Cold War. The military released the tunnel in 2002, and it was subsequently renovated by the Matsu National Scenic Area Administration, opening to the public in 2004. The tunnel entrance, featuring a camouflage exterior, is located next to the Cadre Training Class. From the entrance, after a steep slope and approximately 464 steps downwards, you enter the branched, unique, and interconnected Andong Tunnel. The interior of the Andong Tunnel, which pierces through Erzhong Mountain, is about 300 meters long. Along the main corridor, there are eight branch tunnels/passageways. All facilities are complete, including the company commander's office, large and small dormitories, Zhongshan Room (a recreation room), operations room, ammunition depot, washrooms, and even a pigsty. Each of these branches leads to the seaside. The observation openings, located at the edge of the sea cliffs, were once cannon emplacements. Today, they serve as excellent viewing platforms for appreciating the sea, gulls, and fjords. Looking out from the openings, rock formations have been named "Indian Head" and "Puppy Head" due to their distinct shapes. It's truly worth exploring for visitors. A visit to the tunnel reveals the original appearance of its various internal constructions, making it highly valuable for tourism. Around April each year, protected bird species such as Black-tailed Gulls and Whiskered Terns migrate south from Japan to nest and breed their offspring at the tunnel entrance and surrounding islets/reefs.