LOCAL&ATTRACTIONS

GOLDEN LAKE HOTEL
Photo by 許小西

ATTRACTIONS NEARBY

GOLDEN LAKE HOTEL

Kinmen used to be called Wu Zhou, Xian Zhou, Wu Jiang, and Wu Tsang. Despite being just a small island off the coast of Southern Fujian, it has unique geographical location and history, and often plays an important role in crucial moments throughout Chinese history. At the end of the nineteenth century, a large number of Kinmen residents migrated to Southeast Asia, making it one of the gathering places for Southern Fujian immigrants. During the Chinese Civil War, Kinmen became a frontline battlefield. These unique historical circumstances have resulted in Kinmen becoming the gathering place for Southern Fujian people, battlefields, and overseas Chinese.

Kinmen has a total area of roughly 153 square kilometers, dominated mostly by rolling hills and plateaus. Its highest peak is Taiwu Mountain, located at 253 meters above sea level. Red-soil plateaus are situated between granite hills, and the valleys became locations for farmlands and homes. Kinmen has three townships (Jincheng, Jinhu, and Jisha) and two villages (Jinning and Lieyu), each with their own distinct cultures, histories, and ecologies.

Jinning Attractions
Guningtou War Museum
The museum was built in 1984 to commemorate the Battle of Guningtou, the brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives during the battle, and their unwaveringperseverance.
Kinmen Cihu
Cihu is located in Jinning Township, close to Guningtou. There is a causeway that was built to resist enemy invasion, as well as a 120-hectare culture pond. A almost 200 species of birds have been discovered at this site, making it a key attraction for birdwatchers.
An Qi Wind Lion God
Kinmen undergoes a nine-month period wind season each year from October to March. Northeastern monsoon wind speeds can reach up to 4 meters per second, causing much trouble for the locals. Eventually, they conceived the idea of wind lion gods, who they believe have the ability to protect them against strong winds, evil, protect local feng shui, and curb ant infestations. This is why the majority of these wind lion gods will be placed at the entrance of villages, facing northeast.
Ci Lake Triangle Fortress
The distinctive triangle-shaped fort is a landmark in Kinmen. The moat-like trench surrounding it was a defense measure against invaders. The minefield encircled by barbed wires on the beach, as well as the soldiers stationed here, are long gone. But you can still see tanks and perhaps, butterflies and birds. In the late spring and early summer, the yellow beach primrose flowers attract butterflies and migratory blue-tailed bee-eaters.
Beishan Mansion
This house sits at where the opposing factions clashed during the Battle of Guningtou, and was also adopted as a command post for the Communist forces. When the national military retaliated, they exchanged fire at this location, leaving bullet-riddled walls behind.
Rushan Visitor Center
Located to the south of Zhongshan Forest, the Rushan Visitor Center utilizes a unique display approach, letting visitors discover and interact with exhibits to learn more about Kinmen’s natural environment.
Shuangli Lake
The lower floor of the Nature Center has a café at the same level as the lake underwater. The large windows give you the rare chance of seeing the ecology of the lake. The large lotus pond comes into full bloom in the summer. Aquatic birds thrive in this area of Kinmen, so if you're a birdwatcher, bring your binoculars and walk on the path between Shuangli and Ci Lakes. You're sure to make some interesting sightings.
Beishan Cliffs
The Beishan Cliffs are like an enormous vertical red wall situated on the northern coastline of Guningtou. During the Battle of Guningtou in 1949, the opposing forces stood off at this spot for 56 hours, after which the National forces won. It has since been considered a strategic location.
Houhu Seashore Park
Kinmen has many beautiful beaches, but Houhu is the only one where you can swim, as the others are affected by strong currents and rip tides. A clean, white sandy beach so big it never feels crowded.