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The Overseas Chinese Culture, Old Western-Style Buildings, and Everlasting Sentiment Towards "Luofan" in Kinmen

The history of "Luofan," which refers to the “emigration of young people from Kinmen to Southeast Asia between 1860 and 1950” in Kinmen dialect, has been promoted by the Kinmen National Park Headquarters. With a total area of approximately 150 square kilometers, the Kinmen Islands are home to around 161 western-style buildings. Notably, the Western-style buildings in Shuitou Village (also known as the “Huan-a-lau”) have been preserved in their original state, substantially contributing to the promotion of the traditional settlements, Minnan culture, and overseas Chinese culture in Kinmen.

alt-The Overseas Chinese Culture, Old Western-Style Buildings, and Everlasting Sentiment Towards
The Ouyang Zhong Ocean Building, built in 1918, was the first foreign-style building in Kinmen.

In the early days, many Kinmen residents left their homes due to the lack of resources on the islands and emigrated to Southeast Asia in search of better job opportunities to provide their families with a better quality of life. However, success did not come without significant efforts and sacrifices. The prevalent saying of “10 left, 6 died, 3 stayed, and 1 returned” that resonated during the time, as well as the Western-style buildings marking and symbolizing the hard-working nature of the people of Kinmen all testify to the commitment and devotion they held while striving for a better future away from home.

The Kinmen National Park Headquarters has compiled extensive historical and cultural documents as well as relevant data collected through field studies. By displaying a variety of artifacts related to overseas Chinese culture in the Deyue Tower and raising questions such as “How did Kinmen people reach Southeast Asia?”, “What kind of jobs were offered in Southeast Asia?”, and “How did the people positively impact their hometown?”, the headquarters aimed to fill the hearts of visitors with lasting memories.

The Western-style buildings in Shuitou Settlement are a symbol of the culture of Kinmen’s hometown of overseas Chinese.
The Western-style buildings in Shuitou Settlement are a symbol of the culture of Kinmen’s hometown of overseas Chinese.

“The Story of Luofan,” an environmental education course was also designed for elementary school students from fourth to sixth grade by the Kinmen National Park Headquarters. The course introduces the children to the unique Kinmen history of Luofan and guides them in understanding the struggles faced by those working away from their homes and missing their loved ones, encouraging them to embrace the courageous spirit of those from the past.

In 2011, a team traveled all the way to Malaysia to conduct research on the first generation of overseas immigrants from Kinmen after 1860 for The Quest, a documentary produced by the Kinmen National Park Headquarters, featuring Hui-Ming Chang as the producer and Chen-Yu Tang as the director. By adeptly reviving memories held by the older generations, the documentary touched the hearts of countless Kinmen residents, receiving the Platinum Remi Award in the Culture Category at the 45th WorldFest-Houston International Film Festival.

When The Quest was screened in Kinmen, many sat with tears in their eyes as an indelible mark got imprinted in their hearts, struck by the calm yet compelling narrative that said, “Back then, before they left, it never occurred to them that their destination would one day become their new home. Instead of returning to its original roots, the fallen leaf took root in a different place and grew into another tree.”

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The Financial Management Office held an outdoor screening. When the documentary "Lost" was screened in Kinmen, Resonating with the life history of every household.

Since 2023, the Kinmen local theater troupe “Kinmen Horseshoe Crab Troupe” has been commissioned to perform “Luofan Qing” in the villages, where local residents showcase Kinmen's historical narrative through their theatrical performance. The plot, which includes the challenges and deep longing for their hometown of people during the Luofan period, have been woven with moments of tears and laughter, creating a valuable perspective on past experiences.

The Financial Management Office invited the local theater troupe Limu Troupe to perform the stage play
The Financial Management Office invited the local theater troupe Limu Troupe to perform the stage play "Love in Fall" in various settlements.

With the trend of globalization, in which immigration and immigrants have become the norm, Kinmen’s unique history of Luofan has been incorporated into education materials for culture asset preservation, and has also inspired people from Taiwan or even travelers from all around the world to appreciate the bond they share with their hometown, bringing Kinmen closer to the pulse of the world.

alt-The Overseas Chinese Culture, Old Western-Style Buildings, and Everlasting Sentiment Towards
Kinmen's unique "History of Luofan" cultural assets can not only inspire the residents of Taiwan, but It can also give travelers from all over the world a sense of connection with their hometown.

 

 

Updated：


Kinmen

Kinmen

Accommodation in Kinmen

Published: 2009-08-12

Please read articles in our website for more information about accommodation in Kinmen National Park.
HotelTelAddress
Six brother hotel(082)324-311No.164, Jyuguang Rd., Jincheng Township, Kinmen County 893, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
HaiFu hotel(082)322538No.85, Mincyuan Rd., Jincheng Township, Kinmen County 893, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Golden Lily hotel(082)323-151No.82, Siapusia, Jinning Township, Kinmen County 892, Taiwan (R.O.C.)

