Cycling and walking

Dongju is somewhat long and narrow from north to south. Around it are the islands Linao, Xiniu, and Yongliu, for a total land area of 2.86 square kilometers, slightly larger than Xiju. Because of its relatively flat terrain, Mengao Beach, formed by accumulated river sand from the outflow of the Min River in Fujian, is not only the gateway to Dongju, but an excellent destination in its own right. The beach at Fuzheng Village has a broad intertidal zone, making it a great place for playing in the water or looking for shellfish, especially the famous Dongju steamer clam. At the northern end of the island is Beacon Hill, 64 meters in elevation; at the summit is a lighthouse built by the British in 1872, a Class II Historical Site not to be missed by visitors. One point of interest at the lighthouse is the short white wall that runs 30 meters across the grass to link the lighthouse to the small office nearby. The average visitor may not realize that the function of this wall was to serve as a windbreak. Because the position of the lighthouse is fairly high up, the wind can be strong, but the windbreak allowed lighthouse operators to carry an oil lamp from the office to the lighthouse in high winds without the flame being blown out, provided they moved quickly and kept low.

The terrain here is the flattest in the Matsu region, and there is also a bike path, the Fuqing Footpath running along the coast from Fuao to Qingshui, and passing by the Zhushan Power Plant, Matsu's newest thermal power station. Between Zhuluo Village and Matsu Harbor, at Matsu Village there is a marker the shape of a sword gripped by a hand at its base reading “Matsu.”The stairway to one side leads to the incense-filled Tianhou Temple, Tianhou being another name for the goddess Matsu. Legend has it that this is the final resting place of Lin Moniang, Matsu's earlier mortal incarnation, and numerous soldiers and travelers can be seen worshiping here at every holiday. In recent years, planning and preparation has begun for a Matsu religious park and a 28.88 meter statue of Matsu was constructed, earning a Guinness world record as the world's tallest and becoming the pride of Matsu.

The village was named “Banli” because its original name “pingli” is pronounced “banli” in Fuzhou dialect. It is home to Banli Beach, the largest sandy beach in Matsu. Summer is a good time to frolic in the waves, and in the winter, the village grows the “three treasures of Banli”- cabbage, radishes, and napa cabbage, all excellent. Qinbi, formerly known as Jingao Harbor, is famed for its traditional Eastern Min architecture; the stone houses overlooking the sea resemble a scene from the Mediterranean somehow transplanted to Taiwan. Tangqi Village has Beigan’s busiest commercial district, where some of the tastiest foods in Matsu are made. There’s A-Po Fish Noodles, eagerly covered by the media, and delicious golden dumplings. And no trip to Matsu is complete without “qima cakes,” named “Matsu cakes”after President Chiang Ching-kuo’s effusive praise during a visit to Matsu.