Dapu Settlement Introduction
A Must-Visit Ancient House Journey in Dongju When visiting Dongju, checking out the old houses is an absolute must. Apart from the Fuzheng settlement located 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 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 dock dozens of fishing boats of various sizes, and the population thrived; the nearby waters were rich in yellow croaker, pomfret, and ribbon fish, making it a natural harbor. Additionally, the "Duimeishan" (also known as Louzaiting) across from the settlement can block the invasion of winter northerly winds, so the island's residents often followed their experiential rules to adapt their fishing activities according to seasonal changes, giving rise to the living custom of "Fuzheng in summer, Dapu in winter." Since the military restrictions were lifted in 1992 and fish catches plummeted, the population has gradually moved away. The Dapu settlement even became an overgrown, deserted place, leaving only spirits behind, with its former fishing village splendor becoming a distant memory. However, in the past decade, thanks to the collaboration between caring individuals and government community revitalization policies, new residents and artists have moved in, renovated houses, and revitalized the old buildings, gradually attracting residents back, resulting in homestays and tourists, breathing new life into Dapu. Dapu's East Yang Mountain Vast Scenery Standing at the viewpoint on the cape of the Dapu settlement, the scenery here is expansive, making it the best spot to observe Lin'ao Islet. Heading northeast along Dapu Road, turning east at the shooting range will connect you to the newly established Dongyang Mountain Trail. The Dongyang Mountain Trail and the Beigan Luobang Mountain Nature Trail are considered the two best hiking trails in Matsu, both showcasing magnificent landscapes.
