Derict to middle content area
:::

close search panel
:::
  1. Home
  2. Exploration
  3. Themed Articles
  4. Kinmen National Park Headquarters Welcomes You to a Midsummer Night's Dream with Summer Fairy the Blue-Tailed Bee-Eater

Kinmen National Park Headquarters Welcomes You to a Midsummer Night's Dream with Summer Fairy the Blue-Tailed Bee-Eater

Merops philippinus (the blue-tailed bee-eater) was named the "Summer Fairy" due to its colorful feathers and excellent hunting skills. Its main habitats are in Southeast Asia, New Guinea, Philippines, Sri Lanka, India, and southwest China. Each year about 3,000 Merops philippinus birds arrive in Kinmen to spend the summer. These summer visitors are highly anticipated by bird watchers in Asia.

Merops philippinus has a particular breeding habit, where it likes to nest in holes in earth mounds, slopes, or walls such as those found on the coast, and in gullies and quarries. They also have natural habits such as building nests in groups, and collaborating in breeding. A investigative survey by the Kinmen National Park Headquarters research team has found the unique nesting habitats of the blue-tailed bee-eaters, where all their hole nests are distributed on the slopes resembling a chess board. Local elders call them "Chess Board Birds", giving them an extra connection to the local region.

alt-Kinmen National Park Headquarters Welcomes You to a Midsummer Night's Dream with Summer Fairy the Blue-Tailed Bee-Eater-1
Each year about 3,000 Merops philippinus birds
arrive in Kinmen to spend the summer.

The Kinmen National Park Headquarters has long been conducting habitat maintenance and slope repairs at the Youth Farm and the Cihu Triangle Fortress. Old nest holes on the slopes are cleared away, the ground is firmly compacted, recovered with vegetation, so that blue-tailed bee-eaters are attracted to come and nest.

The Kinmen National Park Headquarters has long been conducting habitat maintenance and slope repairs at the Youth Farm
The Kinmen National Park Headquarters has long been conducting
habitat maintenance and slope repairs at the Youth Farm.
alt-issue3
Merops philippinus are building nests at the Youth Farm.

After monitoring over a long period, and the manual restoration of the habitat, the blue-tailed bee-eaters have begun to nest in stable conditions, and the total number of the birds is gradually growing. Each nest is about 1 meter deep, with 4 to 5 eggs on average that are incubated for 21 to 25 days. A keep focus in the blue-tailed bee-eater conservation work for the Kinmen National Park Headquarters is to conduct precise observations while reducing any disturbance to the birds.

Therefore, last year (2017) the Kinmen National Park Headquarters installed camouflaged "bird watching tunnels" at the largest nesting area, the Youth Farm. This year (2018), the Cihu Triangle Fortress habitat is expanded to the small trenches area and the habitat next to the Boat-Shaped Fortress and the Ronghu constructed wetland are repaired to extend the range of the conservation work. The Triangle Fortress is also installed with a 360-degree surround surveillance system, which can stream the view inside the tunnel to offer friends off the island who are unable to visit in person a peek at the glorious Summer Fairy the blue-tailed bee-eater. (Live streaming of the Triangle Fortress habitat )

The Kinmen National Park Headquarters installed camouflaged bird watching tunnels at the Youth Farm
The Kinmen National Park Headquarters installed
camouflaged "bird watching tunnels" at the Youth Farm.
alt-Kinmen National Park Headquarters Welcomes You to a Midsummer Night's Dream with Summer Fairy the Blue-Tailed Bee-Eater-3
This year (2018), the Cihu Triangle Fortress habitat
is expanded to the small trenches area and
the habitat next to the Boat-Shaped Fortres.

Every year during mid-June is the peak breeding season for blue-tailed bee-eaters. The Kinmen National Park Headquarters and the Wild Bird Society of Kinmen will work together to host 18 conservation awareness events at the Cihu Triangle Fortress every weekend from 8AM to 12PM during the end of May to the end of July. The events will have professional speakers at designated spots to offer information for bird-watching visitors. The public will learn about the importance of reducing disturbance and not damaging the habitat through these detailed explanations of the natural habits of the blue-tailed bee-eaters.

There will be 18 conservation awareness events at the Cihu Triangle Fortress every weekend from 8AM to 12PM during the end of May to the end of July
The Kinmen National Park Headquarters and the Wild Bird Society
of Kinmen will work together to host 18 conservation
awareness events at the Cihu Triangle Fortress
every weekend from 8AM to 12PM
during the end of May to the end of July.
alt-issue7
The events will have professional speakers at
designated spots to offer information for bird-watching visitors.

