Discovering Ancient Minnan-Style Western-Style Buildings in Southern Fujian: Historic Houses Transformed into Backpacker Inns

Text / Scenic Spots Home Compilation and Report
 
Many homestays in Taiwan incorporate local tourist features into their architecture, some even utilizing historic buildings that have been preserved to this day. This "Beishan Ancient Western-Style Building" located in Kinmen combines Minnan-style architecture with Western-style structures, making it quite unique. After renovation, it has become one of the most popular themed backpacker inns in Kinmen.

Jinning Township in Kinmen preserves a wealth of historical relics, rich in elements unique to Kinmen. Among them, the Beishan Ancient Western-Style Building is a traditional structure formed by merging two buildings—one side is a century-old Minnan-style ancient house built during the Qing Dynasty, while the other is a two-story Western-style building constructed in 1928 by the three Li brothers from Gulingtou in their hometown in Beishan Village.

At the time, the Western-style building was situated on high ground, offering views of all corners of the village. During the 1949 Battle of Guningtou, it was occupied by the Communist army and used as a command post. It endured intense gunfire and artillery shelling, and today the second floor of the Western-style building is left in ruins, with walls riddled with bullet holes of various sizes—visible evidence of the frontline battles of that era.

The Beishan Ancient Western-Style Building has now been restored and repurposed as a backpacker inn. The exterior of the ancient house has been preserved, while the interior integrates elements of Kinmen’s Minnan culture with modern, comfortable facilities. In addition to dormitory-style rooms with bunk beds, there is also a semi-suite family room. At night, guests can sit in the courtyard, chat, and enjoy the breeze—an extremely relaxing experience.