Fuzheng Village stretches along the arc of a bay on the southern side of Dongju Island, once the most populous fishing village on Dongju. Today only about ten households remain; most stone houses stand in silence, some converted into guesthouses or exhibition spaces. The water in the bay is clear, the sand fine and soft, and old houses reflect in the shallows — the village's decline and nature's tranquility interweave here into a distinctive, quiet atmosphere.
Highlights of Fuzheng Village
Fuzheng Village prospered thanks to the rich hairtail fish stocks of the Matsu fishing grounds; at its peak, boats came and went constantly and the population numbered in the hundreds. The decline in fish stocks during the 1960s and 70s, combined with restrictions on movement during the wartime administration period, limited population flow. After martial law was lifted, young residents moved to Taiwan in large numbers and the settlement emptied rapidly. Most surviving stone houses follow the "two-slope" (gabled) roof form, with walls stacked from granite blocks in a simple, durable method.
The settlement curves along the bay; viewed from the bay entrance, the old houses step back up the hillside in a layered, pictorial composition. Some structures have been restored as guesthouses, giving visitors the option to spend a night on Dongju. At low tide, the sandy beach in front of the settlement is exposed, forming — together with the stone houses, hillside, and deep blue water — one of Juguang Township's most representative village landscapes.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit
Practical Information
Getting There and Time Needed
- To reach Dongju, take a ferry from Fuao Harbor on Nangan, approximately 1 to 1.5 hours. Schedules are affected by weather — confirm with Matsu Shipping Company before departure.
- Fuzheng Village is about a 15- to 20-minute walk from Dongju's pier (Meng'ao Harbor), or ask locally about scooter rental.
Nearby Connections
- Can be combined with Dongju Lighthouse (about 20 to 30 minutes on foot) and Dapu Rock Inscription for a Dongju day hike — the three sites are all connected by trails.
- Kunqiu Beach (Square Waves) and Caipu'ao Geopark on West Juguang can be visited on a separate day by ferry; there are boats between East and West Juguang.
Source: Lienchiang County Government, Matsu National Scenic Area Administration official website. Photos pending Dio's on-site shots.