Zhushan Settlement Introduction
Zhushan is located in the southwest of Kinmen Island, at the starting point of the West Ring Road. It is a settlement of the Xue clan, whose ancestors settled here from Xueling in Xiamen during the Yuan Dynasty, having a history of 650 years. The first impression upon entering the Zhushan settlement is its beautiful colors, surrounded by highlands, with a large pond at its center, presenting a feng shui auspicious site known as "four streams returning to the pond." The entire settlement expands from the ancestral hall, surrounding the large pond, where the ancient brick walls in reddish-brown reflect the clear pond's deep green, creating a beautiful scene. Climbing up to Zhushan Park for a stroll offers a distant view or allows for quiet appreciation of the exquisite brick carvings and earthenware on the old houses, which are unmissable highlights of the Zhushan settlement. (Kinmen National Park Mapping) Zhushan Park is a place referred to by locals as Jiaan Mountain, or simply Zhushan. Although called a mountain, it is actually a small granite hill. Following the steps up to the pavilion at the park's peak, one can take a short break and enjoy the leisurely tranquility in the cool weather; be sure to capture a beautiful photo overlooking the Zhushan settlement at the summit! The Xue Clan Ancestral Hall in Zhushan includes two ancestral halls. The larger ancestral hall on the right is dedicated to the founding ancestors and is shared by the entire Xue clan in the village, while the smaller one on the left is part of its branch family. The larger hall is ornately decorated, whereas the smaller hall has a simpler design; both serve as places for ancestor worship and are sites for prayers for descendants to excel. The Xue Yongnan Brothers Western-style House is one of the "overseas Chinese settlements" in Kinmen. After the late Qing Dynasty, many locals went to Luzon (the Philippines) to seek a living, transitioning from laborers to businessmen and ultimately achieving wealth. The Xue Yongnan brothers were among them, and after their success, they built the first western-style house in their hometown, which also served defensive purposes and is currently managed by a homestay operator. The Xue Fangjian Western-style House (Mechanical Hall) is a wooden house built in 1931 on stilts. At that time, coastal banditry was a threat in Kinmen, making overseas Chinese buildings prime targets. To strengthen defenses, many western-style houses were built on high ground with additional defensive features. The Xue Fangjian Western-style House, along with the Xue Yongnan Brothers' Western-style House and the Zhua Rock to the east of the settlement, forms a triangle that protects the Zhushan settlement; it was also garrisoned by Japanese soldiers during the Japanese colonial period, hence it is also called the "Mechanical Hall."
