Peaceful and picturesque, the outlying Taiwanese island of Matsu is poised to become one of the nation’s newest cultural hotspots. Touted as “a world-class heritage asset” by Culture Minister Lung Ying-tai, the former military frontline contains battlefield sites and military facilities from its half-century isolation during the Cold War. Matsu’s Beigan Island also contains the remnants of stone houses built by fearsome pirates who once dominated the East Asian seas. Last but not least, residents voted last year to allow the construction of a casino resort, which they hope will boost the number of visitors to the island.