Chihbian Village Introduction
The most beautiful stone house settlement comparable to Mediterranean charm. If you want to see Mediterranean beauty, you don't have to travel far abroad; you can experience the romantic scenery comparable to European stone hill towns right in Matsu's Beigan! Qinpien is one of the best-preserved and most representative places of traditional Min Dong architecture in the Matsu Islands, favored by the architecture, culture, and art communities both domestically and internationally. In the early days, villagers made a living by catching shrimp skins. In the 1970s, as the fishing industry declined, most residents migrated elsewhere for work. The vacant houses left behind due to population outmigration, under the government's planned renovations, have transformed into guesthouses and art spaces, reviving the diverse appearances of the stone houses. Wandering through the winding mountain town, it’s easy to spot various faded and distinctive slogans on the houses, as if falling into a corridor of time. Nowadays, visitors can't help but smile upon seeing it. Built against the mountain wall, the Qinpien settlement is situated with the mountain behind and the sea in front, arranged in a tiered manner according to the mountain's contours, layered and harmoniously scattered. It is mainly divided into areas like North Mountain, South Mountain, and Central Road. During the late Qing Dynasty, it was developed by the Chen family from Changle, Fujian. Most houses are built of local granite. One of the most intricately crafted residences, known as the "Pirate House," was built by Chen Zhongping, the director of the North Beigan troops during the war. In addition to having high-quality blue and white stone on the facade, it is the only house in Qinpien with stone lions on its roof, adding to its imposing presence due to its elevated location. Strolling through the alleys of the stone houses, you can see the azure ocean everywhere. Every turn brings a sense of discovering a hidden gem, each spot unique and captivating. You might as well choose a café to gaze at the ocean and islands, accompanied by the sounds of waves, enjoying the delightful beauty before you. Frog God Belief: The Ironclad General Protecting Qinpien. As you walk along the mountain path, in addition to enjoying the view of the sea and sky, you can also experience the unique local religious belief - the presence of Frog God can be seen everywhere. The Frog God is actually the guardian deity of Qinpien Village, revered by residents as the Ironclad General. When they moved from Min Dong to Matsu, they brought this animal worship with them. To this day, residents occasionally visit the Tianhou Temple to seek the Frog God's guidance or blessings. Unforgettable flavors that leave you pleasantly tipsy: A bowl of hot old wine noodle soup. In fall and winter, you must try old wine noodle soup when visiting Matsu! The old wine broth combines with refreshing noodles, along with red yeast pork, fried eggs, and sesame oil-tossed ingredients. The simple toppings create a delicate broth, and the delightful aroma of wine in the noodles is not to be missed when in Qinpien.
