Zhushan Settlement Introduction
Zhushan is located in the southwestern part of Kinmen Island, at the starting point of the Island Circular Highway. This area is known as a settlement of the Xue clan, whose ancestors settled here from Xueling in Xiamen during the Yuan Dynasty, establishing a history of 650 years. The first impression upon entering the Zhushan settlement is the beautiful colors of the surroundings, with high lands encircling the area and a large pond in the center, presenting a favorable geomantic position known as "Four Waters Returning to the Pond." The entire settlement expands outward from the ancestral hall, surrounding the large pond, where the rich red of ancient brick walls contrasts with the clear green of the pond water, creating a picturesque scene. Strolling in Zhushan Park to gaze afar, or quietly admiring the exquisite brick carvings and glazed pottery on the old houses, are highlights not to be missed in the Zhushan settlement. (Map by Kinmen National Park) Zhushan Park, also known as Chicken Temple Mountain by locals, is a small granite hill. Climbing the steps to the pavilion at the top of the park offers a place to rest, where you can slowly enjoy the surrounding tranquility and cool weather, easing your mind; don’t forget to take a photo overlooking the beautiful Zhushan settlement at the summit! The Major Ancestral Hall of the Xue Clan features two ancestral halls: the larger hall on the right is the common ancestral hall worshiping the founding ancestor and all clan members in the village, while the smaller hall on the left is a part of a branch of the clan. The decorations in the major ancestral hall are exquisite, while the minor hall is simply constructed; both serve as places of worship for their ancestors and as sites for prayers for the descendants to excel. The Xue Yongnan Brothers Western-style House is one of the "Hometown Settlements of Overseas Chinese" in Zhushan, where many villagers ventured to Luzon (the Philippines) to make a living after the late Qing Dynasty, transitioning from labor to business and eventually becoming wealthy. Among them were the Xue Yongnan brothers, who had the means to build the first Western-style house in their hometown of Zhushan for residence and defense purposes; it is currently managed by a bed and breakfast operator. The Xue Fangjian Western-style House, built in 1931, is a stilt house constructed on a five-legged base. During that time, coastal pirates posed a threat to Kinmen, making the properties of overseas Chinese prime targets. To strengthen defenses, many Western-style houses were built on high ground and included defensive features. The Xue Fangjian Western-style House, along with the Xue Yongnan Brothers Western-style House and the Zhuo Rock on the eastern side of the settlement, form a protective triangle for the Zhushan settlement; it was once garrisoned by Japanese soldiers during the Japanese occupation, hence it is also called the "Armory Building."
