Qiaozi Settlement Introduction
Bridge Village, renowned for its eight temples, is a small village located in the valley of Bieshan Mountain, northwest of Beikao in Matsu. The valley has been carved by rainwater, resulting in numerous gullies, and you can see small bridges throughout the village. In Matsu dialect, "仔" means "small," hence the name "Bridge Village." Historically, Bridge Village thrived on fishing and salt production, serving as a transshipment port for commercial activities with the mainland. During peak times, the population exceeded a thousand, making it the largest village in Beikao. The houses in Bridge Village preserve traditional Eastern Fujian architectural features and it boasts the highest number of temples in all of Matsu, earning the nickname "Temple Village." However, due to significant population outflows, its former splendor has diminished, and now there are fewer residents than deities; it's an interesting phenomenon to observe. Here, you can admire the beautiful characteristics of traditional Matsu temples, with red walls and green tiles, and the flame-like walls of the fire-building. At the village center, you can witness the unique sight of "Three Temples in One." Cruising Around to Seek Deer A simple pier is located on the left side of the Bridge Bay, where visitors can take a boat to the dock at Dakou. Bridge Port used to be a supply port for Gaodeng Island and Liang Island, which are more "frontline" areas of Beikao. Nowadays, during peak tourist seasons, there are regular boat services that take visitors to Dakou Island for exploration and to seek for deer, with a boat ride taking only five minutes. Fishing Industry Exhibition Hall Though Bridge Village today might seem fallen, you can still explore its glorious past at the Bridge Fishing Industry Exhibition Hall. The hall showcases traditional fishing methods, fishing boats, and fishing gear used in the past, as well as the processing methods for shrimp skins. Most of these traditional fishing tools were crafted collaboratively by the villagers. Since ancient times, fish catch required salt for preservation. In the 8th year of the Tongzhi era of the Qing Dynasty, officials established giant "salt tablets" in Tangqi and Bridge to prohibit salt monopolies that harmed fishermen, one of which is currently preserved in the Bridge Fishing Industry Exhibition Hall. Address: No. 109-1, Qiaozi Village, Beikao Township, Lienchiang County Opening Hours: 08:30-17:00 Chilled Golden Dumplings Golden dumplings are a sweet delicacy commonly enjoyed by the people of Matsu. These small sweet potato dumplings are rich in texture. In the summer, they are served in a base of mung bean soup with ice, making them chewy and refreshing. In winter, they are paired with hot red bean soup, warming the hearts of visitors. This cold and hot dish is a delightful culinary experience!
