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Discovering Sika Deer – Matsu's Japanese Small Nara

Dahu Island, known as the "Island of Sika Deer," is located north of Beigan and is a neighbor to Gaoding Island. To reach this island, one must take an inter-island ferry. Once inhabited by residents and garrisoned by military troops, the island once boasted a population of over 300 people at its peak. However, with changes in historical periods and migration of the population to Beigan and Nan'gang, Dahu Island gradually transformed into an uninhabited island. Today, it remains the only uninhabited island in the Matsu archipelago open to visitors. This island features an ecological trail stretching approximately 400–500 meters. Walking along the trail, visitors can encounter various adorably playful sika deer, observe remnants of military installations, and in summer, spot the soaring swallow-tailed terns. A visit to Matsu should include a stop at Dahu Island – the island's unique ecological environment promises an unforgettable experience.

Encountering Formosan Sika Deer on Dahu Island
Around 1980, the National Zoo in Taipey donated five Formosan sika deer to Lienchiang County Government. After breeding and evaluation, the deer were released in Dahu Island of Beigan. Over several decades, the herd has adapted to the island's environment, freely roaming and multiplying. Today, the population has grown several times larger than the initial number.

Dahu Island Uninhabited Island Experience – Limited Edition Free-Range Centipede Chicken
Besides meeting the sika deer up close, visitors to Dahu Island can also choose to stay in guesthouses restored from traditional Min Dong houses or try a unique local delicacy – roasted centipede chicken. The clay-baked free-range chickens are raised with open-range breeding; due to the lush grassy hills and humid climate on Dahu Island, an abundance of centipedes and earthworms naturally becomes their nutrient-rich food source. Roasted centipede chicken is a must-try limited-time cuisine only available on Dahu Island!
Note: For accommodations or culinary experiences, we recommend contacting Dahu Island Ecological Guesthouse in advance.