Nangan history

Foundation and First Mentions

Nangan, the largest island of the Mazu archipelago, historically developed not as a single planned city, but as a collection of fishing settlements. The first evidence of a permanent human presence dates back to the Song Dynasty, when fishermen from the coastal regions of the mainland began using the island as a temporary shelter and seasonal base.

A special place in the history of its foundation is occupied by the legend of the goddess Mazu (Lin Moniang). According to tradition, it was to the shores of Nangan that the sea carried the body of the young woman who sacrificed herself to save her father. Local residents built a temple in her honor, which gave the name to the entire archipelago and made the island an important spiritual center long before its administrative establishment.

Key Factors of Formation

The transformation of scattered villages into an important local center was driven by several geographical and strategic reasons:

• Geographic Location: The island is located in the immediate vicinity of the Minjiang River estuary, making it a convenient transit point for vessels and merchants navigating along the coast.
• Natural Harbors: Nangan's rugged coastline provided natural protection for boats against typhoons and storms, attracting seafarers to seek shelter here.
• Resources: The presence of fresh water sources, which is rare for small islands in the region, allowed for the formation of sustainable settlements here.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

The economy of early Nangan depended entirely on the sea. The main occupation of the residents was coastal fishing and shellfish gathering. The cultural landscape was formed under the strong influence of migrants from the Fuzhou region, which defined the island's unique features:

• Architecture: Traditional stone houses were built with thick walls and small windows located high under the roof to protect against strong sea winds.
• Linguistic Environment: The isolation of the island allowed for the preservation of an authentic dialect and specific religious rituals that were passed down from generation to generation.

Chronology of Nangan's Development

• 960–1279 (Song Dynasty): Fishermen from the coastal areas of Fujian begin using the island as a seasonal base and temporary shelter.
• 987 (According to tradition): Legend holds that the body of Lin Moniang (Goddess Mazu) was washed ashore on Nangan, where residents erected a temple in her honor.
• 14th Century (Yuan Dynasty): Permanent settlements appear on the island, linked to the development of salt extraction and marine industries.
• Early 19th Century (Qing Dynasty): Increased migration from Changle County definitively shapes the cultural character and linguistic environment of the island.
• 1956: Introduction of a special administrative regime and the transfer of the island to military administration, which closed it to free visits for decades.
• 1992: Official lifting of martial law on the Mazu archipelago, marking the beginning of a return to civilian life.
• 1994: Partial opening of the islands to tourism, allowing the first travelers to explore the region's unique culture.
• 1999: Nangan becomes part of the newly formed Mazu National Scenic Area, created for nature conservation and tourism development.
• 2001: Launch of the "Mini Three Links" program, opening direct ferry services between the archipelago and the mainland for commercial purposes.
• 2003: Commissioning of Nangan Airport, ensuring regular and rapid air connections with the island of Taiwan.
• 2012: The natural phenomenon "Blue Tears" (bioluminescence) gains wide renown, becoming a calling card for tourism on the island.
• 2022: Hosting of the first international Mazu Biennial, transforming former military facilities into modern art spaces.

Stages of Transformation and Development of Nangan

The history of Nangan is a journey from a closed military outpost to an open tourism and transport hub. Below are the key milestones that defined the city's modern economic and urban appearance:

• Period of Strategic Infrastructure Creation (1950s – 1970s)
  During this time, the foundation of the island's modern road and port network was laid. Construction was carried out by military engineers.
  Significance: The appearance of substantial piers and a network of underground tunnels (such as the Beihai Tunnel), which serve as major tourist magnets today, while back then they ensured basic territorial connectivity.
• Lifting of Restrictions and Demilitarization (1992)
  The official end of the period of special administrative rule.
  Significance: The beginning of the formation of civil society and private business. This allowed local residents to freely manage land and develop the service sector, which was previously limited by strict regulations.
• Creation of the National Scenic Area (1999)
  Inclusion of Nangan in a protected natural territory of national importance.
  Significance: A cardinal turn in urban planning policy. Instead of demolishing old buildings, the preservation and restoration of traditional Fujian-style stone houses began, forming the city's unique architectural code.
• Launch of the "Mini Three Links" Program (2001)
  Opening of direct ferry service between Fuao Port (Nangan's main port) and the mainland.
  Significance: Nangan turned into an important transit and logistics hub. This gave a powerful impulse to the local economy due to transit passengers and the simplification of trade.
• Opening of Nangan Airport (2003)
  Commissioning of a civil airport capable of handling regular flights.
  Significance: A breakthrough in transport accessibility. Travel time to the island of Taiwan was reduced from long hours on a ship to a 50-minute flight, making mass tourism a reality.
• Adaptation of Military Heritage (2000s – Present)
  A program to repurpose former military facilities for civilian needs.
  Significance: Economically beneficial use of existing resources. A vivid example is "Tunnel 88," which, thanks to its stable temperature, became an ideal place for aging the famous local Kaoliang spirit, creating a recognizable export brand.

