Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Visitor Information Centre
( 9am-9.30pm)
Located beside the bus station; has bro-
chures and information on free bike rentals and bus tours.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Around Kincheng
Kinmen is easy to get around by bike or scooter. This 20km-long island is a national park
dotted with ancient towns, battlefield monuments, lakes and forests. We recommend you
spend at least two days on the island if you want to see what it has to offer.
Sights
Kinmen has the best collection of old dwellings in one small area in all Taiwan. In seven
of the villages, much of the original feng-shui-beholden layout and clan structure can still
be found; elsewhere, newer constructions stand unobtrusively among old yet well-main-
tained houses.
Kinmen's traditional dwellings feature the long, elegant swallowtail roof that you usu-
ally find only on temples elsewhere. The reason for this is that Kinmen was once a very
wealthy place and swallowtail roofs symbolise high social position.
Many of Kinmen's old houses also feature fabulous-looking high gable fronts, which
are usually painted with traditional symbols. Moreover, there are many more dwelling
features like stone courtyards and woodcarvings to take in. To enjoy these beautiful
clusters of architecture, spend a night in one of the renovated old dwellings, or simply go
village-hopping by bike.
With its beautiful lakes, forests and bird sanctuaries, Kinmen truly is, as locals say, 'a
garden built upon a fortress'. So much so that the island attracts visitors with no interest
in military history.
Juguang Tower
HISTORIC SITE
(Jǔguāng Lóu; 8am-10pm)
Just southeast of Kincheng, this three-storey tower, built in
1952 as a memorial to the fallen soldiers of Kinmen, should be your first stop for an
overview of the rich history and culture of Kinmen. The 1st floor covers food, architec-
ture and wind lions; the 2nd floor is dedicated to the Welcoming the City God festival;
and the 3rd explains the origin of the tower itself.
Shuitou Village
ANCIENT VILLAGE
