Jinsha Settlement

Matsu Nangan's 'back garden' shining with golden light. When it comes to classic stone house clusters, Beigan has Qinbi, and Nangan has Jinsha. Jinsha Settlement is located at the foot of Yuntai Mountain, in a bay on the southwestern protrusion of Nangan Island. It is Nangan's closest and largest fishing village settlement to mainland China. It was originally named 'Jinsha' (金沙, 'golden sand') because its bay was once full of fine, golden sand. Later, the name was written as 'Jinsha' (津沙). It is a great place to enjoy sunsets and walk on the beach, and it has garnered attention for preserving its complete collection of ancient stone houses. Having weathered a century of change, the remaining buildings in Jinsha, though appearing desolate and weathered, still retain their rustic beauty. The settlement is divided into four areas: Aozhong, Dongbianshan, Xibianshan, and Xidi. Starting in the late Qing Dynasty, residents from areas such as Lianjiang, Changle, and Langqi Island gradually moved in, making it the village in Matsu with the most immigrants originally from Lianjiang County on the mainland. In its early years, fishing thrived, and residents not only engaged in sea fishing but also operated businesses such as wineries, pharmacies, trading companies, and opium dens, making it Nangan's second-largest village. At that time, a private school was established in the village, fostering a flourishing literary atmosphere. During wartime, the Japanese army stationed a contingent of troops at 'Yanlu' on Xibianshan to control access to the Minjiang River estuary. Later, nearby fishing grounds were destroyed, leading many residents to relocate. In recent years, thanks to the efforts of the county government and the community development association, dilapidated old houses have been revitalized, transforming into old taverns and guesthouses, injecting new life into these old buildings. Walking through the quaint old