Zhu Mountain Settlement Introduction
Zhushan is located in the southwest of Kinmen Island, at the starting point of the Ring Road. This is a settlement of the Xue clan, whose ancestors came from Xueling in Xiamen during the Yuan Dynasty, establishing a presence here for over 650 years. The first impression upon entering the Zhushan settlement is its beautiful colors, surrounded by highlands, with a large pond in the center, presenting an auspicious geographical feature known as "Four Waters Returning to the Pond." The entire settlement expands from the ancestral shrine at its center, built around the large pond, where the earthy red of the ancient brick walls contrasts beautifully with the clear green waters of the pond, creating a splendid scene. Taking a walk in Zhushan Park offers a view from above, and quietly appreciating the exquisite brick carvings and Chaozhou pottery on the old houses are moments in Zhushan that should not be missed. Zhushan Park, known locally as Ji'an Mountain, is actually a small granite hill. Climbing up the steps to the pavilion at the top of the park provides a refreshing pause, allowing one to slowly enjoy the tranquil surroundings and soothe the mind; don't forget to take a photo overlooking the beautiful Zhushan settlement from the top! There are two Xue clan ancestral halls in Zhushan: the larger one on the right worships the founding ancestors and serves as the communal ancestral hall of all the Xue clan in the village, while the smaller one on the left is part of a branch of the clan. The larger ancestral hall features exquisite decorations, while the smaller hall is simpler in design, serving as places of ancestor worship and prayers for descendants to excel in life. Zhushan is one of the "Overseas Chinese Settlements" in Kinmen. After the late Qing Dynasty, many villagers went to Luzon (the Philippines) to seek a living, from labor to business, eventually becoming wealthy. Among them were Xue Yongnan and his brother, who, after achieving success, built the first Western-style house in their hometown of Zhushan, which serves both as a residence and a defense function, currently managed by a homestay operator. The Xue Fangjian Western-style building, built in 1931, is a raised platform structure. At that time, coastal pirates in Kinmen posed a significant threat, and overseas Chinese buildings became their targets. To enhance defenses, many Western-style houses were built on high ground with protective features. The Xue Fangjian Western-style building, along with the Xue Yongnan brothers' house and the Zhua Rock to the east of the settlement, formed a protective triangle for Zhushan; it was also occupied by Japanese soldiers during the colonial period, hence it is known as the "Tactical Building."