Last Updated: 2020-11-20


Travel Guide

Published: 2009-08-12

Sightseeing Route Recommendations

One day Tour
Bike Tour

Kinmen National Park Visitor Center→ Jhongshanlin Recreational Area（including Chiang Ching-Kuo Memorial Hall and Old Rushan Fort (Rushan Rampart)→ Cyonglin Traditional Settlement（including Arch to Chastity, Tsai Family Ancestral Hall, Spirit Lion Statue, and the Underground Tunnel→ Anchi→ Guningtou Battlefield（including Guningtou Battle Museum, Old Western-style House at Beishan, Jhenwei Residence）→Shuangli Lake（including Beishan Spirit Lion Statue and Shueiwei Pagoda）→Cih Lake（watch the sunset at the Cih Causeway）

Two day Tour
Day 1

Airport→ Kinmen National Park Visitor Center→ Jhongshanlin Recreation Area（including Chiang Ching-Kuo Memorial Hall and Old Rushan Fort / Rushan Rampart）→Cyonglin Traditional Settlement（including Arch to Chastity, Tsai Family Ancestral Hall, Spirit Lion Statue, and the Underground Tunnel）→Lunch →Guningtou Battlefield（Guningtou War Museum, Old Western-style House at Beishan, Jhenwei Residence）→Shuangli Lake（including Beishan Spirit Lion Statue and Shueiwei Pagoda）→Cih Lake（watching sunset at the Cih Causeway）

Day 2

Mt. Taiwun for hiking→ Shanhou Folk Culture Village→ Mashan Observation Post→ Lunch→ Jhaishan Tunnel→ Jhushan Traditional Settlement→ Oucuo Traditional Settlement

Three day Tour
Day 1

Airport→Tourist Center of Kinmen National Park→Jhongshanlin Recreational Area（including Chiang Ching-Kuo Memorial Hall and Old Rushan Fort / Rushan Rampart）→Cyonglin Traditional Settlement（including Arch to Chastity, Tsai Family Ancestral Hall, Spirit Lion Statue, and the Underground Tunnel）→Lunch →Guningtou Battlefield（including Guningtou Battle Museum, Old Western-style House at Beishan, Jhenwei Residence）→Shuangli Lake（including Beishan Spirit Lion Statue and Shueiwei Pagoda）→Cih Lake（watching sunset at the Cih Causeway)

Day 2

Lieyu Area (Little Kinmen / Lesser Quemoy)（including Hujingtou Battle Museum, Sihwei Tunnel, Around-the-island Tank Road, and Lingshuei Lake）→Shueitou Traditional Settlement（ Deyue Tower, Jinshuei Primary School, and Eighteen Roof Ridge）→ Lunch→ Wuntai Pagoda, and Syu-Jiang-Siao-Wo Inscriptions→ Gugang Lake→ Jhaishan Tunnel→ Jhushan Traditional Settlement→ Oucuo Traditional Settlement

Day 3

Mt. Taiwun for hiking à Shanhou Folk Culture Village→ Mashan Observation Post→ Lunch→ Banyan Park→August 23 Artillery Battle Museum

Theme Trip

Tour ofTraditional Settlements
Gugang Area—Shueitou, Chushan, and Oucuo
Guningtou Area—Nanshan and Beishan
Mt. Taiwun Area—Cyonglin
Mashan Area—Shanhou
Tour of Battlefields and Battle Museums
Greater Quemoy:
Jhaishan Tunnel, Jhaishan Battle Village, Mt. Taiwun Cemetery, Wuwangzaijyu Inscription, August 23 Artillery Battle Museum, Guningtou Battle Museum, Old Western-style House at Beishan, Liguangcian General Temple, Mashan Observation Post.
Lieyu Area (Lesser Quemoy):
Badalouzih, General Fortress, General Temple, Shuangkou Battle Village, Hujingtou Battle Museum, and Around-the-island Tank Road.
Tour of Historical Sites and Cultural Heritages
First-class historical site: Ciouliangong Cemetary (Ching Dynasty)Second-class historical sites: Wuntai Ancient Tower (Ming Dynasty), Syu-JianSiao-Wo Inscriptions (Ming Dynasty), Chenjhen Tomb (Ming Dynasty), Chenjian Tomb (Ming), Jhuzih Shrine (Ching Dynasty), Shueitou Huang Ancestral Hall (Ching Dynasty), Tsai Family Ancestral Hall (Ching)Third-class historical sites: Haiyin Temple (Sung Dynasty), Shihmen Gate (Ming Dynasty), Hanyingyungen Stele (Ming Dynasty), Luruoeng Mansion and Cemetery (Ming Dynasty), Kinmen General Military Office in Ching Dynasty (Ching Dynasty), Shueiwei Pagoda (Ching Dynasty), Jhenwei Residence (Ching Dynasty), Tsaipanlong Tomb (Ching Dynasty), Ciouliangong Cemetery (Ching Dynasty), Fonglianshanmumahou Hall (Ching Dynasty), Cyonglin Arch to Chastity (Ching Dynasty), Lee’s Mansion at Sishanchien (Ching Dynasty), Kueising Building (Ching Dynasty).

