Harmony in History: Taiwan's Kinmen Tunnel Reverberates with Music

The Kinmen Tunnel Music Festival transforms a historic wartime site in Taiwan into a symphony of peace and culture, drawing audiences to experience music amid the echoes of history and nature's sounds.

In a striking transformation from its turbulent past, the Zhaishan Tunnel on Kinmen Island resonated with the harmonious sounds of cellos and violins over the weekend. Initially constructed during the Cold War to shield supply boats from Chinese artillery, the tunnel now hosts the annual Kinmen Tunnel Music Festival.

Situated just off the Chinese coast, this handmade granite tunnel emerged in the 1960s as a military stronghold, witnessing repeated bombardments from China's military. Today, however, it stands as a testament to peace and a vivid tourist attraction. Over two days, the tunnel welcomed 1,200 concertgoers to its six performances, marking the festival's 17th edition.

During the event, performers delivered a repertoire that included Mozart, Beethoven, and traditional Taiwanese and Chinese pieces while floating on a small boat in the vividly illuminated tunnel. The festival's art director, Chang Chen-chieh, emphasized that the music narrates the tale of the tunnel and embodies a universal message of peace. Tickets sold out in an astonishing two minutes, highlighting the festival's popularity and the locale's unique allure.

(With inputs from agencies.)