Kinmen stands as an outpost of the free world in the Taiwan Straits, off the Fukien Province coast. The island and nearby islets block the major port city of Amoy, which is now under Communists' control. Kinmen is 198 miles from Keelung in the north, 82 miles west of the Penghu Islands and 160 miles from Kaohsiung in southern Taiwan. The shortest distance to mainland China is 2,310 meters, somewhere near Ma-shan. The total area is 148 square kilometers, including Kinmen, Ta-tan, Erhtan and other islets. The population is about 59,000. Farming is the main occupation, followed by industry, trade and fishing. Many natives of Kinmen have emigrated to Southeast Asia.
Kinmen became known around the world because of two major military actions. The first was the battle of Kuningtou on October 25, 1949, in which communist invading forces were wiped out by the Republic of China defenders. The second was the artillery bombardment which started on August 23, 1958. In the last two decades, military personnel and civilians have joined in working hard to reconstruct Kinmen. Now, it is a green island, covered with trees, with highways leading to every corner. Water and electric power are supplied to every one. People live and work in peace and prosperity, so close to communist held territory. Numerous lakes and hills, as well as pavilions, such as Chu-kuang Tower, Tai Hu and Mount Tawu, enhance the beautiful scenery. Kinmen is indeed both a fortress of freedom and a garden on the sea.
Ma-shan observation station in the frontline of Kinmen
Students are active in sports
Kinmen pottery includes artistic products, modern articles and kaoliang wine bottles, hand-painted by local artisans
Shops in town; shade of trees on the country roads
Kinmen agricultual production is increasing every year. Kaoliang wine is for export
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