Kueixing Tower Introduction
Kweikak, known locally as "Kuei Xing Lou" or also as Kwei Lou or Ba Gua Lou, is dedicated to the worship of Kuei Xing, one of the Five Wenchang of China. Due to the fact that Kinmen previously did not belong to a county, Confucian temples could not be built. To provide a place for the local scholars to pray for examination success before participating in the imperial examinations, Lin Fei-Chang, who had attained the title of "Gong Sheng," took the initiative to fund the construction with a donation of a thousand taels of silver. In the 16th year of the Daoguang era of the Qing Dynasty (1836), a building was established at the summit of Tushan in Houpu Township (next to the Chen Shiyin Western-style mansion). This well-crafted, ancient structure has a history of over 180 years and has been renovated twice in the 44th and 52nd years of the Republic, yet it retains its original appearance and is designated as a county historical monument. Kweikak is a two-story, three-eave, regular hexagonal building, showcasing a simplified and swiftly highlighted wooden construction technique, reflecting the simplicity of this educational structure. Each year during the examination season, a series of worship activities are held to pray for students to achieve their aspirations and succeed in their exams.
