Qingfan Harbor Introduction
Qingfan Port, the important gateway of Xiju, is located on the southern coast of Xiju Island. It serves as the main entrance and exit for Xiju and is the administrative center of Juguang Township. Originally named "Qingfan," it is said to have derived its name from foreign residents living there. Qingfan Village, situated on a hillside, offers excellent panoramic views of the endless sea, with its white mountain town and vast blue sky exuding a Mediterranean charm. Qingfan Village covers an area of about 134 hectares, serving as a commercial area, settlement, and port, and is the most bustling village on Xiju Island. During the prosperous late Qing Dynasty, it was the only place in Matsu that had a "town." Foreign vessel companies were required to anchor in Qingfan Bay to wait for the tide and resupply before entering the Min River, leading to a booming trade and bustling atmosphere, hence the nickname "Little Hong Kong." At its peak, it included Qingdongli and Qingxili, and to this day remains the liveliest market in Juguang, with shops, markets, dining options, and administrative units concentrated here. Walking through the village among the houses, the slogans on the stone walls and stairs evoke a sense of returning to the past. The old houses huddle among modern buildings, and the fishing shelters are tightly secured, with the once-thriving memories of fishing now faded; the national emblem on the doors of older houses sighs with the passage of time. The Tianhou Temple of Qingfan is located above the old street, while the majestic Marshal Chen Temple by the port acts as the faith center for the village and the entire island, with a vibrant flame of incense. In the late 1920s, the pro-Japanese puppet "Peace Rescue Army Second Road Army" was stationed here. In the late 1930s, the Donghai forces moved in, with their headquarters set up at "Shanhai Yijia." In the early 1940s, during the Korean War, the CIA of the United States entered Qingfan Mountain under the guise of the "Western Company" to gather intelligence; as a result, the American flag, the Stars and Stripes, flew in Qingfan Village for a period of time. Thus, Qingfan Port has a rich cultural history that tells the local story. The majestic Marshal Chen Temple serves as the faith center of Qingfan Village. The local worship of Marshal Chen, whose real name is Chen Tangming, is unique; he was known for helping those in need and was affectionately called Brother Chen. After his death, his body drifted to Qingfan Port and miraculously remained for three days and nights without sinking. This amazed the pioneers, who made a vow that if they returned safely from a fishing trip, they would bury him properly, and when this came true, curiosity grew. They vowed again to build a temple if they caught a headless yellow fish, and the next day their wish was granted, leading to the establishment of the temple in his honor that continues to this day.
