Drift to the northernmost part of Taiwan and watch the sea in “Matsu’s Most Beautiful Village”

Reported and photographed by reporter Yu Jiayun / Matsu

Some places are beautiful because of their vibrant, colorful hues that radiate energy and enthusiasm, instantly captivating visitors. But along the coastline of Beigan in Matsu, there is a small fishing village that features almost no color other than gray stone walls. Its simple, tranquil appearance has earned it the title of “the most beautiful settlement in Matsu.” The village’s granite houses, scattered at varying heights along the mountainside and facing the endless sea, have also given it the nickname “Matsu’s Mediterranean.”

▲Qinbi is known as Matsu’s Mediterranean.

▲The Qinbi settlement is situated on the mountainside.

Qinbi, formerly known as Jinggang or Jing’ao, is Matsu’s best-preserved settlement of Eastern Min architecture. It was once prosperous due to fishing but declined over time, leading to depopulation and leaving behind rows of empty houses built from granite. After the government launched a preservation project in the 1990s, artists, cafés, and homestays gradually moved in. This once-forgotten fishing village slowly began to awaken from its stony slumber, with collapsed and dilapidated houses being carefully rebuilt, one stone at a time.

▲It’s common to see people sitting outside their homes, gazing at the sea in Qinbi.

▲Qinbi has numerous homestays and cafés.

The owner of a homestay who grew up in Qinbi explained that in the past, houses were built using locally sourced granite, stacked irregularly, with roofs made simply of tiles weighed down by stones to allow ventilation. New or renovated houses continue to follow the traditional Eastern Min architectural style, giving the entire settlement a cohesive look. Some homes have potted plants outside, while others have vines climbing their walls—there’s no excess color or decoration, just a subtle sense of nostalgia and simplicity.

▲A settlement almost entirely constructed from granite.

▲Every corner offers a unique view.

In Qinbi, the houses are interconnected and staggered at different heights. Walking through the village means constantly moving up and down with the terrain. With granite walls on one side and the sea on the other, every few steps up or down the stairs reveals a new scene. Sitting in any random café in the village, you can find peace in the gentle sea breeze. Some say Qinbi is Matsu’s Mediterranean, but that description only captures its mountain-and-sea silhouette. Truly experiencing Qinbi reveals that this small settlement isn’t just a postcard you’d pick up at a souvenir shop—it’s a way of life that stays in your heart, one you might recall when weary or occasionally dream about.

▲Enjoy the leisurely, laid-back pace of Matsu.

▲The Qinbi settlement at dusk.