Kinmen history

Foundation and First Records

The history of Kinmen is rooted in deep antiquity. The first documented records of mass settlement on the island date back to the early 9th century, during the Tang Dynasty. In 803 AD, the official Chen Yuan arrived here with settlers to develop horse breeding. However, the archipelago received its current name, meaning "Golden Gate," significantly later — in 1387.

During the Ming Dynasty era, the Hongwu Emperor ordered the construction of fortifications to protect the coast from pirates. It was believed that the island's geographical position made it a "golden gate" securely guarding the entrance to the sea, a concept that became enshrined in its name.

Key Factors of Formation

The development of Kinmen was defined by several strategic and geographical circumstances:

• Strategic Geography: Located in immediate proximity to the mainland and the port of Xiamen, the island served as an important naval outpost and transit point in the Taiwan Strait.
• Military Significance: For centuries, Kinmen played the role of a key defensive base. In the 17th century, it became the stronghold of the famous military commander Zheng Chenggong (Koxinga), who used the island as a staging ground for naval training.
• Maritime Trade: Thanks to convenient harbours, local residents actively participated in regional trade, which contributed to the gradual growth of settlements.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

Due to poor soil and a windy climate, agriculture on the island was challenging, so the economy of early Kinmen relied on salt extraction, fishing, and the cultivation of hardy crops such as sweet potatoes and peanuts. Salt works have existed here since the Yuan Dynasty.

A unique feature of the local culture became the tradition of emigration. Many residents travelled to Southeast Asia (the Nanyang region) for work. Wealthy emigrants returned home and built luxurious mansions combining Western and Eastern architectural styles, forming the unique historical appearance of the island that has been preserved to this day.

Chronology of Events

• 803 — Official Chen Yuan arrives on the island with settlers to develop horse breeding, which is considered the beginning of active territory development.
• 1387 — Fortress walls are erected for protection against pirates, and the island receives its current name, Kinmen, meaning "Golden Gate".
• 1661 — The famous commander Zheng Chenggong (Koxinga) uses local harbours as a base to prepare his fleet before the liberation of Taiwan.
• 1915 — Kinmen County is officially established, distinguishing it as an independent administrative unit.
• 1949 — A special administration regime is introduced on the island, turning it into a restricted area for several decades.
• 1992 — The lifting of martial law opens a new chapter in the island's history, making it accessible to civilians and travellers.
• 1993 — Regular civil aviation flights are launched, connecting Kinmen with the main island of Taiwan.
• 1995 — Kinmen National Park is founded, dedicated to preserving the unique military heritage, traditional architecture, and nature.
• 2001 — Direct ferry services with the mainland are opened (the "Mini Three Links" programme), giving a boost to tourism development.
• 2022 — Construction is completed and traffic opens on the Kinmen Bridge, connecting the islands of Greater and Lesser Kinmen.

Stages of Development and Transformation

The history of Kinmen is an example of remarkable adaptation. The city and archipelago have journeyed from a closed military base to an open tourism centre with a unique economy. Here are the key milestones that defined the modern appearance and prosperity of the region:

• Architectural Boom and Diaspora Heritage (Late 19th – Early 20th Century)
  The return of wealthy emigrants from Southeast Asia led to the construction of unique mansions known as "Yanglou". This formed the city's distinctive architectural style — a blend of traditional Southern Chinese architecture and Western Baroque, which is today a major cultural magnet for tourists.
• Establishment of the "Kaoliang Economy" (Since 1952)
  The founding of the Kinmen Kaoliang Liquor factory became a turning point in the economy. The production of the famous sorghum spirit not only brought fame to the island but also ensured its financial independence. Revenues from the factory still constitute the foundation of the budget and finance social programmes for local residents.
• Wartime Urban Planning (1950s–1970s)
  During the martial law period, the island's landscape changed radically. A complex network of underground tunnels (such as Zhaishan) and bunkers was created. Today, these facilities are demilitarised and converted into museums, becoming the basis for military-historical tourism.
• Creation of Kinmen National Park (1995)
  This decision allowed for the preservation of historical settlements and ecology from chaotic development. Kinmen became the first park in Taiwan created to protect not only nature but also cultural and historical heritage, defining the city's development vector as a museum city.
• Launch of the "Mini Three Links" (2001)
  The opening of direct ferry connections with mainland coastal cities (primarily Xiamen) revived Kinmen's role as a trading hub. This led to a sharp increase in tourist flow and the development of the service sector, hotels, and retail trade.
• Infrastructural Unification of the Archipelago (2022)
  The opening of the Kinmen Bridge, connecting Greater and Lesser Kinmen, became the most important urban planning project of recent decades. The bridge simplified logistics, increased population mobility, and made tourist routes more cohesive.

