Guningtou Settlement Introduction
Gu Ning Tou, formerly known as "Gu Long Tou," is located at the northwestern tip of Kinmen. It consists of three villages: Bei Shan, Nan Shan, and Lin Cuo. It was the main battleground of the Gu Ning Tou Campaign in 1949. The predominant surname among residents is Li, resulting in the presence of door frames labeled "Long Xi Yan Pai" throughout the settlements. The "Shuang Li Hu Wetland Center" showcases the unique ecology of Kinmen, the "Shui Wei Tower" represents a century-old water history, and the uniquely shaped "San Yan Well" serves as a place for residents to connect. There are also the "Kinmen Peace Memorial Park" and the "Gu Ning Tou Archway," among other attractions. Apart from the old buildings, the Gu Ning Tou settlement is rich in exciting experiences, waiting for travelers to explore. The warmth of the local people can only be truly appreciated by visiting in person! Bei Shan Zhen Wei Di, designated as a county monument, is the former residence of the governor Li Guangxian from the Qing Dynasty's Jiaqing era. Its exterior features a three-section large house, and interior planning includes fourteen thematic museums, such as the "Governor's Hall," "Patrol Hall," "Water Source Hall," "Local History Museum," and "Fishing Science Hall." Behind the house are three stone "Gan Dang," among which the "Tai Shan Gan Dang" is a rare stone guardian resembling a lion and is the largest of its kind in Kinmen, serving as a road-warding talisman. The Shui Wei Tower, located beside the Shuang Li Hu Wetland, was built in the 32nd year of the Qianlong reign (1767) and is a county-designated monument. It is constructed from square granite and features the four characters "Buddha," "Dharma," "Sangha," and "Treasure" carved on its four sides. It was believed in the past that if the seawater submerged the Shui Wei Tower, other areas of Kinmen would suffer from flooding. Although this tradition is no longer verifiable, the story of the tower's role in flood management remains popular among Gu Ning Tou residents. The San Yan Well in the Nan Shan settlement resembles the character "品" (pin) in Chinese and is also known as "Pin Zi Well." It is an important water resource for the Nan Shan settlement, and it is said to have been built during the Kangxi era of the Qing Dynasty. Despite the passage of time, the well continues to offer abundant spring water for residents to fetch, wash clothes, and irrigate, making it a place for social bonding. In Kinmen customs, water drawn from the well must not be returned; doing so would anger the well spirit! So, remember to pay special attention when visiting the San Yan Well. Every spring, a vast expanse of golden "wheat field" can be seen in the settlement, along with the nearby "Stone Oyster Fields," where oyster farmers are depicted in their unique local culture. The "Stone Oyster Cultural Festival," held each April, invites travelers to experience activities such as oyster shucking with a thousand participants and ecological tours of the oyster fields, making it an excellent outing for families! *There are many popular attractions around the Gu Ning Tou settlement, including the Gu Ning Tou War Museum, Bei Shan Gu Yang Building, Bei Shan Broadcasting Wall, Kinmen Peace Memorial Park, Gu Ning Tou Archway, and Shuang Li Hu Wetland.
