Chipinglong Archaeological Site Introduction
The beginning of archaeological record in Matsu is marked by the Chi-Ping Long Site, located on the western coastline of Dongju Island, at the southwest corner of the Daping settlement (near the police station). It is a gently sloping marine terrace. Excavations have been conducted four times since 2001, and in the summer of 2004 and 2005, a research team composed of scholars and the local Matsu Cultural and Arts Association discovered more than 400 pieces of ground stone tools, pottery fragments, shells, and animal bones. The raw materials primarily consisted of locally sourced granite, rhyolite, and andesite. Over 10,000 pieces of pottery were unearthed, with sand-tempered red pottery being the most common, dating back to prehistoric times, which proves that humans inhabited Dongju 6,000 years ago. Further exploration is needed to determine whether this site was a small settlement, cemetery, agricultural area, hunting ground, or a place for manufacturing artifacts or battles, as it is located at an elevation of 315 meters and influenced by geological subsidence. Note: The site has gradually fallen into disrepair over the years, so visitors should pay attention to safety when traversing rugged paths. Lily Park – Encountering Wild Lilies in Dongju Originally, wild lilies were prevalent in Dongju, but due to extensive land reclamation, they have significantly decreased. Therefore, the principal of Dongju Elementary School, along with the children and the community development association, worked together to revive them. A Lily Park was established along the old trail leading to Meng'ao, behind the Dongju Fire Department. Each spring, the lilies awaken from dormancy and bloom all over the mountains by the lunar month of March.