Updated：


Kinmen

Kinmen

Accommodation in Kinmen

Published: 2009-08-12

Please read articles in our website for more information about accommodation in Kinmen National Park.
HotelTelAddress
Six brother hotel(082)324-311No.164, Jyuguang Rd., Jincheng Township, Kinmen County 893, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
HaiFu hotel(082)322538No.85, Mincyuan Rd., Jincheng Township, Kinmen County 893, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Golden Lily hotel(082)323-151No.82, Siapusia, Jinning Township, Kinmen County 892, Taiwan (R.O.C.)

Last Updated: 2020-11-20


Travel Guide

Published: 2009-08-12

Sightseeing Route Recommendations

One day Tour
Bike Tour

Kinmen National Park Visitor Center→ Jhongshanlin Recreational Area（including Chiang Ching-Kuo Memorial Hall and Old Rushan Fort (Rushan Rampart)→ Cyonglin Traditional Settlement（including Arch to Chastity, Tsai Family Ancestral Hall, Spirit Lion Statue, and the Underground Tunnel→ Anchi→ Guningtou Battlefield（including Guningtou Battle Museum, Old Western-style House at Beishan, Jhenwei Residence）→Shuangli Lake（including Beishan Spirit Lion Statue and Shueiwei Pagoda）→Cih Lake（watch the sunset at the Cih Causeway）

Two day Tour
Day 1

Airport→ Kinmen National Park Visitor Center→ Jhongshanlin Recreation Area（including Chiang Ching-Kuo Memorial Hall and Old Rushan Fort / Rushan Rampart）→Cyonglin Traditional Settlement（including Arch to Chastity, Tsai Family Ancestral Hall, Spirit Lion Statue, and the Underground Tunnel）→Lunch →Guningtou Battlefield（Guningtou War Museum, Old Western-style House at Beishan, Jhenwei Residence）→Shuangli Lake（including Beishan Spirit Lion Statue and Shueiwei Pagoda）→Cih Lake（watching sunset at the Cih Causeway）

Day 2

Mt. Taiwun for hiking→ Shanhou Folk Culture Village→ Mashan Observation Post→ Lunch→ Jhaishan Tunnel→ Jhushan Traditional Settlement→ Oucuo Traditional Settlement

Three day Tour
Day 1

Airport→Tourist Center of Kinmen National Park→Jhongshanlin Recreational Area（including Chiang Ching-Kuo Memorial Hall and Old Rushan Fort / Rushan Rampart）→Cyonglin Traditional Settlement（including Arch to Chastity, Tsai Family Ancestral Hall, Spirit Lion Statue, and the Underground Tunnel）→Lunch →Guningtou Battlefield（including Guningtou Battle Museum, Old Western-style House at Beishan, Jhenwei Residence）→Shuangli Lake（including Beishan Spirit Lion Statue and Shueiwei Pagoda）→Cih Lake（watching sunset at the Cih Causeway)

Day 2

Lieyu Area (Little Kinmen / Lesser Quemoy)（including Hujingtou Battle Museum, Sihwei Tunnel, Around-the-island Tank Road, and Lingshuei Lake）→Shueitou Traditional Settlement（ Deyue Tower, Jinshuei Primary School, and Eighteen Roof Ridge）→ Lunch→ Wuntai Pagoda, and Syu-Jiang-Siao-Wo Inscriptions→ Gugang Lake→ Jhaishan Tunnel→ Jhushan Traditional Settlement→ Oucuo Traditional Settlement

Day 3

Mt. Taiwun for hiking à Shanhou Folk Culture Village→ Mashan Observation Post→ Lunch→ Banyan Park→August 23 Artillery Battle Museum

Theme Trip

Tour ofTraditional Settlements
Gugang Area—Shueitou, Chushan, and Oucuo
Guningtou Area—Nanshan and Beishan
Mt. Taiwun Area—Cyonglin
Mashan Area—Shanhou
Tour of Battlefields and Battle Museums
Greater Quemoy:
Jhaishan Tunnel, Jhaishan Battle Village, Mt. Taiwun Cemetery, Wuwangzaijyu Inscription, August 23 Artillery Battle Museum, Guningtou Battle Museum, Old Western-style House at Beishan, Liguangcian General Temple, Mashan Observation Post.
Lieyu Area (Lesser Quemoy):
Badalouzih, General Fortress, General Temple, Shuangkou Battle Village, Hujingtou Battle Museum, and Around-the-island Tank Road.
Tour of Historical Sites and Cultural Heritages
First-class historical site: Ciouliangong Cemetary (Ching Dynasty)Second-class historical sites: Wuntai Ancient Tower (Ming Dynasty), Syu-JianSiao-Wo Inscriptions (Ming Dynasty), Chenjhen Tomb (Ming Dynasty), Chenjian Tomb (Ming), Jhuzih Shrine (Ching Dynasty), Shueitou Huang Ancestral Hall (Ching Dynasty), Tsai Family Ancestral Hall (Ching)Third-class historical sites: Haiyin Temple (Sung Dynasty), Shihmen Gate (Ming Dynasty), Hanyingyungen Stele (Ming Dynasty), Luruoeng Mansion and Cemetery (Ming Dynasty), Kinmen General Military Office in Ching Dynasty (Ching Dynasty), Shueiwei Pagoda (Ching Dynasty), Jhenwei Residence (Ching Dynasty), Tsaipanlong Tomb (Ching Dynasty), Ciouliangong Cemetery (Ching Dynasty), Fonglianshanmumahou Hall (Ching Dynasty), Cyonglin Arch to Chastity (Ching Dynasty), Lee’s Mansion at Sishanchien (Ching Dynasty), Kueising Building (Ching Dynasty).

