Niujiao Settlement Introduction
A simple and beautiful fishing village by the mountains and sea, Nangan Island in Matsu is shaped like a rhinoceros. The Niujiao settlement is located at the northeastern corner of Nangan, shaped similar to a rhinoceros horn, thus its name. Built against the mountainside, the Niujiao settlement thrived before the 1960s due to its location at the confluence of north and south ocean currents, becoming the largest fishing village in Matsu. The nearby waters were abundant with fish, and the sea was often filled with over 200 fishing boats. During its prosperous period, many houses were built from Huagang stone, making it the most populated settlement on the island. However, as fishing resources dwindled and administrative units relocated, the settlement gradually declined and was renamed "Fuxing Village" in the 1970s. Since 1998, a group of local visionaries initiated a community movement for the preservation of the Niujiao settlement and the revival of old houses, starting with the vision of "Art and Culture Life, New Life for Old Houses." They renovated old houses, repurposed idle spaces, and organized various art and cultural activities to revitalize traditional spaces and buildings, reshaping the community’s value. The old houses transformed into cafes, guesthouses, and restaurants have become great places for leisure and nostalgia. The Niujiao Trail within the Niujiao settlement is made of stone and is located on the left side of Niujiao Bay. It’s a great spot to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the sea and sky at Niujiao Harbor. The trail meanders along the coastline and is approximately 300 meters long, with its entrance located behind the Wuling Temple. The camouflaged two-story barracks have an observation platform on top, offering a chance to view Beigan Island in the distance!
