Juguang Tower — Attraction in Jincheng Township

Visited 莒光樓 in Kinmen and was truly impressed by its historical and architectural significance. Built in 1952, this three-story building stands as a tribute to the courage and sacrifice of the Republic of China's military personnel during the Battle of Guningtou, particularly honoring General Hu Lien. The incorporation of classical architectural elements with modern design principles gives the structure a majestic presence.

Perched on the southwest of Kincheng Town, overlooking the picturesque 莒光湖 and backed by the Yulian Mountain, the location offers breathtaking views of Kincheng city, Wujiang tides, and distant landscapes like Jianguo Island and Lieyu. The building's symbolic representation of wartime spirit, inheriting traditional forms from the Nanjing "Capital Plan," makes it a landmark embodying the resilience of Kinmen.

The exhibition areas on the first and second floors showcase local cultural elements, including Wind Lion Gods, traditional artifacts, and the renowned Kinmen Kaoliang Liquor. The third floor is dedicated to General Hu Lien, displaying his achievements, medals, and certificates, offering a glimpse into the military history of the era.

The building's historical significance is further highlighted by its appearance on various postage stamps, with over 51 designs released globally between 1959 and 1964. The binoculars on the third floor provide a distant...

It’s the very first cultural stop that we visited during our trip. The tower was constructed in 1952 and completed in 1953 to commemorate the battles of Guningtou 古寧頭之役 (a battle fought over Kinmen in the Taiwan Strait during the Chinese Civil War in 1949 )and the 823 Artillery War, two battles in which the KMT forces held back the island from PLA. It’s built in Classical Chinese style. It’s such an iconic building that featured on Taiwanese postage stamps 4 times between 1959 to 1964. It was newly renovated and just opened back for public when we visited. The building is very tall and imposing so we were quite surprised to find out that it only contained 3 floors.

Opening hours: Everyday 08:00 - 22:00

Visited in...

Kinmen's most famous landmark may not seem as much... unless you understand its significance to local history. You see, it symbolizes the fact that even those appearing to be in the worst possible situation (i.e. the Republic of China at the time) might find the strength to, ultimately, win. The story of Ju was what inspired Chiang Kai-shek not to give up his idea of republican China, and this tower is a manifestation of that. Oh yeah, inside there's a nice miniature depiction of Kinmen and its sights, the view from the top floor is nice (you can see the neighboring Xiamen on a sunny day) and don't miss the stamps you can put in your notebook somewhere to remember that you have indeed...