Major city · Taiwan
Kinmen金門
Give Kinmen 2–3 nights: fly into KNH, base in Jincheng, rent a scooter (NT$550/day) and split one day for Greater Kinmen, one for Lieyu.
Kinmen is a Taiwan-controlled island group about 10 km off Xiamen, reached only by air from Taiwan proper. It trades on three things: Cold War military sites, southern Fujian architecture, and kaoliang liquor. Sights are spread across a rural island, so a scooter or the tourist bus matters more than a hotel choice.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- TWD
- Best months
- Oct–Dec, Mar–Apr
- avoid Jul–Sep (heat, typhoons), Chinese New Year
- Airport
- KNH
- Nights
- 2–3
Rules in force · 5
- East Asia ↗Every border in East Asia is a full international border, Hong Kong and Macau included: an entry permission for one never covers the next.
- East Asia ↗Ferries between Korea, Japan and China cancel in rough seas and typhoons; keep a flight or a spare day behind every sea leg.
- Taiwan ↗Check visa-exemption length, passport validity and the online arrival card (TWAC) on the official sites before you fly.
- Taiwan ↗An EasyCard (or iPASS) covers MRT, buses, local trains and many convenience-store purchases; buy one at the airport or a station.
- Taiwan ↗When a local government declares a typhoon day, transport and sights can close for the day; follow the official notice, not the forecast alone.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Kinmen110 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Kinmen, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Night markets, breakfast shops and many small restaurants take cash only; carry NT$1,000–2,000 (≈ US$35–70) in small notes.Taiwan-wide
- SIM or eSIMChunghwa Telecom, Taiwan Mobile and FarEasTone sell tourist SIMs and eSIMs at TPE and KHH arrivals…Taiwan-wide
- Tap waterTreated at source, but locals boil or filter it.Taiwan-wide
- TippingRestaurants: No tip; a 10% service charge appears in many sit-down places and hotels.Taiwan-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 110 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Taiwan-wide
- SafetyVery low street crime.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree, clean toilets in every MRT station, convenience stores and department stores; paper goes in the toilet in most new buildings — follow the sign.Taiwan-wide
- Emergency numbers110 police · 119 fire and ambulance (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysMany museums close on Monday (the National Palace Museum opens daily).Taiwan-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportKNH Kinmen Airport (Shangyi) (Mandarin Airlines and Uni Air from Taipei, Taichung, Chiayi, Tainan, Kaohsiung and Penghu…
- Getting aroundRent a 150 cc scooter (about NT$550 (≈ US$19) per 24 h; a licence is required) or use the tourist bus (NT$200 (≈ US$7) day ticket, Chinese-language guiding…
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee or tea in a caféNT$60–120 (≈ US$2–4)
- Street or quick mealBowl of noodles or a bentoNT$80–150 (≈ US$3–5)
- Beerconvenience store / barNT$35–60 (≈ US$2)NT$120–200 (≈ US$4–7)
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Taxi, Shuitou pier to JinchengNT$250 (≈ US$9) flat
- Museum or sight ticketMuseum entry (most military sites)Free
- Budget bedHostel or guesthouse bed, a night, per personNT$700 (≈ US$25)
- Mid-range bedTraditional minsu double room, a night, per roomNT$2,600 (≈ US$90)
- High-end bedTraditional minsu double room, a night, per roomNT$4,500 (≈ US$150)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget NT$1,200 (≈ US$40) · Mid NT$2,400 (≈ US$80) · High NT$4,500 (≈ US$150)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- KNH Kinmen Airport (Shangyi) (Mandarin Airlines and Uni Air from Taipei, Taichung, Chiayi, Tainan, Kaohsiung and Penghu; one-way from a little over NT$2,000)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
not flagged
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Feb
not flagged
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Mar
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Apr
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
May
not flagged
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Jun
not flagged
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Jul
Avoid
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Aug
Avoid
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Sep
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Oct
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Nov
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Dec
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Best: Mar–Apr, Oct–Dec. Avoid: Jul–Sep. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)), coolest Jan (10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C) low), wettest Jun (12 rain days), driest Oct (4). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Kinmen: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
6 rd
Feb
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
9 rd
Mar
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
11 rd
Apr
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
11 rd
May
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
11 rd
Jun
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
12 rd
Jul
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
8 rd
Aug
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
9 rd
Sep
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
7 rd
Oct
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
4 rd
Nov
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
4 rd
Dec
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
5 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Rent a 150 cc scooter (about NT$550 per 24 h; a licence is required) or use the tourist bus (NT$200 day ticket, Chinese-language guiding, 08:30 and 13:30 from Jincheng). Public buses are cheap (NT$12–24) but infrequent and stop early. Taxis are concentrated in town; Shuitou pier to Jincheng is a NT$250 flat rate. Ferries link Shuitou and Lieyu every 30 min in daytime, about 10–15 min, NT$60 per person plus NT$100 per scooter.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Lieyu (Little Kinmen)
goDoor to door: About 30 min plus sightseeing
Ferry from Shuitou Pier every 30 min in daytime, 10–15 min
Siwei and Jiugong tunnels, quieter than Zhaishan; a bike path rings much of the island.
