Fuzheng Community Introduction
Simple and unpretentious Minnan East style bears witness to the migration of settlements. A must-visit site on Dongjue Island is the Fuzheng Settlement, where the plain scenery leaves a lasting impression. Locals have a saying: "In summer, it’s Fuzheng; in winter, it’s Dapu," meaning that Dapu Village, located at the southern end, can resist the northeast winds in winter, while Fuzheng Village at the northern end is most suitable for habitation in summer when the southwestern winds blow. This has led early residents to travel back and forth between the two villages for fishing, just as the saying suggests. Fuzheng Settlement was once the most prosperous village in Dongjue. As the catch decreased and residents moved away along with reduced military presence, its former glory faded, leaving only dilapidated stone houses accompanied by the Dongjue Lighthouse and the Baima Zunwang Temple, which continues to silently guard the village. The local Minnan architectural style is predominantly simple, built with two slopes of roofs and random stones. Compared to Qinbi, it has a different atmosphere, with only about ten households living in the settlement, creating a tranquil and simple charm. In recent years, the government has strongly promoted the preservation of settlements, and Fuzheng Village, once deserted, has gradually come back to life, becoming a precious cultural heritage of the area. The scene of empty buildings may evoke melancholy, but the serene beauty it exudes is a unique cultural ambiance of traditional settlements in Matsu. Entering the Fuzheng Settlement reveals a pure and tranquil beauty, where the roofs and brick walls are sculpted by time, and at a distance, the vibrant flames on the Baima Zunwang Temple's volcanic wall stand out prominently. The temple is said to have been built during the Daoguang period of the Qing Dynasty. In 2000, due to the old structure, it was demolished and rebuilt. The main deities worshipped are Baima Zunwang and his wife, along with the accompanying deity, Linshui Fujin, and General Ma, who protect the village.
