Dapu Rock Inscription is a Lienchiang County-designated historic site carved into reef rock on the southwestern coast of Dongju Island in Matsu. Carved in 1617 during the Ming dynasty's Wanli reign, it commemorates General Shen Yourong's capture of 69 pirates on Dongju without losing a single soldier, making it Matsu's oldest surviving written historical record.
The inscription was carved on the fifteenth day of the fifth month of the forty-fifth year of the Wanli reign (1617), recording General Shen Yourong's feat of capturing 69 pirates on Dongju without losing a single soldier. It was discovered by military personnel in 1953, designated a class-three historic site in 1988, and redesignated a Lienchiang County-designated historic site in 2008; a pavilion was later built to protect it.
Highlights of Dapu Rock Inscription
During the Wanli reign of the Ming dynasty, after the wokou (Japanese pirate) threat along the southeastern coast was suppressed, the imperial court continued to deploy coastal defense forces throughout the Fujian and Zhejiang sea zones. The Dapu inscription was carved by soldiers stationed here at the time, recording patrol activities — direct physical evidence of this history remaining in Matsu. The inscription faces the bay; the choice of location itself reflects the logic of coastal defense positioning: a vantage point for monitoring the sea, with the reef as a permanent medium for the written record.
The reef where the inscription is carved is granite. Natural sea-erosion patterns and man-made carved text create a dual visual layer. The surrounding coastline is irregular; at low tide, a large area of reef is exposed, offering both cultural heritage and coastal geological observation value. From the inscription's vantage point, you can see the complete outline of Dongju's southern bay.
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. Schedules are affected by weather — confirm with Matsu Shipping Company in advance.
- The Dapu Rock Inscription is on the southwestern side of Dongju Island, about a 15- to 20-minute walk from Fuzheng Village. Some sections involve reef terrain — wear non-slip shoes.
Nearby Connections
- The Dapu Rock Inscription can be combined with Fuzheng Village and Dongju Lighthouse as a Dongju day hike; trails connect all three sites.
- Dongju Island is small — the main attractions can be covered in a day. Recommended: take the early ferry in and the last ferry back.
Source: Lienchiang County Bureau of Cultural Affairs county-designated historic site records, Matsu National Scenic Area Administration. Photos pending Dio's on-site shots.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Dapu Rock Inscription carved?
It was carved on the fifteenth day of the fifth month of the forty-fifth year of the Wanli reign, in 1617.
What does the inscription record?
It records General Shen Yourong's feat of capturing 69 pirates on Dongju without losing a single soldier.
When was the inscription discovered?
It was discovered by the military in 1953, designated a class-three historic site in 1988, and redesignated a Lienchiang County-designated historic site in 2008.
Sources
- 大埔石刻－馬祖國家風景區觀光資訊網 — 官方景點介紹，確認萬曆年間、沈有容事蹟
- 大埔石刻－維基百科 — 確認1617年刻造、1953年發現、1988/2008年古蹟指定歷程