Zhaishan Tunnel and Shuitou
goDoor to door: About 20–30 min
Scooter or Line A tourist bus from Jincheng
Underground navy pier, free entry; pair with the Deyue Gun Tower and Shuitou houses.
Guningtou and Triangle Fortress
goDoor to door: About 20 min
Scooter or Line B tourist bus / bus 9
1949 battlefield museums and a beach view of the Xiamen skyline.
Xiamen (mainland China)
cautionDoor to door: About 1 h plus border formalities
Ferry from Shuitou Pier, about 30 min, several daily 09:00–17:30Ferry from Shuitou Pier, about 30 min, several daily 9:00 AM–5:30 PM
Counts as an exit from China; check your visa before booking.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Jincheng (Kincheng)
The main town: bus station, tourist office, food, and the easiest base without a car.
Shuitou
Near the ferry pier and the Zhaishan tunnels; quieter, good for one night before an early boat.
Shanwai / Jinhu
Eastern half; closer to Lion Mountain and Shanhou, but you need your own wheels.
Lieyu (Little Kinmen)
A handful of minsu; only worth it if you want the island after the last ferry.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- NT$1,200–2,000 (≈ US$40–70) excl. bed
- Mid
- NT$2,000–3,500 (≈ US$70–120) excl. bed
- High
- NT$3,500 (≈ US$120)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Traditional minsu double room1 × 2 nights × NT$2,600 | NT$5,200 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × NT$2,400 | NT$9,600 |
| Scooter rental, 24 h1 × NT$550 | NT$550 |
| Tourist bus day ticket2 × NT$200 | NT$400 |
| Shuitou–Lieyu ferry, each way2 × NT$60 | NT$120 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × NT$400 | NT$800 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | NT$1,670 |
| Trip total≈ NT$4,590 per person per day, bed included | NT$18,340≈ US$650 |
2026 estimate in New Taiwan dollars; flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Bowl of noodles or a bento | NT$80–150 (≈ US$3–5) |
| Coffee or tea in a café | NT$60–120 (≈ US$2–4) |
| Beer: convenience store / bar | NT$35–60 (≈ US$2) / NT$120–200 (≈ US$4–7) |
| Scooter rental, 24 h | NT$500–600 (≈ US$17–20) |
| Taxi, Shuitou pier to Jincheng | NT$250 (≈ US$9) flat |
| Kaoliang liquor, 0.6 L bottle | NT$400–1,200 (≈ US$14–40) |
| Museum entry (most military sites) | Free |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Do not photograph military installations, posts or infrastructure that could be a military target.
- Scooters need a valid motorcycle licence; riding without one is illegal.
- High winds hit any time of year — expect delays on ferries and exposed roads.
- Buses skip stops with nobody waiting; press the button to get off.
- A trip from mainland China to Kinmen counts as an exit from China — single-entry visas will not work for a return.
Emergency numbers
- Police
- 110
- Fire and ambulance
- 119
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
Kinmen金門
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
請到這個地址To this address, please
Emergency
- Police110
- Fire and ambulance119
Embassy
No embassies on Kinmen; foreign missions are in Taipei. US citizens: American Institute in Taiwan, Taipei (check).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Taxi Shuitou Pier → Jincheng: NT$250 (≈ US$9) flat
- Shuitou → Lieyu ferry: NT$60 (≈ US$2) per person, about 10–15 min
- Tourist bus day ticket: NT$200 (≈ US$7), departs 08:30 and 13:30NT$200 (≈ US$7), departs 8:30 AM and 1:30 PM
Say or show
- 你好 — Hello (nǐ hǎo)
- 謝謝 — Thank you (xièxiè)
- 多少錢？ — How much is it? (duōshǎo qián)
- 廁所在哪裡？ — Where is the toilet? (cèsuǒ zài nǎlǐ)
- 我想租機車 — I want to rent a scooter (wǒ xiǎng zū jīchē)
- 請載我到這個地址 — Please take me to this address (qǐng zài wǒ dào zhège dìzhǐ)
Kinmen is administered by Taiwan (ROC). Carry your passport; the ferry to Xiamen crosses into mainland China.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Kinmen. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Oct–Dec, Mar–Apr · avoid Jul–Sep (heat, typhoons), Chinese New Year · month by month →
- 1 airport and 4 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for KNH: last flights from Taipei and Kaohsiung, taxi fallback, first-night rung.
- Four scooter clusters with rescue anchors: Jincheng, Shuitou and Zhaishan, Guningtou, Shanwai and Lion Mountain.
- Place pages with verified hours (8-2-3 museum, Zhaishan, Juguang Tower, Qing military headquarters) and eat pages with last orders.
- Wind and ferry-cancellation fixtures so gates A–D can go green.
Sources
- officialKinmen County Government
- officialKinmen National Park
- officialKinmen Airport (KNH)
- secondaryWikivoyage: Kinmen, revision 5323013 (CC BY-SA 4.0)