Last Updated: 2018-09-19


Visitor Safety

Published: 2009-08-12

Attention for visitors

subway tunnel

 

  1. Advance reservation is needed to guarantee flight seat availability. Airline schedules tend to change easily due to weather conditions especially in spring.
  2. It is freezing in Kinmen in winter. Remember to bring warm clothing. There are large temperature differences between day and night in Taiwan. When doing night activities remember to keep warm.
  3. Due to many mine fields in Kinmen area, please do not enter restricted areas for your own safety. Most coastlines are still military restricted areas where tourists are not allowed to enter.
  4. Please respect local inhabitants when visiting the traditional houses and villages.
  5. Kinmen is a famous bird-watching spot. When observing them, please do not disturb
    activities and destroy their habitats.
  6. To maintain famous landscapes in Kinmen, please follow regulations and restrictions set by the Kinmen National Park.

Last Updated: 2018-09-20

Park Contacts

Published: 2009-08-12

Information of Visitor Center

Rhaphiolepis indica

 

LocationOpening HoursContact Information
Rushan Visitor center-Tel: (082)313197
Lie yu station Visitor center-Tel: (082)364401
Fax: (082)364406
shuangli Visitor center-Tel: (082)313271

Last Updated: 2020-11-20


Map Of The Park

Published: 2009-08-12

map of kinmen
Kinmen is located of the southeastern coast of Fujian Province in Xiamen Bay at the outlet to the Jiulong River. This area includes Kinmen Island, Liehyu (also known as Little Kinmen), DaDan, and ErDan, of a total of twelve islands and islets. These islands and islets cover an area of 150 square kilometers. To the west, at a distance of about 10 kilometers, is the Xiamen outport. To the east, at a distance of 277 kilometers, is Taiwan. This area is approximately at the same latitude as the Taichung area.

Last Updated: 2018-09-19


How To Get There

Published: 1999-11-30

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Transportation information

  1. Airline Schedules
  2. Bus Routes
  3. Car Renting
  4. Ship
NameAddressPhone
3. Car Renting：
Da-sin Minibus-Renting Co., Ltd.No.1, Lane 65, Mincyuan Rd., Jincheng Township, Kinmen County 893, Taiwan (R.O.C.)(082)324128
Fan-de Minibus-RentingCenterNo.4, Sinwudesinjhuang,Jinhu Township, Kinmen County 893, Taiwan (R.O.C.)(082)334082
Jin-ma Car-Renting AgencyNo.1-1, Minsheng Rd., Jincheng Township, Kinmen County 893, Taiwan (R.O.C.)(082)324518
Guan-cheng Car-Renting AgencyNo.7-7, Minzu Rd., Jincheng Township, Kinmen County 893, Taiwan (R.O.C.)(082)323390
Guan-jyun Minibus-Renting AgencyNo.20, Sec. 1, Huandao W. Rd., Jincheng Township, Kinmen County 893, Taiwan (R.O.C.)(082)372122
Fu-cheng Car-Renting Co., Ltd.No.200, Boyu Rd.,Jincheng Township, Kinmen County 893, Taiwan (R.O.C.)(082)322177
Jing-shengCar-RentingAgencyNo.11-1, Sintsaishihchang,Jinhu Township, Kinmen County 893, Taiwan (R.O.C.)(082)334322
Ruei-sinCar-RentingAgencyNo.1-1, Boyu Rd.,Jincheng Township, Kinmen County 893, Taiwan (R.O.C.)(082)324147
Departures PierTerminal PierDeparture Timetable
4. Ship Schedules / Ticket Price：
Jiougong (Lesser Quemoy on Liehyu)Shueitou(Greater Quemoy)07:0008:0009:0010:0011:0012:0013:00
14:0015:0016:0017:0018:0020:30-
※ Departing on the hour between 7 am to 6 pm, except for the last trip that departs at 8:30pm.
Shueitou(Greater Quemoy)Jiougong (Lesser Quemoy on Liehyu)06:3007:3008:3009:3010:3011:3012:30
13:3014:3015:3016:3017:3018:3021:00
※ Departing on the half-hour between 6:30am to 18:30pm, except for the last trip that departs at 9 pm.

Last Updated: 2018-09-20