Shuitou Settlement Introduction
Shuitou, also known as Jingshui, is located in the southwest corner of Jincheng Township. It is a multi-surname settlement dominated by the Huang family and has historically been a transportation hub between Kinmen and Xiamen due to its proximity to the Shuitou Wharf. Shuitou was once a prosperous settlement, preserving the most and finest Minnan-style architecture and Western-style buildings on the island. Notable structures include Deyue Tower, Jingshui Elementary School, and the Overseas Chinese Culture Exhibition Center, each with its unique characteristics. The local saying in Kinmen, "Those with Shuitou are wealthy, those without Shuitou have houses," implies that while one can be as affluent as the residents of Shuitou, acquiring such splendid houses like those in Shuitou village is not easy, representing the high regard that the people of Kinmen have for the architecture of Shuitou. Historically, the villagers engaged in agriculture and fishing for a livelihood and were also involved in maritime commerce, resulting in a mix of traditional Minnan old houses and foreign-style buildings influenced by overseas culture in the settlement. Traditional Minnan structures include the Huang Clan Ancestral Hall built during the Qianlong period, Huangji Ancient House, and the “Eighteen Beams” in Dingjie (a large house with nine sections). After the mid-Qing period, many Kinmen expatriates remitted funds back home to construct schools (Jingshui School) and intricately designed Western-style buildings (Deyue Tower); Shuitou appears to be an exhibition of historical architecture and is the best-preserved traditional large settlement in Kinmen. More about Jingshui Elementary School >> More about Deyue Tower >> More about the Overseas Chinese Culture Exhibition Center >>
