Model Street

When merchant trade was thriving in the Southern Ocean (the region of Southeast Asia), a significant number of businessmen in Kinmen flooded there eager to seize upon such a commercial opportunity. After striking it rich with their oversea business, these successful men came back to Kinmen and built up dozens of mansions that incorporate Minnan, Western, Southeast Asian styles such as Chen Ching-Lan's Mansion. However, upon the completion of the construction in 1921, the Pacific War broke out, and the owner Chen Ching-lan had to flee the country, leaving his mansion empty in his hometown of Kinmen.

A statue depicting victory can be spotted raising up the Taiwanese flag and standing tall in the park in front of the mansion. Stone columns are spread out in an orderly manner, and the delicate carvings are delightful to the eye, as if the mansion were turned into a grand French palace of the 15th century.

As time goes by, the house begins to age from the outside, but a historical collection has been well preserved since the war. Beams of sunlight shine through the skylight, revealing the ageing condition of the mansion and delivering a nostalgic look. When the sun in Kinmen starts to burn in the afternoon, visitors are welcome to sit on the wooden chairs to rest their weary feet, slow down their pace and enjoy the surroundings in utter tranquility.

The calm and tranquil sea with the constant sound of waves is what characterizes the islands of Kinmen. Kinmen is best-known for its military associations, abandoned army tunnels, forts and underground harbors. The Chenggong Tunnel near the Chen Ching-Lan's Mansion is a typical coastal stronghold of Kinmen, where the maze-like tunnel through solid granite continues to tell the tangled history between Taiwan and China.

Going through the mountain and connects with Chenggong Village, the tunnel is very well equipped with facilities from the military command post, barracks to kitchens and toilets. Weapons such as guns and cannons are also stored here, making the Chenggong Tunnel “the one that sustains the military strength underground and makes full use of the firepower above the ground.”

What’s worth noting is that a section of the tunnel that arrives at Zhengyi Village Office was utilized as civil defence where citizens could provide assistance to military forces as well as to command the villagers to fight against the enemies during crossfires. This is where civilian and military coordination mechanisms were located and working together to defend the islands of Kinmen.

Having been transformed from a military symbol to a cultural one, the Citi Triangle Fortress is now a birdwatching paradise in Kinmen. But back in 2003, when the fortress was just handed over to Kinmen National Park, the coastline was still lined with land mines, and it is literally a forbidden zone where only sisal could be seen.

The Citi Triangle Fortress hidden by camouflage reveals the hardships that the soldiers previously stationed here had to go through, where the punishing winter wind on the rooftop is almost unbearable and the scorching summer sun is literally eye blinding due to the flatlands of Kinmen. These unknown heroes may remain unnamed, but their contributions to the country are never silent with these dilapidated buildings standing as a mute testament to the war's devastation.

Because of the ammunition shortage at the time, it was clearly stated in the fortress that every single fire must be precisely aimed at the enemies. On the beach outside the fortress, there are six tanks with their muzzles pointing towards the ocean, as if it were a declaration of sovereignty. Today, all these military establishments have been transformed into tourist attractions, but wandering among them still gives a nostalgic look at the wartime history of Kinmen when selfless soldiers unconditionally fought for their homeland.

Beishan is where the bloody Battle of Guningtou came to an end, and Beishan Mansion is an empty military command post, whose outer walls are still riddled with bullet holes, serving as a sobering reminder of the utter catastrophe back in 1949.

There are many different stories about the establishment of this abandoned building. However, according to historical records, it was a Taiwanese merchant Li Qilin that built up this sizable mansion with two halls in 1920 after striking it rich with his business in the Philippines. In 1948, he tied the knot with Li Zengyou and further constructed the wings. Unfortunately, the war broke out before the construction came to a completion. The couple soon fled to the Philippines to seek refuge, leaving the mansion damaged by fire during the war.

Kinmen may be best known for its military past, and these surviving ruins continue to tell the turbulent history of Kinmen.

Once the most militarized zone on earth, Kinmen is home to a large man-made saltwater lake Cihu that was first built in 1969 for military use, where the 550-meter-long causeway, also known as Citi, deters enemy from beach landing. As time goes by, the lake linking to open sea now provides locals with fresh supplies of seafood and becomes a not-to-be-missed attraction for travelers of all sorts. Standing on the causeway, visitors are granted a panoramic view over the tranquil lake of Cihu that bears testament to the military history of Kinmen.

Once stepping onto the causeway, every visitor will be greeted by the crisp salty smell of the ocean. When the sky is clear, Lieyu Island (commonly known as Lesser Kinmen) and Xiamen islands can even be spotted in the distance. Connecting Jincheng with Guningtou, the causeway is less than 10 kilometers away from China and testifies to the danger that Kinmen residents faced when military tensions ran high between China and Taiwan.

The wetland outside the causeway has a rich biodiversity of birdlife. Without being obstructed by mountains and cliffs, the sandbar becomes a foremost birdwatching spot when flocks of migratory birds are passing through. The viewing of glorious sunset is the best known secret of Cihu. At the sunset golden hour, the shimmering lake rich with the reflection of the scene above will enchant every visitor to this serene paradise.

Chenggong Beach is located in Kinmen, renowned as the "Boracay of Kinmen." Spanning over ten kilometers, this beach has become an indispensable natural landmark of the island. The charm of the beach is particularly enchanting at sunset, as the changing tides enhance the romantic atmosphere, attracting countless visitors who come to capture the beautiful sunset scenery.

Chenggong Beach is also famous for its rich marine life, with the sandy shores primarily yielding stone oysters and clams, making it a popular destination for marine biology enthusiasts. The environment here is ideal for leisure activities; not only does it offer well-equipped barbecue areas and shower facilities, but it also has shaded relaxation zones, allowing visitors to easily enjoy sunbathing and beach fun.

Historically, Chenggong Beach served as an important military base during the Chinese Civil War, and the nearby Chenggong Tunnels still bear traces from that time, having been transformed into a tourist attraction that showcases fascinating military history. Additionally, the area around Chenggong Beach is vibrant with traditional fishing culture, frequently hosting various fishing activities, such as net fishing experiences, allowing visitors to gain deeper insights into the daily lives of local fishermen.

Here, the Chenggong Tunnels are a noteworthy site to explore. This traditional coastal defense fortress features well-preserved and historically significant tunnels that transport visitors back in time. During certain seasons, tourists can also participate in blue tears viewing events, witnessing the beautiful moment where nature intertwines with history. During the misty season, the blue tears appearing on the beach resemble nature's pearls, attracting numerous photographers eager to capture this rare sight.

Chenggong Beach is not just a place to relax; it is also a stage where culture and history intertwine. Its diverse features and activities undoubtedly make it a must-visit destination in Kinmen’s travel itinerary.