Matsu’s “slow travel” hiking routes are being promoted as Taiwan’s version of the Camino de Santiago, attracting international visitors to explore the archipelago’s four townships and five islands. 

The Tourism Administration’s Matsu National Scenic Area Headquarters launched 10 hiking routes this year covering geological landscapes, military heritage, Matsu pilgrimage sites, fisheries and ecology. The initiative follows last year’s debut of “Island Clean Walk – Matsu Slow Travel,” which encouraged travelers to explore the island’s offshore trail system, wartime culture, distinctive architecture and dramatic coastlines. 

The administration will also organize “expert-led tour” events. Cheerleader Tanya Lee (李若潼) will visit Dongyin in August, while travel writer Blue White Slippers (藍白拖) will lead tours of Beigan and Juguang in September.

Japanese entertainer Mariko Okubo, who attended the launch ceremony on Wednesday, said she immediately fell in love with Matsu during her first visit last year. She visited Nangan, Beigan, Dongju and Xiju, and later fulfilled her wish to visit Dongyin and see its famous “blue tears,” the glowing blue bioluminescent plankton, in May. 

Okubo said, “I met a fellow Japanese hiker at the lighthouse near Dongyin who comes often to Taiwan on business. He said tourism in Matsu has an irreplaceable sense of mystery that you can't see elsewhere. It used to be a tense war zone, but now it's a peaceful and beautiful natural tourist spot.”

The administration also introduced a Matsu hiking passport. Visitors can pay NT$200 (US$6.20) to receive NT$500 (US$15.50) in credits at participating businesses for food, local activities and souvenirs.