Qiaozai Settlement Introduction
**Bridge Fishing Village** Once a commercial port known for its eight temples, Bridge Fishing Village is located in a small settlement in the northwestern part of Beigan, nestled in a valley sloping northward beneath Bieshan Mountain. The valley has been shaped by rainwater, creating numerous ravines, and small bridges are found throughout the village. The Matsu dialect refers to "仔" (meaning "small"), which is how the village got its name "Qiaozi" (Bridge). Historically, the Qiaozi settlement prospered from fishing and salt, serving as a transshipment port for business with the mainland. During peak times of trade, the population exceeded one thousand, making it the largest village in Beigan at that time. The houses in Qiaozi preserve traditional Min Dong architectural features and are home to the most temples in all of Matsu, thus earning the nickname "Temple Village." However, with a significant outmigration of residents, the village's former glory has faded, leading to an interesting phenomenon of "more gods than people." Visitors can admire the beautiful characteristics of traditional Matsu temples, such as red walls and green tiles, as well as the fiery-block styled walls. In the center of the village, one can witness the unique sight of "three temples in one." **Boat Tour to Explore Deer** At the left side of Qiaozi's port, there is a simple dock where boats head to Daqiu Island for sightseeing and to look for sika deer. Bridge Port used to serve as a supply port for neighboring islands like Gaodeng and Liang Island. Nowadays, during the tourist season, there are regular boat services that take visitors to Daqiu Island, with a travel time of just five minutes. **Fishing Industry Exhibition Hall** Showcasing the glory of Qiaozi's fishing industry, the Fishing Industry Exhibition Hall provides insights into the bustling past of the village, now known for having "more gods than people." The hall exhibits the traditional fishing methods of yesteryears, fishing boats, and fishing gear, as well as the processing techniques for shrimp paste. Most of these traditional fishing tools were made collaboratively by the villagers. Historically, salt was needed to preserve fish catches, and in the 8th year of the Tongzhi era of the Qing Dynasty, official documents prohibited salt merchants from harming fishermen, leading to the establishment of giant "salt tablets" in Beigan's Tangqi and Qiaozi. One of these tablets is currently preserved in the Fishing Industry Exhibition Hall. **Address:** No. 109-1, Qiaozi Village, Beigan Township, Lienchiang County **Opening Hours:** 08:30-17:00 **Chilled Golden Dumplings** A Matsu-exclusive dessert, Golden Dumplings are sweet potato dumplings often eaten by the people of Matsu. These small dumplings have a rich texture, served in summer with a base of mung bean soup and ice, offering a chewy and refreshing taste. In winter, they are paired with hot red bean soup, providing warmth to visitors. Whether hot or cold, it’s a delightful culinary experience!
