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.