Ren'ai Village (Tieban)

Ren'ai Village, another small settlement on Nangan, has re-emerged with the charm of a coastal fishing village. Formerly known as "Tieban," it is surrounded by mountains on three sides and faces the sea. It earned its name because at low tide, large expanses of sandy concrete would be exposed along the shore, glistening in the sunlight like a large iron plate. It was later renamed Ren'ai Village and once prospered, but after the political and economic center shifted to Sanlong Village, Ren'ai Village returned to a quieter existence. The village is dotted with numerous Mindong-style stone houses. In recent years, under the planning of the government and dedicated individuals, the commercial district has been revitalized, and public art installations have been added. These include old stone houses integrated with military camouflage themes, large historical photographs displayed outdoors, and recreated traditional archways. These elements demonstrate the residents' dedication to preserving and developing the settlement, bringing new vibrancy to Ren'ai Village. With the villagers' careful preservation, some complete village buildings have also been retained. Wandering through Ren'ai Village, visitors can readily enjoy the beautiful scenery created by the interweaving of modern architecture and old houses. Although the traditional fishing village scene is no longer prominent, it has transcended the carvings of time, possessing a natural tranquility within its quietude. Mazu Story House and Tieban Living Museum: Relive Simplicity and Read Old Stories. The "Mazu Story House" is located within the Mazu Daily News office near the entrance of Ren'ai Village. The first floor is themed around the history of Mazu's newspaper industry, while the second floor showcases Mazu during the wartime period.