Last Updated: 2018-09-19


Visitor Safety

Published: 2009-08-12

Attention for visitors

subway tunnel

 

  1. Advance reservation is needed to guarantee flight seat availability. Airline schedules tend to change easily due to weather conditions especially in spring.
  2. It is freezing in Kinmen in winter. Remember to bring warm clothing. There are large temperature differences between day and night in Taiwan. When doing night activities remember to keep warm.
  3. Due to many mine fields in Kinmen area, please do not enter restricted areas for your own safety. Most coastlines are still military restricted areas where tourists are not allowed to enter.
  4. Please respect local inhabitants when visiting the traditional houses and villages.
  5. Kinmen is a famous bird-watching spot. When observing them, please do not disturb
    activities and destroy their habitats.
  6. To maintain famous landscapes in Kinmen, please follow regulations and restrictions set by the Kinmen National Park.

Last Updated: 2018-09-20

Park Contacts

Published: 2009-08-12

Information of Visitor Center

Rhaphiolepis indica

 

LocationOpening HoursContact Information
Rushan Visitor center-Tel: (082)313197
Lie yu station Visitor center-Tel: (082)364401
Fax: (082)364406
shuangli Visitor center-Tel: (082)313271

Last Updated: 2020-11-20


Map Of The Park

Published: 2009-08-12

map of kinmen
Kinmen is located of the southeastern coast of Fujian Province in Xiamen Bay at the outlet to the Jiulong River. This area includes Kinmen Island, Liehyu (also known as Little Kinmen), DaDan, and ErDan, of a total of twelve islands and islets. These islands and islets cover an area of 150 square kilometers. To the west, at a distance of about 10 kilometers, is the Xiamen outport. To the east, at a distance of 277 kilometers, is Taiwan. This area is approximately at the same latitude as the Taichung area.

Last Updated: 2018-09-19


How To Get There

Published: 1999-11-30

kinmen11 

Transportation information

  1. Airline Schedules
  2. Bus Routes
  3. Car Renting
  4. Ship
NameAddressPhone
3. Car Renting：
Da-sin Minibus-Renting Co., Ltd.No.1, Lane 65, Mincyuan Rd., Jincheng Township, Kinmen County 893, Taiwan (R.O.C.)(082)324128
Fan-de Minibus-RentingCenterNo.4, Sinwudesinjhuang,Jinhu Township, Kinmen County 893, Taiwan (R.O.C.)(082)334082
Jin-ma Car-Renting AgencyNo.1-1, Minsheng Rd., Jincheng Township, Kinmen County 893, Taiwan (R.O.C.)(082)324518
Guan-cheng Car-Renting AgencyNo.7-7, Minzu Rd., Jincheng Township, Kinmen County 893, Taiwan (R.O.C.)(082)323390
Guan-jyun Minibus-Renting AgencyNo.20, Sec. 1, Huandao W. Rd., Jincheng Township, Kinmen County 893, Taiwan (R.O.C.)(082)372122
Fu-cheng Car-Renting Co., Ltd.No.200, Boyu Rd.,Jincheng Township, Kinmen County 893, Taiwan (R.O.C.)(082)322177
Jing-shengCar-RentingAgencyNo.11-1, Sintsaishihchang,Jinhu Township, Kinmen County 893, Taiwan (R.O.C.)(082)334322
Ruei-sinCar-RentingAgencyNo.1-1, Boyu Rd.,Jincheng Township, Kinmen County 893, Taiwan (R.O.C.)(082)324147
Departures PierTerminal PierDeparture Timetable
4. Ship Schedules / Ticket Price：
Jiougong (Lesser Quemoy on Liehyu)Shueitou(Greater Quemoy)07:0008:0009:0010:0011:0012:0013:00
14:0015:0016:0017:0018:0020:30-
※ Departing on the hour between 7 am to 6 pm, except for the last trip that departs at 8:30pm.
Shueitou(Greater Quemoy)Jiougong (Lesser Quemoy on Liehyu)06:3007:3008:3009:3010:3011:3012:30
13:3014:3015:3016:3017:3018:3021:00
※ Departing on the half-hour between 6:30am to 18:30pm, except for the last trip that departs at 9 pm.

Last Updated: 2018-09-20