Architectural Eras and Styles

The architectural landscape of Kinmen is unique: it is not a typical modern metropolis, but rather an open-air museum where traditional Chinese architecture, Western colonial aesthetics, and stark military functionalism intertwine. The urban development of the island proceeded unevenly, subject at times to the commercial successes of the diaspora, and at others to strict defensive needs.

Traditional Minnan Style (Southern Fujian Style)

The foundation of the island's historical buildings, formed during the Qing Dynasty. These are classic Chinese estates with courtyards, distinguished by the use of red brick and a specific roof shape.

• Characteristic Features: "Swallowtail" roofs (upward-curving ridge ends indicating the owner's high status) and "Saddleback" roofs (for ordinary citizens). Abundant use of terracotta tiles and carvings in stone and wood.
• Landmark Object: Shanhou Folk Culture Village — a perfectly preserved quarter of 18 mansions built in 1900, demonstrating the pinnacle of this style.

Eclecticism and Colonial Style (Yanglou)

In the early 20th century, wealthy emigrants returning from Southeast Asia brought a fashion for Western architecture to the island. This period is characterised by a blending of styles known as "Nanyang".

• Stylistic Elements: Influence of Baroque (rich stucco on facades) and Neoclassicism (colonnades, arches, porticos). Western facades often concealed a traditional Chinese interior layout.
• Landmark Objects:
  • Deyue Tower: The tallest historical building in the Shuitou settlement, combining defensive functions with Art Deco aesthetics.
  • Jinshui Elementary School: A building featuring elements of Western Baroque and traditional Chinese symbolism (for example, angels with Asian facial features).

Military Functionalism and Brutalism (1949–1992)

The period of martial law radically changed urban planning. Aesthetics gave way to survival and camouflage. Buildings and structures of this period are strict, utilitarian, and often hidden underground.

• Characteristic Features: Massive reinforced concrete, submerged structures, camouflage painting, lack of decoration. Granite cliffs were used as natural cover for fortifications.
• Landmark Objects: Zhaishan Tunnel — a grandiose underground facility for sheltering naval vessels, and numerous concrete pillboxes along the coast.

Modern Development

After the lifting of martial law in 1992, Kinmen's architecture shifted towards heritage preservation and infrastructure modernisation. New construction is strictly regulated so as not to disrupt the historical appearance of the settlements.

• Trends: Restoration of old mansions into guest houses (Minshuku) and the construction of modern transport hubs.
• Landmark Object: Kinmen Bridge — an engineering giant completed in 2022, becoming a symbol of the new era and the technological progress of the region.

Distinguished Personalities of Kinmen

The history of the island is rich with names of people who influenced not only the development of the region but also the culture of the wider Chinese world. From ancient philosophers to modern Olympic champions — here is a list of those whom the locals take pride in.

• Zhu Xi — Educator and Philosopher (1130–1200)
  A great Neo-Confucian philosopher of the Song Dynasty. Although he was not born on the island, his visit in the 12th century had a colossal influence on the region's culture. Zhu Xi established an academy here and promoted education, thanks to which Kinmen earned the nickname "Zou Lu" (land of culture and morality), becoming a training ground for imperial examinations.
• Zheng Chenggong (Koxinga) — Commander and National Hero (1624–1662)
  A legendary military commander of the Ming Dynasty. Kinmen served as a key base for him, where he trained troops and built a fleet before his historic expedition to Taiwan to expel the Dutch. Many places associated with his name remain on the island, including "Koxinga's Well" and the ruins of training camps.
• Qiu Liang-gong — Admiral of the Qing Dynasty (1769–1817)
  A native of Kinmen who became a renowned naval commander. He played a decisive role in suppressing piracy in the Taiwan Strait, for which he received the title of Viscount. The most famous monument in Jincheng Town — a majestic stone arch — was erected by imperial decree in honour of his mother, who raised the hero single-handedly.
• Hu Lian — General and Reformer (1907–1977)
  Commander of the island's defence in the mid-20th century. Beyond his military achievements, he is known as the "father of Kinmen's modern economy". It was Hu Lian who suggested that local farmers grow sorghum instead of rice and founded the famous liquor distillery, the revenues from which ensured the region's prosperity. He also initiated a large-scale afforestation programme for the island.
• Lee Yang — Olympic Champion (born 1995)
  The modern pride of Kinmen. A professional badminton player who won the gold medal at the Olympic Games in Tokyo (2020) and Paris (2024) in the doubles event. His successes drew the attention of the global community to his home island and inspired local youth to engage in sports.