Did Taiwan’s Kinmen “military pleasure quarters” really exist in history? Step into the 831 Special Teahouse to uncover sealed memories.

The sun in Kinmen shines fiercely and generously, like a gallant man hanging high in the sky, leaving unforgettable sunny memories for visitors. Due to its unique geographical location, isolated in the Taiwan Strait and fighting for years, the wartime background gave rise to much of the local history and culture. Characterized by Min-style low-rise buildings and old Western-style houses marked with the traces of time, wandering through them allows you to better feel the flow of history on Kinmen Island.

▲ Take a peek at the secrets of the military pleasure quarters at the Kinmen Special Teahouse Exhibition Hall.

▲ Small rooms are available for the public to visit.

▲ Each room has a number, and soldiers had to queue up and buy tickets to enter.

When it comes to the military history of Kinmen, the Special Teahouse is absolutely unavoidable. In 1949, when the Republic of China government retreated to Kinmen, 100,000 soldiers were stationed on the island. Living a tough life with no entertainment, the Special Teahouse became the only solace for the soldiers at that time.

At that time, queuing up to enter took about half an hour each time. In the 1950s, officer tickets cost 15 yuan, while enlisted soldiers’ tickets cost 10 yuan. Yet, the monthly salary of a private soldier was only 7 yuan, but there were still scenes of soldiers lining up early in the morning with helmets, washbasins, and towels. One can imagine the endless war brought them so much helplessness and loneliness.

▲ A simulation of the sales window and ticket stubs from that time.

▲ Couplets on the wall tell the various aspects of life under the shadow of war.

The 831 Military Pleasure Quarters have now become an exhibition hall, recording history in its most authentic form. Walking past small rooms marked with numbers, those who have seen the movie “Paradise in Service” will surely find this scene familiar. The “hostesses” back then were products of turbulent times. Wooden beds, wardrobes, dressing mirrors, and the shadows of beauties are all sealed in the memories of veterans. Additionally, there is a teahouse bookstore in the park area, offering authentic tea and food. If you have time, you can sit down, enjoy a cup of coffee, and in the quiet space, read about history and feel the unique charm of Kinmen.

▲ The interior of the small rooms includes story guides.

▲ A corner of the bathroom.

▲ The “Pure” Teahouse in the park area is a place to take a short rest.

▲ It is filled with books, and the small space is especially quiet.

Special Teahouse Exhibition Hall
Address: No. 126, Xiaojing, Jinhu Township, Kinmen County
Opening Hours: 8:30–17:00
Phone: 08 233 7839

The history of the “831” military special teahouse is documented.