Niuguo Settlement Introduction
A Simple and Beautiful Fishing Village by the Mountains and Sea Nangan Island in Matsu is shaped like a rhinoceros, with the Niugiao Settlement situated at the northeast tip of Nangan, resembling a rhinoceros horn, thus giving it its name. Built against the mountain wall, the Niugiao Settlement thrived until the 1960s due to its location at the confluence of the north and south ocean currents, making it the largest fishing village in Matsu. The nearby seas were teeming with fish, and numerous fishing boats would anchor, often numbering over 200. During its prosperous period, many flower granite stamp houses were established, making it the most populous settlement on the island. However, with the depletion of fishing resources and the relocation of administrative units, it gradually declined and was renamed "Fuxing Village" in the 1970s. Starting in 1998, a group of local visionaries initiated the "Long Stay Niugiao" community movement aimed at preserving the settlement and revitalizing old houses. With the initial vision of "Cultural Life, New Facades of Old Houses," they renovated old buildings, repurposed idle spaces, and hosted various cultural activities to revitalize traditional spaces and architecture, reshaping community values. The transformed old houses into cafes, guesthouses, and restaurants have become popular leisure spots for nostalgia. The Niugiao Trail in Niugiao Settlement, made of stones, is located on the left side of Niugiao Bay, making it a great place to enjoy the beautiful views of Niugiao Harbor and the sea meeting the sky. The trail meanders along the coastline, approximately 300 meters long, with its entrance located behind the Wuling Temple. A viewing platform is built atop a two-story barrack with a camouflage exterior, where visitors can climb up for a chance to gaze at Beigan Island in the distance!
