Local flavor adds spice to tourism

The Dachen Islands, which used to be an essential spot along the ancient Maritime Silk Road, have become a Red tourism destination. The eco-friendly islands have made the best use of the rich wind and wave energy to power the whole area.

After the end of War of Liberation (1946-49), defeated Kuomintang troops held onto Dachen. In 1955, Chiang Ching-kuo, the eldest son of Chiang Kai-shek, chief of Kuomintang, came to the islands to lead the troops retreating from the mainland after losing the battle with the People's Liberation Army.

From 1956 to 1960, 467 young volunteers from Zhejiang arrived at Dachen to cultivate barren land and rebuild the islands, and such indomitable spirit is still encouraging the current residents of Taizhou.

Nowadays, tourists can taste the fresh seafood from the East China Sea, go camping, join colorful activities on the islands and spend a night at a peaceful fishing village.

They can enjoy the beauty of the coastline as well as precipitous cliffs and visit historical places, such as ruins of the battlefield and the old residence of Chiang Ching-kuo.