The four characters "Zhen Ge Dai Dan" (literally "sleep on your spear and await the dawn") — white on red, carved in stone — stand on a hilltop outside Fuao Harbor and are the first landmark passengers see when arriving at Matsu by boat. These four characters come from a handwritten order by Chiang Kai-shek, meaning to sleep with weapons at the ready and await dawn, always prepared for battle. The inscription is one of the most iconic visual symbols of Matsu's wartime spirit, and a starting point for understanding Matsu's unique historical identity.
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.