Repurposing Scrap Wood – Giant “City God Figurines” Greet Visitors at Kinmen Bus Stations and Docks

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

The Gu Island City God Festival is the most important traditional folk celebration in Kinmen. This year, the Kinmen County Forestry Department adopted the concept of repurposing scrap wood and dead timber, using unique combinations and creative designs to give discarded timber a new lease on life. These pieces, infused with traditional religious elements, have been placed along roads and transportation hubs, creating a festive and blessing-filled atmosphere across the entire island of Kinmen.

According to the Forestry Department, the deadwood installations are located at roundabouts near the airport, Kincheng Bus Station, and the entrance to Shuitou Dock. Using existing floral column structures, they were creatively assembled into large, distinctive figurines of deities such as the City God, Seventh Lord, and Eighth Lord. These were paired with lighting, flags, banners, and other religious elements, as well as foliage plants and seasonal flowers cultivated by the Forestry Department, resulting in a vibrant celebratory ambiance. The installations are highly recommended for locals and visitors to stop, admire, and take photos—serving as a timely reminder of the annual arrival of the City God Festival.

To allow residents and tourists to comfortably watch and stroll around the parade for extended periods, the Forestry Department installed approximately 30 log benches along Minquan Road and Mingsheng Road. These benches were crafted from dead or fallen trees that were originally removed to ensure public road safety and residential security. With creative design and meticulous craftsmanship, the benches embody innovative concepts of energy conservation, carbon reduction, and resource reuse.


▲ Large figurines of the City God, Seventh Lord, and Eighth Lord can be seen greeting visitors at locations such as the airport roundabout, Kincheng Bus Station, and the entrance to Shuitou Dock. (Photo / Provided by Kinmen County Government)