Simple Min-Dong Charm, Witnessing Settlement Migration

Fuzheng Settlement is a must-visit destination on Dongju Island, known for its understated and rustic scenery. A local saying goes, “Summer in Fuzheng, winter in Dapu.” As Dapu Village lies at the southern end of the island, it offers shelter from the strong northeast monsoon in winter, while during summer, the southwest winds make the northern Fuzheng Village more suitable for living. In earlier times, residents of Dongju Island moved seasonally between the two villages, following fishing grounds and harbor conditions.

Fuzheng was once the most prosperous settlement on Dongju Island. However, as fish stocks declined and residents gradually moved away, along with a reduction in military presence, its former vibrancy faded. Today, only rows of weathered stone houses remain, accompanied by the Dongju Lighthouse behind them and the quietly standing Baima Zunwang Temple that continues to watch over the village. The settlement’s Min-Dong architectural style, characterized by simple double-pitched roofs and rubble stone walls, creates an atmosphere distinct from that of Qinbi Village. With only about ten households still residing here, Fuzheng retains a tranquil and unadorned charm.

In recent years, government-led preservation efforts have gradually revitalized Fuzheng Village, transforming it from an abandoned settlement into a valuable cultural heritage site. While the empty houses may evoke a sense of nostalgia, the serenity they exude represents a uniquely humanistic quality of traditional Matsu settlements.

Timeless Appearance of Baima Zunwang Temple

Walking through Fuzheng Settlement, visitors are greeted by a sense of quiet simplicity. Roof tiles and brick walls bear the marks of time, while the vividly colored swallowtail gable walls of Baima Zunwang Temple stand out from afar. According to local accounts, the temple was originally built during the Daoguang period of the Qing dynasty and was rebuilt in 2000 due to structural deterioration. The temple enshrines Baima Zunwang and his consort as the principal deities, with Lady Linshui and Marshal Ma as accompanying deities, continuing to protect the settlement.

Faith and Memory at Fuzheng Tianhou Temple and Its Clay Deity Sculptures

Another important spiritual center within the settlement is Fuzheng Tianhou Temple, also known as Fuzhengjing Tianhou Shengmu Temple, located beside the harbor of Fuzheng Village and serving as the local village temple of Lower Fuzheng. The temple features a Min-Dong-style swallowtail gable façade and a single-bay entrance, with steps leading up to the front and eye-catching cement relief murals on both sides. Its appearance is simple yet rich in local character. The main deity worshipped is Mazu (Tianhou), accompanied by Lady Linshui, the Five Ling Lords, and Huaguang the Great Emperor, jointly safeguarding the community.

Inside the temple are numerous clay deity sculptures created using traditional clay modeling techniques, a form that is now rarely preserved in the Matsu Islands. These sculptures are simple yet expressive, reflecting early artisans’ interpretations of folk beliefs and everyday life, and highlighting the close connection between the Fuzheng community and maritime activities such as navigation and fishing. After undergoing restoration and ongoing maintenance, these clay sculptures not only continue to serve religious functions but also possess significant artistic and cultural heritage value, offering important insight into the belief traditions of Fuzheng Settlement.

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