De Yue Lou Introduction
Degou Building, constructed in 1931, was commissioned by Huang Hui-huang, a wealthy businessman from the Shuitou settlement, and designed by craftsman Chen Nan-an from Fujian. It stands as the tallest building in the Shuitou settlement at that time, embodying the meaning of "the moon is gained first from a pavilion by the water," hence the name "Degou Building." When it was built, crime rates in Kinmen were at their worst, with frequent incidents of pirates landing and looting. Located by the sea, the Shuitou settlement was a prime target for pirates, prompting the construction of many defensive features in Degou Building: the walls on the third and fourth floors feature gun openings for aiming, the parapets on the roof are designed for defense, and there are also escape tunnels that lead to the adjacent Fanzi Building in emergencies. The building combines functionality with aesthetics, earning it a place among Taiwan's top historical buildings. Currently, there are free guided tours available, allowing visitors to experience the historical charm of Degou Building. Guided tours ◼️ Six sessions daily: 09:00, 10:00, 11:00, 14:00, 15:00, 16:00.
