aeeble

Carrying Hundreds of Years of Matsu's History When arriving in Matsu, if you wish to understand Matsu’s history, experience its culture, and gain a comprehensive understanding of the islands, visiting the Matsu Folklore and Cultural Relics Museum is the perfect choice. Rebuilt in 2002, the museum consists of one underground floor and four floors above. Not only does the exterior of the building boast distinctive Min Dong architectural style, but features such as old wine jars, small windows, and *beauties' rests* (*meiren kào*, traditional curved benches) add refined elegance, highlighting the essence of Min Dong aesthetics. The museum’s collection holds many artifacts from Matsu’s early settlers, with each floor focused on different themes—from the island’s historical origins, topography, and daily life to language and cultural traditions, and folk architecture—meticulously documenting every detail of Matsu. Upon entering the museum, the first floor displays a documentary on Matsu’s military administered era, offering insights into the lives of soldiers and civilians during that time. An exhibition area here showcases recent archaeological achievements in Matsu and maps illustrating the region’s geographical location. The second floor explores traditional Matsu architecture and indigenous industries, while the third floor delves into rituals, beliefs, opera, folk music, and the meanings of folkcrafts. The top floor houses public exhibition spaces, frequently hosting special art exhibitions. When visiting the small islands of Matsu, be sure to set aside time to explore this museum; you’ll find it to be a trip worth taking.