Qingfan Harbor Introduction
Qingfan Port, an important gateway in West Jue, was once known as "Little Hong Kong." It is located at the southern coast of Xiju Island and serves as a vital entry and exit point, as well as the administrative center of Juguang Township. Originally named "Qingfan," it is said to have derived its name from foreign residents who once lived here. Qingfan Village, situated on a hillside, boasts breathtaking views of the endless sea. The combination of white mountain houses under a vast blue sky exudes a Mediterranean charm. Covering an area of approximately 134 hectares, Qingfan Village is a bustling commercial area, settlement, and port, making it the most vibrant village on Xiju Island. During the prosperous late Qing Dynasty, it was the only place in Matsu that had a "town." Ships from China’s Fujian province had to anchor at Qingfan Bay for supplies before proceeding to the Min River, leading to flourishing trade and a lively atmosphere, earning it the nickname "Little Hong Kong." At its peak, it included Qingdong and Qingxi villages, and to this day it remains the busiest market in Juguang, with vendors, markets, dining establishments, and government offices concentrated here. Walking through the village homes, the slogans on stone walls and stairs make one feel as though they have been transported back in time. The ancient structures seem to shrink between modern buildings, while the memories of the once-thriving fishing industry fade. The national emblem on the doorframes of old houses reflects the passage of time. The Tianhou Temple in Qingfan stands proudly above the old street, and the majestic Marshal Chen Temple by the port is the spiritual center of both the village and the island, attracting countless devotees. In the late 1920s, the pro-Japanese "Peace Rescue Army Second Route Army" took up residence here. In the late 1930s, the East China Forces moved in, establishing their headquarters at "Shanhai Yijia." In the early 1940s, during the Korean War, the CIA entered Qingfan Mountain under the name "Western Company" to gather intelligence, leading to the flags of the United States flying in Qingfan Village for a period of time. Hence, Qingfan Port has a rich cultural history that tells local stories. The Marshal Chen Temple is the faith center of Qingfan Village. Known as Chen Dage, the real name of Marshal Chen is Chen Tangming. He was a person who championed justice, and after his death, his body floated to Qingfan Port. For three days and nights, it did not leave, astonishing the ancestors. They made a vow that if they returned from the sea fully loaded, they would properly bury him. Miraculously, their wish was fulfilled, leading to even more curiosity, and they vowed again to erect a temple to honor him if they caught a headless yellow croaker. The next day, they indeed caught one, and so the temple has been erected and honored ever since.
