Kinmen Model Street

Kinmen Model Street

In the past, Zheng Chenggong trained his army here, hence it was also known as the "Inner Drill Ground." In the 14th year of the Republic of China (1925), Fu Xiqi, then president of the Kinmen Chamber of Commerce, raised funds from overseas Chinese to construct this street with architectural styles reminiscent of Japan’s Taisho era. The buildings feature a blend of Japanese, Southern Fujian, Western, and Southeast Asian styles. Most structures are two-section shophouses, with the first section being Japanese-style Western buildings and the second section being Southern Fujian-style architecture. It is one of the long-preserved old streets in Kinmen.

The large banyan tree at the end of the street was originally the site of the luxurious residence of Wen Yingju. During the Sino-Japanese War when Kinmen fell, the Japanese army used it as a command post before it was bombed by the U.S. military. Shophouses numbered 14, 16, and 18 on Model Street feature verandas with green-glazed railings. The archways at the corner buildings were built slightly smaller due to structural mechanics, and three stories high to allow defenders to gain a height advantage.

Though it’s just a short stretch, the street is home to many distinctive shops unique to Kinmen, including the housewives’ favorite “Kinmen Kitchen Knives.” “Lian Lian Hong Lou” is a well-known restaurant serving改良 local cuisine, and its signature dish, “Mao Zedong Milk Tea,” is milk tea infused with Kinmen Kaoliang liquor.

A truly creative twist.