For the third part of this series on Kinmen, we’re going to focus on the architecture. To recap, part 1 looked at the town of Jincheng, Kinmen’s largest center, and part 2 focused on the military history of the islands. The island is known for its numerous examples of traditional southern Fujian style buildings. Early on, the architectural style was a derivation of that found in both Quanzhou and Zhangzhou, China. Saddleback roofs, gabled walls and simple, sleek lines are all evident in the design.
Traditional Chinese Architecture on Kinmen
There are approximately 15 000 Fujian-style houses on Kinmen, 115 of which are classed as historical monuments. Interestingly, this is about 25% of the total classified monuments on either Taiwan itself, or its outlying islands.
The buildings were often built in batches, 10 to 20 at a time, forming new villages or settlements with villages each time. Each house would typically contain one or two main chambers, with a further 2-4 rooms or wings to the sides.
Traditional Chinese Architecture on Kinmen
Traditional Chinese Architecture on Kinmen
As well as the traditional Chinese architecture, there are a number of examples of Western-style buildings. All told there are 130 of these buildings, most dating from the 1920s and 30s and constructed by merchants returning from South East Asia. Typically two storey, the buildings often feature outer hallways and Western-styled parapets.
Western Architecture on Kinmen
There’s also plenty of examples where Chinese and Western styles have been blended together.
Chinese & Western Architecture on Kinmen
Here are a few more examples of the traditional architecture to be found, some of it in better shape than others.
Chinese Architecture on Kinmen
Chinese Architecture on Kinmen
Chinese Architecture on Kinmen
Stay tuned for part 4 of the Kinmen series coming up next week. Don’t forget to check out 5 later in the week. Thanks for viewing and don’t be shy with the comments and RTs.
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Craig Ferguson Images | Cultural Photography. One of the key aspects of life that we humans identify with is culture. We label people, places and events according to our ideas of what they are, ranging from the broader scale defined by tradition and place down to the small scale subcultures and tribes. Craig Ferguson Images is consistantly creating new visions in the field of cultural photography. From traditional festives and customs to modern, urban subcultures, Craig Ferguson Images is in touch with the changing world. From our base in Taipei, Taiwan we are perfectly positioned at the crossroads of the ancient and the modern.
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All content © 2010 by Cultural photography from Asia | Craig Ferguson Images
Great series, Craig. I love that second image. I'd hang it on my wall.
Great series, Craig. I love that second image. I'd hang it on my wall.
Great series, Craig. I love that second image. I'd hang it on my wall.
Great series, Craig. I love that second image. I'd hang it on my wall.
Great series, Craig. I love that second image. I'd hang it on my wall.
Many thanks.
Many thanks.
Many thanks.
Many thanks.
Many thanks.
Stunning shots Craig. You certainly saved the best for the last. For me 5th one the best of the lot
Thanks for sharing.
Stunning shots Craig. You certainly saved the best for the last. For me 5th one the best of the lot
Thanks for sharing.
Stunning shots Craig. You certainly saved the best for the last. For me 5th one the best of the lot
Thanks for sharing.
Stunning shots Craig. You certainly saved the best for the last. For me 5th one the best of the lot
Thanks for sharing.
Stunning shots Craig. You certainly saved the best for the last. For me 5th one the best of the lot
Thanks for sharing.
This has been an excellent series Craig. The second photo is fabulous!
This has been an excellent series Craig. The second photo is fabulous!
This has been an excellent series Craig. The second photo is fabulous!
This has been an excellent series Craig. The second photo is fabulous!
This has been an excellent series Craig. The second photo is fabulous!
Thanks Ashish, glad you liked it. There's 1-2 more posts still to come from this series.
Thanks Ashish, glad you liked it. There's 1-2 more posts still to come from this series.
Thanks Ashish, glad you liked it. There's 1-2 more posts still to come from this series.
Thanks Ashish, glad you liked it. There's 1-2 more posts still to come from this series.
Thanks Ashish, glad you liked it. There's 1-2 more posts still to come from this series.
Thank you Todd. Kinmen is a fabulous place. More to come next week.
Thank you Todd. Kinmen is a fabulous place. More to come next week.
Thank you Todd. Kinmen is a fabulous place. More to come next week.
Thank you Todd. Kinmen is a fabulous place. More to come next week.
Thank you Todd. Kinmen is a fabulous place. More to come next week.
Interesting blog. It would be great if you can provide more details about it. Thanks a load!
regards
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