The most charming village in Matsu: Qinpibu, a picturesque haven

Reported by Chen Tzu-yin / Matsu

Anyone who has been to Matsu knows that this Taiwanese outlying island is filled with the simple charm of its people, and each of its four townships and five islands has its own unique character. If you want to spend a long weekend exploring Matsu, it’s recommended to choose one island and take your time to enjoy its beautiful scenery and local culture. Among the islands of the four townships and five islands, Qinpibu Village on Beigan Island—known as the “Mediterranean of Matsu”—features iconic architecture that looks as if time has stood still.


▲ The beauty of Qinpibu is like a painting. (Photo / Reporter Chen Tzu-yin)

Originally called “Jing’ao,” Qinpibu is a well-preserved settlement of traditional Mindong-style architecture in Matsu, boasting stunning mountain-and-sea views. It has thus become popular with both domestic and international travelers. Once a village full of vacant houses, Qinpibu has been revitalized through government restoration policies that preserved the original architectural essence while integrating local characteristics. Locals have opened homestays and cafés here, breathing new life into the village. Off the coast of Qinpibu lies a small raised island called “Turtle Island,” named for its resemblance to a sea turtle lying on the water. Here in Qinpibu, you can gaze at the sea, sip coffee, or stroll through the streets of traditional Mindong buildings, immersing yourself in a painting steeped in history.

▲ A view of Turtle Island from the hillside of Qinpibu Village. (Photo / Reporter Chen Tzu-yin)

 
▲ Scenes specially arranged for movie shoots add to the surreal feeling of time travel. (Photo / Reporter Chen Tzu-yin)


▲ The night view of Qinpibu is also not to be missed, enchanting enough to make you linger. (Photo / Reporter Chen Tzu-yin)

About a six-minute drive from Qinpibu Village, there’s another Mindong-style homestay worth staying at—“Banshiri Mansion.” The owner, Wang Yuan-song, says the historic mansion was built during the Qing Dynasty’s Tongzhi era and has recently been renovated into a legitimate homestay for travelers. The original structure was built using locally sourced materials such as stone and wood. Its exterior features a “herringbone” masonry technique—a style once reserved for prestigious and influential families in ancient times, unlike the common “random rubble” masonry used in ordinary homes.


▲ Staying at Banshiri Mansion is an affordable and rewarding experience. (Photo / Reporter Chen Tzu-yin)

The rooms at Banshiri Mansion are also uniquely themed, named after Matsu’s scenic spots and tern species, including Dongyong Lighthouse, Dongquan Lighthouse, Mindong Charm, Big Wu, Wusha Tunnel, Blue Tears, Snail Shell Mountain, Mythical Bird, Crested Tern, Roseate Tern, Bridled Tern, Sooty Tern, and Black-tailed Gull. Guests here can experience life in a grand traditional Mindong mansion. In the morning, the owner prepares a rich Chinese breakfast, allowing visitors to enjoy a leisurely start to the day in this classic, timeless residence.

  
▲ Staying here lets you experience authentic daily life in a traditional Mindong home. (Photo / Reporter Chen Tzu-yin)

The most famous beach in Beigan is “Tanghoudao Beach.”Tanghoudao Beach, where blue tears have appeared, is a unique landscape of Sandlian Island, with seawater on both the north and south sides. At high tide, a narrow sandy path forms in the middle, creating a truly captivating scene. Known for its clean, white sands, Tanghoudao Beach is nicknamed “Sugar Sand.” When planes take off or land at the nearby Beigan Airport, you can watch them fly overhead from the beach—a romantic experience without equal.


▲ Tanghoudao Beach, which doesn’t show up on Google Maps, is a unique feature of Sandlian Island. (Photo / Reporter Chen Tzu-yin)
 
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