Ching Fan Harbor Introduction
Qingfan Port, an important gateway in Xiju, once dubbed "Little Hong Kong," is located on the southern coast of Xiju Island and serves as the administrative center of Juguang Township. Originally named "Qingfan," it is said to have received its name because of foreign residents in the area. Qingfan Village, which is built against the hillside, offers excellent views overlooking the endless sea. The combination of white houses and the vast blue sky emanates a Mediterranean atmosphere. Covering an area of approximately 134 hectares, Qingfan Village is a commercial hub, settlement, and port, making it the most bustling village in Xiju. During the prosperous period at the end of the Qing Dynasty, it was the only place in Matsu designated as a "town." Ships from China had to stop at Qingfan Bay for supplies before proceeding to the Min River, leading to a vibrant trade and earning it the nickname "Little Hong Kong." At its peak, Qingfan Village was home to Qingdongli and Qingxili and remains the liveliest market in Juguang, with vendors, markets, dining options, and governmental agencies concentrated here. Walking through the village, the stone walls and slogans on the steps evoke a sense of nostalgia. The old houses, slightly tucked away, are overshadowed by modern buildings, and the once-bustling fishing industry seems to have faded. The national emblem above the door of an old house laments the passage of time. The Tianhou Temple in Qingfan is located above the old street, while the majestic Chen Yuan Shuai Temple by the port serves as the center of faith for the village and the entire island, attracting many worshippers. In the late 1920s, the pro-Japanese puppet "Peace Saving National Army Second Route Army" occupied the area; by the late 1930s, the East China Forces moved in, with their headquarters at "Mountain and Sea Together." In the early 1940s, during the Korean War, the CIA of the United States operated under the name "Western Company" in Qingfan to collect intelligence. Thus, the American flag - the Stars and Stripes - once flew in Qingfan Village for a time, contributing to the rich cultural history of Qingfan Port, telling local stories. The Majestic Chen Yuan Shuai Temple serves as the center of faith for Qingfan Village. Chen Yuan Shuai, originally named Chen Tangming, was known for his willingness to fight for justice, often referred to as Brother Chen. After his death, his body floated to Qingfan Port, remaining there 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 catch. When this promise was fulfilled, curiosity grew, and they vowed again that if they caught a headless yellow croaker, they would build a temple in his honor. The next day, they indeed caught the fish, leading to the establishment of the temple in his commemoration, which continues to this day.
