Cihu, a large lake next to the sea facing Xiamen, was built by the military for strategic purposes in 1969. It's now a popular spot for gazing at the skyscrapers in Xiamen, and watching the sunset and migrating birds.The anti-landing spikes which used to be on all Kinmen beaches make for a uniquely poignant scene.Starting sometime in November every year, flocks of migrating cormorants return to the trees around Cihu. Throughout the winter, the best time to be at the observation deck is at dusk. Seeing up to 4000 birds flying in v-shape formation is really a sight to behold!