Zhaishan Tunnels (aka Jhaishan Tunnels) are winding military tunnels running underground in Kinmen connecting to the ocean. During the Chinese Civil War, they were used to protect ships from bombing raids. The tunnels are open for tours, and besides having great acoustics the tunnels are also strikingly beautiful.
The tunnels were completed in 1966, but due to budget constraints the tunnels had to close in 1986. I assume this is because the tunnels required constant dredging. The tunnels were made into a national heritage park and opened for tourists in 1998. The tunnels are over 350 meters long, 6 meters wide, and 3.5 meters high.
Hours: Every day 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
How to get there:
Take Zhuhai West Road Sec. 3 out of Kincheng south to Guguang lake. Follow the brown signs to the tunnels; there is a large parking lot and park in front of the entrance.
Map: Please see below:
Zhaishan tunnels were on the top of our list of things to see in Kinmen, but it was a little hard to find. When you get there, there will be a few tanks on display in the parking lot.
The main parking lot to Zhaishan tunnels.
Entrance to the main park in front of the tunnels.
Open every day except Chinese New Year's Eve!
Some of the small naval vessels used in the tunnels are on display in the park.
"The Jhaishan Tunnels were built in 1963, after the August 23rd bombardment. The whole area was comprised of granite gneiss and the tunnels took 3 years to complete."
"Small vessels can enter the tunnels to avoid bombing and also to break through sieges; the tunnels were also used for transporting supplies for military and civilian purposes."
Anti-aircraft cannons on display.
A sign with "毋忘在莒" which basically just means "take back the mainland."
Free helmets are offered at the entrance, but they are not compulsory.
Some basic information about the tunnel, as well as a video of some violinists playing in the tunnel, showing off the great acoustics inside.
The short walk down to the tunnels.
First view of the tunnels.
The water here is perfectly still and reflective.
View of the two tunnels splitting on either side to the ocean.
"Zhaishan Tunnel Branch Tunnel"
"Zhainshan tunnel is A shaped and is separated into main waterway and branch waterway. Your present position is at the meeting point of the main waterway and the branch waterway. The pathway at the side of the branch waterway is still as it was when the tunnel was in use."
Reflection of the branch waterway.
A seam in the granite rock.
Some broken down machinery on the side of the tunnel.
Looking back into the tunnel.
View walking back to the entrance. I like the effect of those purple lights.
And that is your tour of Zhaishan tunnels.
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