Zhengegedaidann Stone Inscription is a wartime motto hand-written by Chiang Kai-shek during his 1958 inspection tour of Matsu, drawn from the Zuo Zhuan and meaning to sleep with weapons at the ready, awaiting dawn. Originally erected beside Juying Road at Matsu Senior High School in Jieshou Village, it was enlarged and rebuilt in 1988 under Commander Ding Zhifa, becoming the red-and-white landmark that now stands on the hillside between Fuao Harbor and Qingshui.
The four characters were hand-written by Chiang Kai-shek during his 1958 inspection of Matsu, originally erected beside Juying Road at Matsu Senior High School in Jieshou Village; in 1988, under Commander Ding Zhifa, the inscription was enlarged and rebuilt at its current site on the hillside between Fuao Harbor and Qingshui (sources: Matsu National Scenic Area tourism site, Chinese Wikipedia).
What to See at the Zhengegedaidann Stone Inscription
The stone carving stands on the hilltop at the outer edge of Fuao Harbor — the placement is not coincidental. The sea-facing angle ensures that every vessel entering Fuao Harbor will inevitably see it. The phrase "Zhen Ge Dai Dan" originates in the Zuo Zhuan (Zuo's Commentary), meaning to sleep with a spear as a pillow awaiting dawn, always ready for battle. Chiang Kai-shek used this handwritten order to encourage the soldiers garrisoned on Matsu. During the Cold War, it served as a spiritual rallying call for Matsu's front-line troops; today, these four characters have become a tangible vessel of Matsu's historical memory and an introductory landmark for understanding wartime governance and the historical context of cross-strait relations.
Looking up from Fuao Harbor pier, the strong red-and-white contrast makes the stone carving highly conspicuous against the green hillside. Looking down from the hilltop, you get a panoramic view of Fuao Harbor and its passing vessels. When the Taiwan–Matsu ferry docks in the early morning and dawn light illuminates the hillside, the stone carving and the harbor form a layered and vivid scene — a spot many first-time Matsu visitors choose for their first commemorative photo.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Visit
Practical Information
Getting There & Timing
- To reach Nangan, take the Taiwan–Matsu ferry (departing Keelung) or fly (Songshan / Taipei to Nangan). Sailings and flights are easily affected by weather; check official announcements from Taiwan Navigation Co. or the Civil Aviation Administration before departure.
- The stone carving is on the hilltop above Fuao Harbor; about 10–15 minutes on foot or by scooter from Fuao Harbor pier.
Nearby Connections
- Fuao Harbor is Nangan's main ferry port and has rental shops nearby; it can serve as the starting point for your day's itinerary.
- Baba Tunnel is in Fuxing Village, about 10 minutes from Fuao Harbor; it can be arranged as the first indoor attraction after arriving on the island.
Source: Lienchiang County Government Tourism Bureau, related historical records. Photos pending Dio's field photography.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who wrote the Zhengegedaidann inscription?
Chiang Kai-shek hand-wrote it during his 1958 inspection tour of Matsu.
Where was the stone inscription originally located?
It originally stood beside Juying Road at Matsu Senior High School; it was enlarged and moved to its current site in 1988.
What does "Zhengegedaidann" mean?
It comes from the Zuo Zhuan and means to sleep with weapons at the ready, awaiting dawn.
Sources
- 枕戈待旦紀念公園－維基百科 — 題字年份、原立位置與1988年放大重建沿革