Qinbi Community Development Association

Qinbi Village, as Matsu's most representative Mindong settlement, is not only a paradigm of architectural style but also carries profound historical and cultural memories. The village's architectural form originated from the Mindong region of Fujian, primarily characterized by 'five ridges and four slopes' and 'fire-sealing gable walls'. The heavy granite stone walls and compact settlement layout give Qinbi a fortress-like solidity. This architectural style is not only a crystallization of the wisdom of Beigan residents adapting to the island's climate and geographical environment but also bears witness to the arduous journey of early settlers crossing the sea to reclaim land. The story of Qinbi Village can be traced back to the Qing Dynasty, when fishermen and merchants from coastal Fujian gradually migrated to Matsu in search of a stable living environment. They brought their hometown's architectural techniques and way of life, gradually forming the Qinbi settlement seen today. During the period of wartime administration, Qinbi Village was a military control zone, and most residents migrated to Taiwan or other areas, causing the once bustling settlement to gradually decline. However, precisely because of this outward migration, Qinbi was able to maintain its original appearance, becoming the most completely preserved traditional settlement today. Regarding folk beliefs, the legend of Iron Armor Marshal (Tiějiǎ Yuánshuài) is widely circulated in Qinbi Village. It is said that Iron Armor Marshal is a deity who protects fishermen and the village. Within the Qinbi Mazu Temple (Qinbi Tianhou Temple), the Biwa Museum was established to preserve the historical stories of Iron Armor Marshal, collect frog-worship artifacts, and house the Nine Frogs Lucky Pond—a great place for blessings and making wishes. In the plaza in front of the temple, stone-carved frog deities can be seen everywhere, watching over Qinbi. Residents deeply believe that the Marshal can bless them with favorable weather and safe travels. This belief has fostered community cohesion and become an important part of Qinbi Village's cultural identity. In addition to architecture and beliefs, Qinbi Village's way of life also displays strong Mindong cultural characteristics. In the past, residents made their living from fishing, farming, and trade, forming a unique maritime culture. Traditional festivals such as the Lantern Festival, Mazu's Birthday, Bukou (a ceremony for replenishing wealth), Mid-Autumn Festival, and the cultural celebration of Iron Armor Marshal's Birthday are important occasions for villagers to gather, strengthening community cohesion through rituals and worship. In recent years, with the rise of cultural tourism, Qinbi Village's cultural features and historical value have been rediscovered. Local governments and non-governmental organizations are actively promoting settlement preservation and cultural revitalization plans, such as restoring old houses, establishing cultural exhibition halls, and developing cultural and creative industries, transforming Qinbi Village from a once declining settlement into a vibrant cultural attraction.