Dapu Settlement Introduction
A Journey Through the Historic Houses of Dongju Visiting old houses is definitely a must when you come to Dongju. In addition to the Fuzheng settlement located under the lighthouse, the Dapu settlement next to the Dapu Stone Carvings is also worth a visit. The term "Pu" in Fuzhou dialect means a small harbor. The Dapu settlement faces south, and was once the second largest traditional fishing village in Dongju, second only to Fuzheng, with over 50 households and more than 200 residents at its peak. The harbor used to accommodate dozens of fishing boats of various sizes, bustling with life. The nearby waters were once rich in yellow croaker, pomfret, and ribbonfish, making it a natural harbor. Additionally, the "Duimen Mountain" (also known as Louzaiting) opposite the settlement effectively blocked the winter northern winds. Therefore, the island's residents often followed their experiences and adjusted their fishing practices according to seasonal winds, leading to the living custom of "Fuzheng in summer, Dapu in winter." Since the war zone was lifted in 1992 and fish catches sharply declined, the population gradually moved away, and the Dapu settlement became a weed-covered, ghostly place where only spirits remained, far from the bustling fishing village it once was. It wasn't until the last decade, through the collaboration of caring individuals and government community revitalization policies, that new residents and artists moved in. They repaired houses, revitalized old buildings, and brought new energy, gradually attracting residents back, as well as guests and tourists, allowing Dapu to be reborn. The Vast Scenery of Dongyang Mountain in Dapu Standing at the viewpoint at the cape of the Dapu settlement, the view is expansive, making it the best spot to appreciate Lin'ao Islet. Proceed northeast along Dapu Road, turn east at the shooting range, and you'll connect to the newly established Dongyang Mountain Trail. The Dongyang Mountain Trail, alongside the Beigan Luobang Mountain Nature Trail, is considered a top-tier path in Matsu, both showcasing magnificent landscapes.
