Location & Accessibility

Dading Town Artillery Bombardment Experience Area sits on Dadin Island in Xiang’an District,廈門市,福建省. This small island is just a 10-minute ferry ride from Wuyuan Bay (五缘湾) or a 40-minute drive from Xiamen Island. If you’re arriving by high-speed train to Xiamen North Station, taxis or buses can drop you at Daxing Town, where the iconic Taiwan Snack Street marks the entrance to the experience area. The address in Chinese is easy to locate: 福建省厦门市翔安区大嶝岛大嶝小镇对台贸易市场台湾小吃街.

Natural Scenery: A Coastal Gem

The island’s charm starts with its coastal views. Think golden beaches, rocky shores, and breathtaking sunsets over the Taiwan Strait. During low tide, you can walk along the mudflats to spot hermit crabs and seabirds. For a quieter escape, head to the mangrove forests near the bombardment site—a reminder of how nature thrives even in historic conflict zones.

Historical Vibes: Wartime Stories Come Alive

The Artillery Bombardment Experience Area isn’t just a tourist spot—it’s a living history lesson. In the 1950s and 1960s, this area was the front line of the Xiamen-Quemoy Battle, where artillery fire shaped diplomacy. Today, you can explore vintage cannons, visit a wartime bunker, and see life-size sculptures of soldiers. The highlight? An interactive artillery simulator where you can “fire” a virtual cannon (don’t worry—it’s all fun and no actual explosions!).

Cultural Blend: Taiwan’s Flavors Next Door

One of Daxin Town’s quirkiest draws is its Taiwan Snack Street, tucked inside the Cross-Strait Trade Market. Here, locals and tourists alike munch on authentic Taiwanese eats like stinky tofu, bubble tea, and pineapple cakes. The snacks are a nod to the island’s role as a trade hub—once a symbol of tension, now a bridge for foodie friendships.

Practical Tips: What to Expect

  • Entrance fee: Free! (Some interactive exhibits may charge a small fee.)
  • Best time to visit: Mornings for calm sea views, evenings for sunset vibes.
  • Family-friendly: Kids love the cannon replicas and snack street.
  • Language: English signs are rare, but vendors and staff are surprisingly helpful—just smile and point!

Off-the-Beaten-Path Highlights

Beyond the main area, wander to Yuhuan Run Beach for a quieter swim or cycle around the island’s fishing villages. For a deeper dive into history, check out the Hero Monument nearby, which honors veterans. Don’t miss the night market after sundown—it’s where locals gather to chat, eat, and watch the lights of Quemoy (Kinmen) flicker across the water.

Why Visit? A Mix of Past and Present

Dading Town Artillery Bombardment Experience Area isn’t just about wartime nostalgia. It’s a place where history meets humor, nature blends with nostalgia, and cross-strait culture comes together over shared snacks. Whether you’re a history buff, food lover, or beach bum, it’s a quirky stop that packs more than one punch. Just remember—those cannons are retired, but the island’s vibes are still firing on all cylinders!