Unmissable recommended tourist spots in Kinmen, Taiwan overlooking Mainland China!

Just a few kilometers from Xiamen on the Chinese mainland lies Kinmen, an isolated island of Taiwan. It’s close enough that you can clearly see China with the naked eye. While Taiwan has undergone remarkable development and modernization—especially in urban areas, making it hard to imagine it was once a site of war—Kinmen has preserved historical sites from modern warfare as valuable records and tourist resources. In addition to war-related sites, there are also many other highlights such as elegant architecture brought in by wealthy overseas Chinese. Why not visit Kinmen Island, once the front line of war with China, and experience Taiwan's tumultuous history firsthand, discovering a side of Taiwan with a different atmosphere?

1. Zhaishan Tunnel

Kinmen is the island where the Battle of Kinmen broke out in 1958 when China’s People’s Liberation Army invaded. Many places on the island still allow you to learn about the conditions of that time. One especially recommended tourist spot is the Zhaishan Tunnel in southeastern Zhaishan near Gugang Lake. A long underground tunnel extends from the sea and was built to accommodate up to 42 small boats. It was originally constructed as a tunnel to withstand artillery attacks from the mainland during wartime.

Names of those who lost their lives digging the tunnel are embedded in plaques on the walls. The harsh conditions at the time, and the efforts of the Taiwanese people, can be felt when you consider how this massive tunnel was hand-dug through hard granite bedrock. It is the largest among the six remaining tunnels in Kinmen. Today, the inside of the tunnel is beautifully lit, and you can also enjoy the sight of the clear flowing water. It’s a must-visit spot when coming to Kinmen!

2. Wind Lion Gods

A major charm of travel is experiencing the local culture and climate. “Wind Lion Gods (Fūshīyē)” are guardian deities of villages, erected throughout Kinmen as symbols of faith. With their charming appearance, they are also popular as mascot-like icons of Kinmen. At a glance, they resemble Okinawa’s Shisa statues, but they are painted in a variety of colors and come in a wide range of sizes, from large to very small.

Originally, Kinmen Island is a place where strong seasonal winds blow, and the Wind Lion Gods were placed in hopes of calming winds that could harm farmland. They are also considered to ward off evil, so you can spot them all around town. From red-caped Wind Lion Gods to colorful ones, exploring their various expressions is a unique part of Kinmen tourism. They’re distinctive cultural assets that let you tangibly feel Kinmen’s heritage.

3. Mashan Observation Post

This facility is located at the closest point in Kinmen to China and was used during wartime to monitor activity on the mainland and conduct propaganda operations. There’s a monument inscribed with “Return Our Rivers and Mountains,” giving you a direct sense of the tense atmosphere of that time. Looking out from Mashan toward the coastline, you can still see remnants of “rail barricades” constructed to prevent crossings from the Chinese mainland. Incidentally, there were once landmines buried on the beaches, and warning signs still mark these hazardous zones. While demining is said to be nearly complete, caution is still advised.

Just beside the monument is an underground tunnel that has now become a tourist spot equipped with telescopes. Since you can clearly see what’s happening on the Chinese side across the water, it’s definitely worth a visit!

4. Deyue Tower・Overseas Chinese Cultural Exhibition Hall

The Deyue Tower・Overseas Chinese Cultural Exhibition Hall is a recommended spot for learning about the history of overseas Chinese culture in Kinmen. It is a tower built by Huang Huihuang, a wealthy overseas Chinese who returned from Indonesia. The architecture uniquely blends Western and Chinese styles and originally served as a lookout to prevent robberies. Inside the three buildings is a museum that showcases the food and culture of the people known as overseas Chinese who went to Southeast Asia and built their fortunes. It also highlights how they integrated into local societies through marriage and other means and the foreign cultures they brought back to Kinmen.

It’s a recommended place where you can appreciate beautiful architecture and also gain insight into the fascinating culture of overseas Chinese.

5. Kinmen Folk Culture Village

This tourist spot began as a village created by the Wang clan, natives of Kinmen, who built 18 Fujian-style houses. Although most residents have since moved away, the government provided funds to preserve this unique culture and rebuilt it as Kinmen Folk Culture Village. The 18 traditional homes are beautifully arranged in a grid, with stunning animal carvings adorning the walls throughout. From one building, a massive stone juts toward the central hall—this represents a dragon’s tail, believed to protect future generations and help them flourish. It shows how seriously the people of Kinmen take feng shui philosophy.

The village, with its preserved ancient townscape, offers a truly impressive experience—as if you’ve taken a time machine into the past.

6. Cihu Sunset Viewing Platform

Enjoying beautiful scenery is one of the great charms of sightseeing in Kinmen. Cihu is a saltwater lake that was artificially created in preparation for a landing by Communist forces, and since it's made with seawater, it’s also popular as a fishing spot where fish and shrimp can be caught. Thanks to the favorable environment, around 200 species of wild birds can be seen, making it a well-known destination for birdwatching and cycling in recent years. The clean air in the area also makes it a famous spot for viewing sunsets and stargazing. On clear days, you can even see Lesser Kinmen and Xiamen (Amoy) on the Chinese mainland from the Cihu lookout point. This is a sightseeing location where you can feel the charm of Kinmen beyond just its townscapes and historical sites!

