Jinshan Old Airport Ruins Introduction
The origin of the Jinshan Old Airport Ruins dates back to the Japanese occupation era when a small military airfield was built here. However, shortly after its inauguration, a plane crash occurred, and the airport was ultimately abandoned before it could officially open. Today, the site still retains three massive stone wheels used to compact the ground, which were tools employed by the Japanese military during the airport's construction, representing the only surviving relics. Most of the original airport site has long been transformed into farmland (located in the Chong Guang Liugu Flower Agricultural Area), which serves as a significant supplier of azaleas in the country, with an annual output reaching millions of plants. Most of the azaleas in Yangmingshan are transplanted from here. Another notable site is the Li Qifeng Ancient Residence, a Min Nan-style Sanheyuan with over 200 years of history, known for being the most well-preserved example of Min Nan architecture in the North Coast area. It is said that the owner of Qifeng Residence, Li Bu, immigrated from Zhangzhou to Taiwan in 1802 to develop the land, starting from scratch and becoming wealthy, known as the richest person and prominent family in areas like Jinbao and others at that time. Entering Qifeng Residence, you will find a half-moon pool in front and an orchard in the back; the feng shui design that ancient people sought for wealth is vividly expressed within this ancient house. According to Qing dynasty customs, ordinary people's houses should not have curved eaves, yet Qifeng Residence features elaborate curved gables, indicating the owner's power and achievements. The cut-and-paste decorations on the gables are also intricately crafted. Currently, Qifeng Residence is still inhabited, and visitors are welcome as long as they do not disturb the residents.
