Chihpen Settlement Introduction
The most beautiful stone house settlement comparable to Mediterranean charm. If you want to see Mediterranean scenery, you don't need to fly abroad; just come to Matsu's Beigan to experience the romantic atmosphere comparable to the stone mountain towns of Europe! Qinbi is one of the best-preserved and most representative places showcasing traditional Min Dong architecture in the Matsu archipelago, highly favored by the domestic and international architecture, culture, and art communities. In the past, villagers made a living by catching shrimp, but with the decline of fisheries in the 1970s, most residents moved away for work. The abandoned houses left behind due to population migration have transformed into guesthouses and cultural spaces through government planning and repairs, restoring the diversified appearance of the stone houses. Wandering through the winding mountain town, it's easy to find various faded and mottled slogans on the houses, as if falling into a time corridor, bringing smiles to the faces of today's visitors. The Qinbi settlement is built against the mountain, facing the sea, arranged in a tiered manner according to the terrain. It consists of areas like North Mountain, South Mountain, and Zhonglu. Developed by the Chen family from Changle, Fujian during the Qing dynasty, many of the houses are made of local granite. Among them, the most meticulously constructed house is the "Pirate House," built by Chen Zhongping, the commander of the "Peaceful Rescue Army" during the war. This house not only uses premium blue and white stones for its facade but is also the only house in Qinbi with a roof carved with stone lions, making it quite majestic due to its elevated position. Strolling through the alleys of the stone houses, you can see the azure ocean everywhere. Each turn offers a refreshing perspective—each one unique and captivating. It’s advisable to choose a café to gaze at the ocean and islands while enjoying the sound of the waves, relishing the delightful beauty before you. Frog God Belief: The Ironclad Marshal Protecting Qinbi. As you walk along the mountainside, besides enjoying the harmony of sea and sky, you can also feel the unique local religious belief—the Frog God can be seen everywhere. The Frog God is actually the guardian deity of Qinbi village, revered by residents as the Ironclad Marshal. When moving from Min Dong to Matsu in the early days, they brought animal worship to the area, and residents still visit the Tianhou Temple from time to time to seek guidance or blessings from the Frog God. The unforgettable taste of mild drunkenness: a bowl of hot old wine noodles. In the autumn and winter, when visiting Matsu, you must try the old wine noodles! The broth combines refreshing noodles with red yeast pork, fried eggs, and sesame oil-cooked ingredients. The simple yet delicate broth creates an intoxicatingly delicious wine-flavored noodle dish that you absolutely cannot miss in Qinbi.
