Qingfan Harbor Introduction
Qingfan Port, an important gateway of the past for the island of Xiju, is located on the southern coast of Xiju Island. It serves as a main entry point and is also the administrative center of Juguang Township. Originally named "Qingfan," it is said to have been named after foreign residents historically living here. Qingfan Village, perched on the hillside, offers stunning views of the vast sea; the white mountain town paired with the azure sky exudes a Mediterranean ambiance. Qingfan Village covers an area of approximately 134 hectares and is a bustling commercial center and port, making it the liveliest village on Xiju Island. During the late Qing Dynasty, it was the only place in Matsu that had a "town" designation. Vessels from Chinese and foreign shipping lines had to stop at Qingfan Bay for supplies before entering the Min River, leading to a thriving trade hub that was often referred to as "Little Hong Kong." At its peak, it included areas such as Qingdong and Qingxi, and it remains the most vibrant marketplace in Juguang, with numerous vendors, markets, restaurants, and government offices concentrated here. Walking between the village houses, one can see stone walls and slogans on the steps, evoking a sense of nostalgia. The old houses seem to shrink amidst modern buildings, while fishery shelters are locked away, with memories of the once-flourishing fishing days now faded. The national emblem above the doors of ancient houses serves as a reminder of change over time. The Mazu Temple in Qingfan sits above the old street, and the majestic Marshal Chen Yuan Shuai Temple beside the port serves as a faith center for both the village and the entire island. In the late 1920s, the pro-Japanese pseudo "Peace Salvation Army Second Route Army" was stationed here. By the late 1930s, the East China Fleet had moved in, establishing its headquarters at "Shanhai Family." In the early 1940s, during the Korean War, the CIA of the United States occupied Qingfan Mountain under the name "Western Company" to gather intelligence, during which the American flag - the Stars and Stripes - flew over Qingfan Village for a period. Hence, Qingfan Port has a rich cultural and historical background that tells the stories of this area. The Marshal Chen Yuan Shuai Temple is the faith center of Qingfan Village. It is unique to the local culture, dedicated to Marshal Chen, whose real name was Chen Tangming. Known for his sense of justice, he was affectionately called Brother Chen. After his passing, his body floated to Qingfan Port and remained for three days and nights, which astonished the ancestors. They vowed to honor him with a proper burial if they returned from the sea with a full load, and remarkably, this came to pass. This intrigued the people, who then pledged to build a temple in his honor if they caught a headless yellow croaker. The next day, they indeed caught one, leading to the establishment of the temple in his tribute.
