Matzu,Mediterranean scenery

Matzu, a sea-locked Archipelago is located northwest by west in the Taiwan Strait.

The Taiwanese are no strangers to the island of Matzu, but not many have actually set foot there. I got a chance to visit this island last June. What’s interesting is that when you go, you will find a place unlike anywhere in Taiwan. It’s like being in another country. Chinpi is famous for its Mediterranean scenery. Unfortunately, I do not understand the language they use in their daily life. Visiting Matzu, you seem to step into a realm already half known through your dreams, on a journey of leaning and experience.

We took a plane from Taipei to Beigan Isle(北竿). The host of our home-stay picked us up. That night we stayed in Chinpi(芹壁), where a renewal plan is under way to preserve the old buildings. The eastern Fukien (福建) architecture and the fishery village scenery were irresistibly charming to us and profoundly impressed us. You can see those traditional buildings in Niuchiao Village(牛角村) in Nangan Isle as well.

We rented a motorbike to go around Beigan Isle. The terrain is so steep, we have to be very careful riding! One feature is there are a lot of slogans on the walls. Another of Matzu’s “sights” is its many soldiers. It’s the same in the other villages we saw over the next three days.

After dinner, we moved some chairs out and chatted with friends. Under the moon light, you can see the beauty and tranquility of this place.

As the morning sun climbs over the horizon, the village is still and peaceful. The early light casts long shadows from the stone-walled buildings. Chinpi by dawn is as pretty as a picture.

Matzu is only a small place, but it has a complex web of natural, historical and cultural characteristics, and shows a variety of distinct faces. Matzu is mesmerizing and lovely.