Kinmen Castle Introduction
The history of Kinmen dates back to the first year of Jianwu in the Jin dynasty (317 AD). During the Ming dynasty, in order to resist pirate invasions and protect the residents living there, the "Qianhu Fortress" was built. During the period of Ming-Zheng resistance against the Qing dynasty, Kinmen City was a major stronghold. In the 19th year of Kangxi's reign (1680), General Chen Long moved the general's office to Houpu, leading to the gradual decline of Kinmen City. Kinmen City has four city gates—East, South, West, and North—historically associated with the saying, "to recruit at the East Gate, to gain riches at the West Gate, to thrive at the South Gate, and to seek fame at the North Gate." This implies that the East, facing the populous Gugang, attracts people there; the West, where merchant migrants gather, is where money can be made; the South Gate leads to the port, a hub of commerce; and the North Gate is near Yannan Mountain and Yannan Academy, where one could seek government positions and fame. Today, new gate towers have been built at all four corners of Kinmen City, each with a different style. Notably, the South Gate is also the entrance to the Kinmen Distillery, while the quaint stone-paved street next to the North Gate is the famous Mingyi Old Street, both of which are well worth a visit. For more about Mingyi Old Street>>
