Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
A potent liquor made from sorghum and sharp knives constructed from spent shell cas-
ings lobbed over from the Mainland are the island's most famous products.
At 58 proof, Kaoliang liquor (Gāoliáng jiǔ) is sold all over the island; try a few shots
at a local bar before purchasing any serious quantities to take home. As for the knives,
these unusual souvenir items are made from melted-down artillery shells and are some of
the best cutting knives. The knives are available all over Kinmen and come in various
shapes and sizes.
Kinmen Minsu Wenwu Chih Jia
SOUVENIRS
(Jīnmén Mínsú Wénwù Zhī Jiā; Lane 1, 124 Chunghsing Rd; 8am-7pm)
A wonderful curio shop
in central Kincheng, where you can find all sorts of ceramic knick-knacks, dishes and
one-of-a-kind items to take home.
DON'T MISS
WATCHING THE MAESTRO AT WORK
Living under bombardment has taught the people of Kinmen to make the best of
things. One place where you can see this done with unique aplomb is at the
Maestro
Wu Bombshell Steel Knives
(Jīnhélì Gāngdāo; 236 Bóyù Rd, Sec 1; 8.30am-6.30pm)
. It's here
where old propaganda-laden shells lobbed by the communist Chinese in the 1950s
and '60s are transformed into one-of-a-kind knives. The spent casings are shaped
into beautiful steel blades for both kitchen and ornamental use. Prices start at
around NT$950, and if you want to watch yours being made, don't come between
noon and 2pm - that's when Maestro Wu rests.
The current Maestro Wu is the third generation owner of his family business,
which was founded in 1937. He studied smithing and weapon crafting under the tu-
telage of his father (another Maestro Wu, as the title is passed down). Wu says un-
like regular shells, which are designed to shatter into killing fragments, propaganda
shells are ideal for making knives because they are made of high-grade steel, de-
signed to split neatly open and demoralise the opponent.
Information
Bank of Taiwan ATM
(Minsheng Rd)
On the west side of Minsheng Rd, just before Min-
quan Rd.
on sights and general cultural information.
