Iron Horse Visits Maao Fishing Port: Century-Old Stone Houses Exude Nostalgic Charm

▲ The stone houses at Maao Fishing Port are a major highlight of the area. (Photo / Courtesy of New Taipei City Agriculture Bureau official website)

Reported by Chen Ruizhong / Compiled by HowToTrip

Located near Fulong, Maao Fishing Port boasts numerous century-old stone houses, a unique cultural asset of the area. With the number of visitors increasing year by year, New Taipei City’s Agriculture Bureau recommends a summer tour route to Maao, allowing people to ride bicycles and take in the panoramic views of mountains and sea.

▲ Among the rustic stones lie memories of bygone eras. (Photo / By Huang Kexiang, the same below)

The biggest highlight of Maao Fishing Village is its renowned stone houses. Built in an era of scarce resources, these houses were completed through the cooperative efforts of residents. Not only do they feature a simple, classic exterior, but they also preserve many cherished memories. The masonry styles of Maao’s stone houses can be divided into three types: parallel courses, herringbone pattern, and random rubble. Among them, the Wu Family House showcases all three techniques coexisting, making it an exceptionally unique structure. In front of the Baozheng family house (Baozheng was the name during the Japanese colonial period, equivalent to today’s village chief), there is a relatively spacious courtyard where villagers would gather. The entire building is constructed using the parallel course technique, with clean, neat lines that reflect the refined stature of its residents.

Visitors at Maao Fishing Port can simply scan the QR code on the informational signboards to access the audio guide webpage instantly, gaining more comprehensive insights into the fishing village culture. A bicycle trip can also be planned starting from Fulong Railway Station.

▲ The tranquil Maao Fishing Village.

Recommended Bicycle Route: Fulong – Maao
Start from Fulong Railway Station
Head north along Fulong Street → Turn right onto Beibin Coastal Highway/Xinglong Street/Provincial Highway 2 (approx. 5.2 km) → Turn left onto Fulian Street (36 m) → Turn right along Fulian Street (350 m) → Continue along Fuxing Street (250 m) → Turn left (Maao Fishing Port)