Beishan Old Western-style House Introduction
Beishan Old Western-style House was built collaboratively by the three brothers Li Jinyu, Li Yanya, and Li Tianzhu from Guningtou. They achieved success in the coconut trade in Manila, Philippines, and returned to their hometown in Beishan in 1928 to build a large two-story house for their mother. In 1937, they constructed a double-decker western-style house with the help of craftsmen from Nan'an and local artisans, including Li Yan from Guningtou. The house is situated on high ground, offering a good vantage point to view all corners of the village, making it of great strategic value. During the Battle of Guningtou, it was occupied by the Chinese Communist forces and served as a command post, enduring fierce gunfire and shelling, undoubtedly proving the historical significance of Kinmen as a frontline during the war. Today, the house still shows signs of dilapidation, with a damaged roof and numerous bullet holes, yet it retains its unique character. The interior has been converted into a backpacker hostel, providing travelers with a comfortable resting environment, while the exterior remains a stark reminder of the ravages of war, making visitors feel as if they can still hear the sounds of gunfire ringing in their ears.
