Xiao Men Cai Zhai Introduction
Walking along the trails of Xiaomenyu, one can see the local characteristics of Penghu, including the stone guardian statues that serve to ward off evil spirits. Visitors can also observe the unique agricultural cultural landscape of the Penghu archipelago—known as "caizhai" (or "zainei" or "weizi"), which uses stone walls for protection against the elements for the crops in the fields. Most caizhai are made from local materials, primarily using pebble stone for construction, though in some areas with abundant water sources, reed structures are also used for wind protection. The construction method of caizhai is quite special, as basalt and pebble stones are sun-dried to remove impurities. Large stones are used as a foundation, while smaller stones fill in the gaps. During the stacking process, no cement or lime is utilized; instead, the sharp edges of the stones interlock, forming a sturdy windbreak wall. This construction method may seem rough, but it effectively withstands strong northeast monsoons. The crops grown within the caizhai mainly include pumpkins, Penghu cucumbers, and Penghu beans during the spring and summer seasons, while cabbage, tomatoes, and crown daisies are commonly planted in autumn and winter. Besides seasonal vegetables, the primary crop cultivated is sweet potato, locally called "zai mu." However, such traditional techniques require long-term accumulation of skills, and due to the difficulty in sourcing materials, this craftsmanship is gradually fading away. Nowadays, modern caizhai often use alternative materials for construction.
Xiao Men Cai Zhai
Little Door Restaurant