7. Qing Kinmen Township Military Headquarters of the Qing Dynasty

A must-see spot when sightseeing, the Qing Kinmen Township Military Headquarters was originally a police station and courthouse that also served as a prison. Inside the building, historical artifacts and wax figures of Qing dynasty soldiers are displayed, and the underground area reproduces the prison of that time. A nice bonus for travelers—there are clean restrooms inside the building! The courtyard features a large garden planted with banyan trees where you can spend a peaceful time.

Though only available in Chinese, a free night tour guided by staff is also offered. Starting at 7:30 PM and lasting about two hours, the tour takes you through around nine key sites including the headquarters and surrounding attractions, letting you enjoy Kinmen by night. No reservations or complicated procedures are needed to join the free tour—just show up and enjoy!

8. Juguang Tower

So iconic that it always appears in Kinmen’s travel brochures, Juguang Tower is one of the most famous sightseeing spots on the island. Built in 1963 in the style of a traditional Chinese palace, the name "Juguang" comes from a phrase used by Chiang Kai-shek, known as the founding father of Taiwan. Although its appearance resembles a palace, it was constructed to honor the soldiers who died during the Battle of Kinmen. Inside the three-story building, there are exhibits on Kinmen’s history, culture, nature, specialties, and folk beliefs.

In front of the building, two cannons used during the Battle of Kinmen are on display. Surrounded by a spacious garden, it's a lovely place to visit during the day, but highly recommended at night—when lit up in a bluish-green glow, the building takes on a magical, romantic atmosphere.

9. Jinshui Elementary School

Jinshui Elementary School was built in 1930 with funding pooled together by overseas Chinese from Kinmen who had emigrated to Southeast Asia. Today, the school building remains as it was and now serves as a museum introducing the lives of these overseas Chinese, as well as the Min Nan people—a Han Chinese subgroup residing in Southeast Asia, Fujian Province in China, and Taiwan. The original dormitories and kitchens are still intact, offering a valuable glimpse into the past. Visitors can also see how the school once doubled as a living space for its teachers, adding an intriguing perspective.

The building’s exterior has a unique look reminiscent of Aladdin and the Magic Lamp, and its symmetrical beauty is worth seeing. It’s a recommended tourist destination where you can learn not only about Kinmen’s history but also about the Min Nan people who live throughout Taiwan.

10. Taihu Recreation Area

Taihu, the largest manmade lake in Kinmen, was created in 1967. The Taihu Recreation Area is a 45-hectare park centered around this lake. With a surface area of 36 hectares and a storage capacity of 114 tons, the lake provides water for daily use and farming in the surrounding areas. There are three islands within the lake, and several resting spots perfect for taking a break during your sightseeing.

Inside the park, a must-see attraction is the August 23 Artillery Battle Museum, which holds historical significance for Kinmen. The museum was built in 1988 to commemorate the 1958 Battle of Kinmen (also known as the 823 Artillery Bombardment), when China attempted to invade Kinmen. Tanks, shells, and other weaponry actually used at the time are on display, and visitors can even climb onto some of the tanks for photos. There's also a collection of daily life items used during the battle period, offering a rare and fascinating insight into the era. Nearby is also an art museum, making this a rich sightseeing spot with a variety of experiences to enjoy.

11. Guningtou Battle Museum

The Guningtou Battle Museum was built on the historic battlefield where President Chiang Kai-shek, often called the father of Taiwan’s independence, led the fight against the Chinese People's Liberation Army. This building was erected to mourn the soldiers who died in the Battle of Guningtou. Kinmen Island was the front line in the war with the PLA from mainland China, with the 1958 Battle of Kinmen marking the beginning of the conflict. The scene was far removed from the current peaceful, quiet Kinmen—military tanks once filled the streets, and many civilians were lost in repeated battles.

Inside the museum are paintings of Chiang Kai-shek in command, depictions of bombings, and war trophies and photos from that time. This is a deeply fascinating tourist spot not only for those interested in Asian history but also for anyone wanting to understand the era and culture of the period. It’s a must-visit when sightseeing in Kinmen.

◎ Summary

How did you enjoy the list of recommended sightseeing spots in Kinmen, Taiwan’s closest island to China? Due to its location, Kinmen has long had active exchanges with overseas regions and a rich overseas Chinese culture. It has also served as the front line in border wars, making it a place steeped in history. Located just a few kilometers from Xiamen on the Chinese mainland, ferries operate between the two every 30 minutes. A travel route from Kinmen to mainland China is a fun extension to your trip.

One thing to note when sightseeing around Kinmen is that taxis only speak Chinese. So, renting a free motorbike is also recommended. Besides historical sites and beautiful scenery, the warm, friendly interactions with local people make Kinmen a charming destination. Be sure to visit and discover it for yourself!