The Matsu Islands are located in the north-west of the Taiwan Strait, facing the mouth of the Minjiang River, separated from mainland China by the water. Matsu Islands consist of 36 islands and reef including Nangan Island, Beigan Island, Juguang Island (East Juguang and West Juguang), Dongyin Island and their affiliated islands. The nearest spot is only 9.25 kilometers away from China.

In the Cold War, Matsu was standing as frontier to against the Communist China and conflict center between the America and Soviet Union. It is also a part of First Island Chain. In order to complete the defensive deployment, Matsu islands’ coastline are dotted with strongholds and resulted in the unique cultural landscape of military heritage in Matsu.