Niujiao Settlement

A simple yet beautiful fishing village nestled between mountains and the sea. The entire island of Nangan, Matsu, resembles a rhinoceros, and Niujiao Settlement is located precisely at its northeastern tip, shaped like a rhinoceros horn, hence its name. Built against the mountainside, Niujiao Settlement was once Matsu's largest fishing village before 1960. Its prosperity was due to its location at the confluence of northern and southern ocean currents, leading to thriving fisheries. The nearby waters constantly teemed with fish, and the sea was dotted with numerous fishing sails, often accommodating over 200 boats. During its peak, granite 'seal houses' were built, and it developed into the most populous settlement on the island. Today, with the depletion of fishery resources and the relocation of administrative units, it has gradually declined. In the 1970s, it was renamed 'Fuxing Village.' Starting in 1998, a group of local visionaries launched the 'Long-term Residency in Niujiao' community movement for settlement preservation and old house revitalization. Beginning with the initial vision of 'Artistic and Cultural Life, New Image for Old Houses,' old houses were renovated. Through the reuse of idle spaces and the organization of various cultural and artistic activities, traditional spaces and buildings were revitalized, reshaping community values. The old houses that were transformed into cafes, guesthouses, and restaurants became excellent places for leisure and reminiscing about the past. The Niujiao Trail within Niujiao Settlement, built with stones, is located on the left side of Niujiao Bay. It is an excellent spot to admire the breathtaking panoramic views of Niujiao Port and its bay, where the sea and sky merge into one. The trail winds along the coast, with a total length...