Beigan, Matsu | Qinbi Stone Houses: Stone as Tile Support, Wind as Companion: A Rustic Mark of Island Life

From afar, the Qinbi settlement in Beigan reveals layers of stone houses scattered along the hillside. Their most distinctive feature is the weight of each roof tile, supported by stones of varying sizes. This isn't just decoration, but a symbol of practical wisdom. Matsu is surrounded by the sea, and the northeast monsoon is strong in winter. Without the stone weighting, the roof tiles would have been blown away. Thus, the stones serve as a protective shield for the houses and a defining feature of the settlement's landscape. Over time, the stone weighting has become not only a construction technique but also a form of island memory. It symbolizes the Matsu people's approach to nature—unprecedented yet incredibly practical; uncomplicated yet enduring. Standing among the Qinbi stone houses, looking up at the stones that support the tiles, one feels as if witnessing the wisdom and tenacity of generations of islanders. This simple beauty is the most moving tribute to Matsu's settlement culture.