Matsu Islands
Matsu is mainly
composed of Nangan Island (Matsu Island), Beigan Island, Juguang
Island, Dongju Island (East Dog Island), Xiju Island
(West Dog Island), Dongyin Island, Xiyin Island and its affiliated islands. Island,
reef
History
and Religion:
According
to the records of the "Looking the Ryukyu" in the early Qing Dynasty,
Lin Moiang, a filial daughter of the Fujian-French Fujian Pazhou, was called Mazu.
When she was eight years old, her father and brother drove to the waters of the
Minjiang Estuary and suddenly encountered huge waves and ships. Hey, Mazu
learned that flying into the sea to save his father and brother, and thus
martyrdom, the body of Mazu drifted to the small island near the mouth of the
Minjiang River (that is, the south of Mazu today), was fished ashore by the
fishermen, and buried Mazu on the coast. The Pazhou folks did not see the
whereabouts of Mazu, thought that she was ascended into the heavens and became
a memorial to the Mazu Temple in Zhangzhou. Mazu people believe that Mazu was
buried in the stone caves in the Tianhou Palace in Mazangma, Maju, and now the
temple is dedicated to it. The island was thus called Mazu Island and later
changed to Mazu. As a result of the place name of Mazu, Mazu also became the most
important belief of the residents of Matsu.
(Photo from: FAFA LIN)
Transportation:
There
are two ways to arrive at Matsu. One is arriving by plane from Taipei Songshan
Airport. The other is arriving by ferry from Keelung, Taiwan. If you are not in
a hurry, it is recommended to experience the way to use the ferry. It need to takes about 12 hours, so there are sleepers on the ferry.
Food
and specialties:
Because Matsu is made up of many islands,
seafood is a local speciality, but in addition to seafood, local special Kaoliang Liquor may also be a good choice.
40% Matsu Kaoliang Liquor
and 58% Matsu Kaoliang Liquor are the both most popular choice.
（Photo from Matsu Liquor Factory Industry Co., LTD)
The food that came to Matsu’s food was
the old noodle line made with the “aged wine”
of the local specialty! However, for the first time, people may feel that the
taste of the wine is too strong. It is recommended that when the first time you
eat, you can order a bowl with other people to eat.
Attractions:
Blue
Tears: the 15 most spectacular natural wonders in the world which is listed by CNN. Every April to June is the peak season for Matsu, because during this
period of time is the "Blue Tears" outbreak, walking to the beach at
night will have a great chance to see a blue beach! For photography, it is
recommended to use a tripod to match the camera and slow down the shutter speed
to capture blue tears. Also, you can see it on every island.
Dongquan Lighthouse, Dongju: the first Western-style lighthouse in Taiwan
Reclining Alligator
Island, Xiyin: Reclining
Alligator Island which called crocodile island. Actually, there is no crocodile
in Crocodile Island. The origin of the name is because the island looks like a
crocodile. You can buy a similar postcard in the local area~
Mazu giant statue：“Mazu in Matsu” is the main marketing slogan of Matsu, and the construction of Mazu giant statues represents the Matsu people’s devotion to Mazu’s faith. This statue has been completed from the proposal to the official completion. It took more than 10 years to see the residents of Mazu. determination.
(Photo from Chinatimes)
Around the statue of the giant statue, the exhibition consists of twelve sculptures, telling the story of Mazu’s success.
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