Jhaishan Tunnel翟山坑道

During my three days’ journey in Kinmen, Jhaishan Tunnel(翟山坑道)is one of the most impressive tunnels in Kinmen  in my personal opinion.

Jhaishan Tunnel(翟山坑道)is located at Gugun village, Gugun lake, around southwestern side of Kinmen. As considering the military tensions between China and Taiwan after tragic artillery duel, which was happened during the period from August 23^rd to October 5^th of year 1958( we call it 823 artillery), Jhaishan Tunnel(翟山坑道)was excavated from year 1963 and completed in year 1966. The main purpose of its construction- facilitated with pier (Dock), was provided for transportation and supply service of landing boats during the war period. It’s categorized as a fortification ready for the war.

Upon entering the tunnel and seeing your image reflection in the deep sea water, you will be shocked by its construction work. It’s difficult to imagine how much bloody sweat of the huge construction manpower has been shed to build such a fantastic construction tunnel.

The constructed tunnel work was divided as two major parts.

The cave part is 101 meters long, 6 meters wide and 3.5 meters high.

The waterway part was designed as an A shape. It’s constructed with 357 meters long, 11.5 meters wide and 8 meters high. Said waterway could be served for 42 small ships to stop.  The wall of tunnel was painted with the ship series number for identification.

The outer shell of this tunnel was in Granite rock material, it’s very hard hence the completed tunnel is safe enough from the military viewpoint; it could be used to protect the small ships from attacking definitely at the critical moment. On the contrary, we could see how tough of the underground construction work was under this stringent condition.

Though it’s artificially built, its beauty and majesty could make you unforgettable for a long time.

Jhaishan Tunnel(翟山坑道)lost its original function gradually, after the hostile situation of both sides apart by Taiwan Strait is getting diminished and finally discarded in 1986.

Jhaishan Tunnel(翟山坑道)was handed over by Navy relevant party to Kinmen National Park Management service in 1997 for maintenance.  After the renovation, it’s formally opened in year 1998 to general public for the sightseeing. 

Both inside cold wind and tunnel outside surging wave still exist there. But without the soldiers training-mighty and majestic slogan shouting, the tunnel itself only evidenced the past history should no tourist visiting there.

As a matter of fact, it’s become the hottest spot for sightseeing for the time being.