Architectural Styles and Historical Layers

The appearance of Nangan is a unique synthesis of rugged island functionality and military heritage. Unlike mainland cities, architecture here was dictated for centuries not by aesthetics, but by the necessity of survival in conditions of strong winds and strategic confrontation.

Traditional Architecture: Eastern Fujian Style (Mindong)

The oldest and most recognizable layer of development, formed before the mid-20th century. This is the architecture of fishermen, adapted to the harsh climate.

• Stone Fortress Houses: Buildings were constructed from massive granite blocks. The local masonry style (regular or chaotic) defined the owner's status. Walls were made thick, with small windows located high under the roof for protection against monsoons and pirates.
• "Breathing Roofs": A characteristic feature is roof tiles not fastened with mortar but weighed down by heavy stones. This allowed the structure to withstand typhoons and provided natural ventilation.
• Notable Example: Historical buildings in Jinsha Village, where authentic stone dwellings have been preserved.

Military Period: Fortification Functionalism (1950–1990s)

The era of military administration radically changed the landscape. Urban planning went underground and into concrete, creating an "island fortress."

• Underground Urbanism: An extensive network of tunnels and bunkers carved into the rocks was created. The most famous examples are Beihai Tunnel and Tunnel 88, capable of sheltering hundreds of vessels and military equipment.
• Concrete Brutalism: Construction of pillboxes, barracks, and observation posts, often integrated directly into the coastal cliffs (for example, Iron Fort).
• Camouflage and Slogans: Building facades were painted in protective colors, and patriotic slogans were carved on sheer walls, becoming part of the island's visual code.

Modernity and Iconic Architecture (since the 1990s)

With the opening of the island to tourism, a phase of revitalization and the construction of monumental structures emphasizing religious identity began.

• Temple Architecture: A stark contrast to the gray military and residential buildings. Temples (such as the Tianhou Temple in Mazu Port) feature rich decoration, bright colors, and curved "swallowtail" roofs.
• New Monumentalism: In 2009, a giant Statue of Goddess Mazu was erected, becoming a new vertical landmark and a symbol of the region's maritime culture.

Features of Urban Development

Due to the complex terrain, Nangan does not have a classic regular layout. The urban fabric developed according to two principles:

1. Cluster Development in Bays: Settlements historically "huddled" in natural harbors protected from the wind.
2. Vertical Zoning: Streets often consist of steep staircases, and houses are arranged in terraces on the hillsides, resembling Mediterranean towns.

Historical Figures and Modern Leaders of Nangan

The history of the island is inextricably linked with military strategists, political leaders, and legendary figures who defined its destiny as a spiritual center and an impregnable fortress.

• Lin Moniang (Goddess Mazu)
  Spiritual patroness, legendary figure (10th century)
  The central figure in the island's culture. According to local legend, the body of Lin Moniang, who perished while saving her father at sea, was carried by waves specifically to the shores of Nangan. Residents buried her and erected the Tianhou Temple, where a stone sarcophagus containing her remains is believed to be kept to this day. This event gave the name to the entire archipelago (Mazu) and made Nangan an important place of pilgrimage.
• Chiang Ching-kuo
  Political leader, President of the Republic of China (Taiwan)
  The son of Chiang Kai-shek played a key role in the development of the island's infrastructure in the second half of the 20th century. He frequently visited Nangan for inspections, initiating the construction of roads, reservoirs, and the famous Mazu Distillery. His decisions contributed to the transformation of military fortifications into dual-use facilities, which today serve as the foundation of the island's economy.
• Liu Yu-chang
  General, Commander of the Mazu Defense (20th century)
  A renowned military commander who led the defense of the archipelago during the most tense years of confrontation. It was under his command in 1968 that the implementation of the grand "Underground Mazu" plan began—the construction of a network of tunnels, including the famous Beihai Tunnel in Nangan. His strategic vision turned the island into an impregnable fortress carved into granite.
• Lin Yi-he
  Local leader, entrepreneur (Early 20th century)
  A prominent figure of the pre-war period, whose activities coincided with the era of flourishing trade and the fight against piracy. He organized self-defense units and controlled maritime transport in the region. His former residence in Jinsha Village is today an important architectural monument, demonstrating the fusion of traditional style and the defensive functions of a dwelling.
• Tsao Erh-chung
  Politician, Legislator
  A native of the region who represented the interests of the island residents in parliament for many years. He played an important role in the process of demilitarizing Nangan, pushing for the lifting of wartime restrictions and promoting the opening of the island to tourism. His efforts helped establish transport connections, including ferry crossings and flights.