Dapu Settlement

A Must-Visit for Old Houses in Dongju. When visiting Dongju, exploring old houses is an absolute must-do. Besides Fuzheng Settlement below the lighthouse, Dapu Settlement, located next to the Dapu Stone Inscription, is also well worth a visit. In the Fuzhou dialect, 'Pu' signifies a small bay or inlet. Dapu Settlement's bay mouth faces south, and it was once Dongju's second-largest traditional fishing village, surpassed only by Fuzheng. During its heyday, it boasted over 50 households and more than 200 residents, with dozens of fishing boats of all sizes moored in its harbor, reflecting a thriving population. The nearby waters were historically abundant in yellow croaker, pomfret, and hairtail, making it a truly natural harbor. Furthermore, 'Dui Mian Shan' (Facing Mountain), also known as 'Lou Zi Ding,' situated across from the settlement, perfectly blocks the intrusion of winter northerly winds. Consequently, the island's residents often adjusted their fishing activities and dwelling locations according to seasonal monsoon changes and empirical rules, leading to the customary practice of 'Fuzheng in summer, Dapu in winter.' After martial law was lifted in 1992 and fish catches drastically decreased, the population gradually migrated out. Dapu Settlement even became a desolate, overgrown area where only spirits seemed to linger and no people could be seen, its former fishing village prosperity now a mere memory. However, in the last decade, thanks to the collaboration between concerned individuals and government settlement revitalization policies, new residents and artists have moved in. They have repaired houses, built walls, revitalized old homes, and injected new life into the area. Gradually, residents have started to return, guesthouses have opened, and tourists have arrived, allowing Dapu to be reborn. Vast Scenery of Dapu Dongyangshan. Standing on the observation deck at Dapu Settlement's cape, the view here...