Hou'ao Village Introduction
Hao'ao Village, a traditional seaside fishing village, has been steeped in history for over a century. Located at the far end of Beigan, it is the easternmost village on Beigan Island, thus earning its name "Hao'ao." Strolling through the village, one can appreciate the rustic charm of traditional settlements with minimal modern development. To the northwest of the village, the residents refer to the bay as "Auli," which faces northeast and serves as a common harbor for fishing boats, providing shelter from the wind. During low tide, the sea retreats to expose a vast area of beach, covering around 4 to 5 hectares. In the past, it took considerable effort to walk from Hao'ao to Tangqi, as one had to traverse a lengthy stretch of the beach. Today, a road has been constructed to connect the two villages, making it more convenient for local residents to travel. However, Hao'ao remains relatively secluded, separated from the bustling Tangqi Village by an airport runway and the sandy beach of Tanghou. Yang Gong Ba Shi Temple, the local guardian deity, is a key feature of Hao'ao Village and is well-known for its flourishing worship. Villagers hold significant ceremonies during festivals to honor this deity. Legend has it that Yang Gong Ba Shi sacrificed his life to defeat the sea dragon that plagued the area with storms. Afterward, locals built a temple in his memory, and he has since been regarded as the guardian of Hao'ao Village. A must-try specialty unique to Matsu is "fish noodles," which is one of the best souvenir options. As the name suggests, fish is the main ingredient. The fish is ground into a paste before being mixed with tapioca flour and salt, then rolled flat. After being baked, chilled, and sliced, the noodles are sun-dried, enhancing their chewy texture and flavor, making them a local delicacy worth trying firsthand.
