Explore Beigan on the Coastal Stone City – A Fun One-Day Town Stroll

By MOOK Scenic Spots Family, compiled and reported
 
The coastal areas of the Matsu Islands feature a ria coastline with intricate shorelines, where bays and capes are particularly well-developed. Sheltered by these capes, the bays serve as natural wind-protected zones, preserving the complete traditional Matsu settlements built against mountains and facing the sea. The colors of the stone houses shift with the setting sun, and here you can forget worldly worries while watching the sea, admiring the sunset, and stargazing. Take your family for a trip to Beigan this weekend!

Once inhabited by residents and military personnel, Da Wu Island is now the only uninhabited island in Matsu that visitors can explore. The island’s figure-eight-shaped hiking trail offers breathtaking, unobstructed views, where sika deer are often spotted. Most of the deer roam in groups, with only a few males seen alone. When two herds meet, seeing dozens of sika deer standing before you—whether from afar or up close—is an indescribably moving sight.

A summer-exclusive experience in Matsu allows the public to appreciate the islands' beauty from the sea from a unique perspective. With guided tours by professionals, you’ll not only learn about the tern colonies but also get an up-close view of sites such as Lion Islet, Beigan Airport, and the Maritime Confucius Statue.

Qiniang, known as the "Mediterranean of Matsu," is the most representative settlement of eastern Fujian-style architecture on the islands. Exceptionally well-preserved, it is highly favored by domestic and international architects, cultural experts, and art enthusiasts. The once-abandoned houses, left vacant due to depopulation, have been renovated by the government into homestays and cultural spaces, giving Qiniang a diverse and vibrant new look.

Although Bishan is the highest peak in Matsu, its elevation is only 298 meters, making it a suitable trail for beginner hikers. There is an observation deck halfway up the mountain, offering a vast panoramic view of the seascape and mountain terrain. From here, you can see Beigan Airport, Tangqi, and Houwo, as well as nearby uninhabited islands such as Da Wu and Xiao Wu.