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GOLDEN LAKE HOTEL
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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.

Lieyu Attractions
Lieyu Attractions
Erected in front of Xizai Village, Bada Tower features the statues of seven fearless soldiers holding guns atop its walls. In 1933, seven Chinese soldiers from the Changcheng (Great Wall) Company took a stand against Japanese soldiers during the Battle of Gubeikou. They fought bravely but ultimately lost their lives defending the site. When the Changcheng Company was stationed in Lieyu in 1963, they decided to build a replica of the Great Wall’s Bada Tower with the statues of these seven soldiers atop as an inspiration to younger generations.
Maogonhsi Coast
This is a location near Putou Village that was a key strategic location because of its unique structure: the beach coastline is at a lower height than the surrounding rock formations, making it a prime spot to defend against attacking invaders. The terrain may also be used to trap enemy forces, as they could be lured into the area and then flanked from behind by supporting troops. The red, beehive-shaped rocks scattered on the beach are called maogonhsi by locals and are actually formed from iron deposits. Anti-landing poles appear during low tide, which were installed during the period of martial law in Taiwan to prevent enemy troops from landing. They are a sad but striking reminder of days past.
Hujingtou Battle Museum
Completed in 1989, the museum sits at the northwestern-most point in Lieyu. In addition to exhibiting information concerning the battle conducted on site, an observation post and broadcasting station are also set up at this location. A high-power telescope sits atop the observatory, whereas the broadcasting station that used to be utilized to blast anti-communist propaganda now airs music.
General Fort
Former President Chiang Ching-Kuo arrived at Lieyu with Generals Wang Sheng and Ko Yuan-Fen on October 21, 1958. They delivered orders given by Former President Chiang Kai-Shek and discussed their strategical tactics as the enemy continued to bombard them with heavy artillery. The bunker became an important site during the August 23 Artillery War. The structure wasrenovated by the Kinmen Defense Command in 1980 and named “General Fort.”
Chaste Maiden Temple
Also called Xian-Gu Temple, the temple was built to honor Wang Yu-Lan, a girl from Xiamen. When she was picking oysters on the beach in 1954, she was molested by Communist soldiers. She tried to resist, but instead angered the soldiers, who tore off her clothes and threw her into the sea. Her body drifted onto Lieyu, where it was discovered by a soldier who gave her a proper burial. The villagers were touched by her story and vowed to erect a temple in her name. Many people come to worship her here.
Jiugong (Siwei) Tunnel
Jiugong or Siwei Tunnel runs in a “double T” shape. It is more than twice the size of Jhaishan Tunnel. The exhibits within show the relative location of Jinmen to Xiamen as well as introduces local attractions, pathways, the geological makeup of the island, and the history of the Jiugong Tunnel.
Lingshui Lake and West Lake
The best area to go birdwatching at Lieyu. Thirty to forty species of birds appear during the winter and early spring around this area.
Dadan Island
Only 4,400 meters from Xiamen, Dadan Island has been dubbed "the mystery battlefield". A restricted area for decades, it opened for tourism in April 2019 A 20-30min ferry ride from Little Kinmen, the first thing you see are large signs with morale-boosting slogans. For example, "Bold Burden" and "The Island Is Not Alone"