Daqiu Island

Daqiu is a small island off Beigan in the Matsu group, farmed and settled once - 280 people from 45 families lived here in 1970 - and empty of residents since the last family moved to Beigan in 1990, with a population of sika deer introduced decades ago that has bred and taken the island over. They graze the hillsides and wander through the ruins of the old village, unafraid of the boat trippers who come across in summer. A path runs across the island past the abandoned houses to viewpoints over the sea.

What you'll find

• The sika deer - a herd roaming the empty island, habituated to visitors.
• The abandoned village - stone houses standing empty on the hillside.
• The island path - a walk across to viewpoints on the far side.
• The Matsu coast - the neighbouring islands across the water.

When to go

April to October is the season; boats stop in winter and in any rough weather. Morning and late afternoon are when the deer are most active. Fog closes the Matsu islands regularly.

Things to know

Boats are cancelled often for weather and fog, and Matsu flights are cancelled with them. Feeding the deer is discouraged but widely done and has changed their behaviour. There are no facilities on the island.

Nearby

Beigan is across the water, and Nangan is south.

Key facts