Dapu Settlement Introduction
Must-See Historic Houses in Dongju Visiting Dongju, exploring the old houses is an essential part of the journey. Aside from the Fuzheng Settlement below the lighthouse, the Dapu Settlement next to the Dapu Rock Carvings is also worth a visit. In Fuzhou dialect, "pu" means a small harbor. The Dapu Settlement faces south, and it was once the second-largest traditional fishing village in Dongju, second only to Fuzheng. At its peak, it had over 50 households and more than 200 residents, with dozens of fishing boats of various sizes docked in the harbor. The nearby waters were once rich in yellow croaker, pomfret, and ribbonfish, making it a natural harbor. Moreover, the nearby "Dui Mien Mountain" (also known as Louzai Peak) protects the island from the winter north winds. Therefore, the island's residents often adjusted their fishing seasons according to the seasonal winds, resulting in the living practice of “Fuzheng in summer, Dapu in winter.” Since the end of military administration in 1992 and the sharp decrease in fish catches, the population gradually moved away, and the Dapu Settlement became a neglected field overgrown with weeds, a place where spirits linger but people do not. The former glory of the fishing village has become a memory; however, in the past decade, with the cooperation of dedicated individuals and government community revitalization policies, new residents and artists have settled in, repairing houses, revitalizing old structures, and bringing life back to the area. Gradually, some residents returned, establishing guesthouses and attracting tourists, allowing Dapu to come back to life. Expansive Views from Dapu Dongyang Mountain At the viewpoint on the cape of the Dapu Settlement, the view is expansive, making it the best spot to admire Lin Ao Islet. Heading northeast along Dapu Road, turning east at the shooting range leads to the newly opened Dongyang Mountain Trail. The Dongyang Mountain Trail and the Beigan Luobang Mountain Nature Trail are considered two of the best trails in Matsu, showcasing magnificent scenery.
