Guling Historic Site "You Hall" Owners Unwelcoming to Tourists; County Government No Longer Recommends It

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

Kinmen County’s national second-class historic site “You Hall” is reportedly at risk of being removed from the county government’s list of recommended attractions because the owners do not welcome visitors. Built during the Qianlong era of the Qing Dynasty, the government once invested 26 million NTD in its restoration. However, the site has dogs guarding the entrance, and there have been multiple reports this year of tourists being bitten. The surrounding area is also unkempt. It’s quite regrettable to see a national historic site fall into such a state.

▲ Kinmen National Second-Class Historic Site "You Hall." (Photo / Sourced from the Kinmen County Government Website)

You Hall was constructed in the 31st year of the Qianlong Emperor’s reign (1766) by Huang Baiwan, an ancestor of the Huang family, as a school. It is the only building in Kinmen with a garden and ponds—an architectural feature rarely seen across Taiwan. In 1988, the Ministry of the Interior listed it as a second-class historic site. Its current owners have opted not to allow tourist visits due to privacy considerations.

The Kinmen Tourism Department stated that they had previously hired the owners as guides and provided financial incentives to encourage public access, but the results were unsatisfactory. Therefore, they did not renew the arrangement this year. Due to poor management at You Hall, with overgrown weeds and general neglect, the department no longer recommends visitors to go there.

The Cultural Affairs Bureau noted that according to cultural heritage laws, the county government cannot compel the You Hall owners to open the site to the general public. They will continue communicating with the owners in hopes of establishing appropriate visiting hours. Additionally, regarding incidents of tourists being bitten by dogs, the county government has coordinated with police to increase patrols. County Councilor Hsu Yu stated that it would be a shame to lose You Hall and expressed hope that relevant departments, including the Kinmen Tourism Department and the Cultural Affairs Bureau, will continue their coordination efforts.