Dapu Settlement Introduction
A Must-Visit for Ancient Houses in Dongju When visiting Dongju, exploring the old houses is definitely a must-do activity. In addition to the Fuzheng settlement under the lighthouse, the Dapu settlement next to the Dapu Stone Carvings is also worth a look. The term "pu" in Fuzhou language means a small harbor. The Dapu settlement faces south at the Aokou and was once the second-largest traditional fishing village in Dongju, second only to Fuzheng. At its peak, there were more than 50 households and over 200 residents, with dozens of fishing boats of various sizes docked in the harbor, thriving with life. The nearby waters were once abundant with yellow croaker, pomfret, and ribbonfish, making it a natural harbor. Additionally, the nearby "Duimian Mountain" (also known as Louzaiting) effectively blocked the invasion of the winter northerly winds. Hence, the island's residents often changed their fishing practices in accordance with monsoon shifts, leading to the living tradition of "Fuzheng in summer, Dapu in winter." Since the war zone was lifted in 1992 and fish catches drastically declined, the population gradually migrated away. The Dapu settlement even became a deserted area overgrown with weeds, a ghost town where memories of its former glory as a fishing village faded away. However, in the past decade, with the cooperation of well-meaning individuals and government revitalization policies, new residents and artists have moved in, repairing houses and revitalizing old buildings, gradually bringing life back to the area. More residents have started to return, along with guesthouses and tourists, allowing Dapu to experience a renaissance. The Breathtaking View from Dapu's Dongyang Mountain Standing at the viewpoint on the cape of the Dapu settlement, the scenery here is expansive and offers the best spot for viewing Lin'ao Isle. Following Dapu Road northeast, turning east at the shooting range leads to the newly developed Dongyang Mountain Trail. The Dongyang Mountain Trail, along with the Luobang Mountain Natural Trail in Beigan, is considered one of the two great trails in Matsu, showcasing magnificent vistas.
