Guningtou Settlement Introduction
Guningtou, formerly known as "Gulongtou," is located in the northwest corner of Kinmen and is composed of three villages: Beishan, Nanshan, and Lincuo. It was the main battlefield of the Guningtou Battle in 1949. The primary surname of the residents is Li, which is why it's common to see the plaque "Longxi Yanpai" on the doorways of the houses. The "Shuangli Lake Wetland Center" showcases the unique ecology of Kinmen, the "Shuidao Tower" exhibits a century-old water history, and the "San Yan Well," with its unique shape, is a place for residents to connect emotionally. There is also the "Kinmen Peace Memorial Park," the "Guningtou Archway," among others. Besides the ancient buildings, Guningtou has many fascinating aspects waiting for travelers to explore. The local simplicity and warmth of the people can only be truly appreciated by visiting in person! The Beishan Zhenwei Hall, a designated county historic site, is the former residence of Governor Li Guangxian from the Qing Dynasty's Jiaqing period. It features a three-section large house, containing fourteen themed halls such as "Governor Hall," "Jiao Jia Hall," "Shui Yuan Hall," "Local History Hall," and "Fishery Hall." Behind the house are three Stone God tablets, with the "Taishan Stone God" being uniquely shaped like a stone lion, which is a rare find in Kinmen and the largest of its kind, intended for warding off evil spirits. The Shuidao Tower, located near the Shuangli Lake Wetland, was built in the 32nd year of the Qianlong period (1767) and is designated as a historic site. It is constructed of square-shaped granite, with the words “Buddha,” “Dharma,” “Sangha,” and “Treasure” carved on its four sides. It was traditionally believed that if sea water submerged the Shuidao Tower, other areas of Kinmen would experience flooding. While this belief may no longer be verifiable, the water management of the Shuidao Tower remains a cherished story among the residents of Guningtou. The San Yan Well in the Nanshan village resembles the character "品" (pin) and is an essential water source for the community. Legend has it that this well was built during the Kangxi period of the Qing Dynasty, and despite the passage of many years, its spring water remains abundant, providing residents with water for drinking, washing, and irrigation, as well as a place to strengthen community ties. In Kinmen's customs, water drawn from the well should not be returned; otherwise, the well spirit might be angered! So visitors are reminded to pay special attention when visiting the San Yan Well. Every spring, the settlement features golden "wheat field" scenery, and nearby is the "Stone Oyster Field." The sight of oyster farmers "lifting oysters" is a unique cultural aspect of the area. The annual "Stone Oyster Cultural Festival" held in April invites travelers to experience activities such as clam shucking and oyster farm ecological tours, making it a perfect outing for families! *There are many popular attractions around Guningtou: Guningtou War Museum, Beishan Ancient Western-style House, Beishan Broadcasting Wall, Kinmen Peace Memorial Park, Guningtou Archway, Shuangli Lake Wetland, etc.
