Niu Jiao Settlement Introduction
A simple and beautiful fishing village by the mountains and the sea, Nangan Island in Matsu resembles a rhinoceros in shape, with the Niugao settlement located at the northeast corner of Nangan, resembling a rhino's horn, hence the name. Built against the mountain walls, the Niugao settlement was once the largest fishing village in Matsu before 1960 due to its location at the confluence of the northern and southern ocean currents, thriving in the fishing industry with abundant nearby waters. The harbor was often filled with over 200 fishing boats, leading to the establishment of many Hekeng stone stamp workshops, making it the most populated settlement on the island. As fish resources dwindled and administrative units relocated, the village began to decline and was renamed "Fuxing Village" in the 1970s. Since 1998, a group of local visionaries has initiated the "Long Stay Niugao" community movement to preserve the settlement, focusing on revitalizing old houses and transforming them into spaces for various cultural and artistic activities, thereby revitalizing traditional spaces and buildings and reshaping community values. The old houses, which have been transformed into cafes, guesthouses, and restaurants, have become great places for leisure and nostalgia. The Niugao Trail is built of stones and is located on the left side of Niugao Bay, providing a great spot to admire the beautiful seascape of Niugao Harbor. The trail winds along the coastline and is approximately 300 meters long, with its entrance located behind the Wuling Temple. A viewing platform is built on the two-story camouflage barracks, offering a chance to enjoy a distant view of Beijao Island!
