Banyan Garden Introduction
The century-old banyan trees gather on the north shore of Lake Tai, giving rise to the image of "Banyan Garden." Most of the banyan trees in the park have taken root here for several decades, with aerial roots that have grown thick and robust over more than sixty years. Their branches and leaves twist and turn in the sky, forming vast green canopies, providing a pleasant cooling spot for people. Meeting here in the afternoon to play chess and drink tea represents the most authentic lifestyle scene in Kinmen. Wei Lou "Wei Lou" is a traditional Minnan house located within the Banyan Garden. Its layout is the most common "one courtyard with four wing rooms" in Kinmen. The ancient house is situated in what was once known as "Xi Hong," famous for its saying, "with fewer than a hundred residents, thirty-six imperial officials," and is the former residence of Hong Shou, an assistant at the Imperial Academy during the Ming Dynasty. Hong Shou was well-versed in scholarly pursuits, having served as a professor at provincial and county schools. Many of his students succeeded in the imperial examinations, earning him the respectful title of "Master."
