Shamei Old Street (Shamei Morocco) Introduction
Shamei Morocco is a ruin located in Shamei Old Street. Walking into the sandy-colored ruin feels like stepping into a Middle Eastern desert. Visitors often say it resembles Morocco, a country in the Middle East, filled with mysterious exotic charm. Every angle taken here is incredibly photogenic, making it a must-visit hotspot for young people! Shamei Old Street is one of the earliest formed streets in Kinmen, formerly known as Bagua Street. This area used to be the most bustling place in Kinmen, a spot for stationed soldiers to shop for daily necessities and watch movies. Today, visitors can still savor many traditional snacks and experience the traditional ambiance in Shamei Old Street. Compared to Houpu or Shanwai areas, the Shamei area has preserved more authentic traditions and daily life. Many places on the old street still look like they did thirty years ago, making it feel as if time has turned back. The weathered facades, tiled signs, and many specialty foods that have been passed down for thirty years, such as crispy fried bread or the beloved soldier snack - wontons with toppings, along with traditional cakes made by ancient methods, attract food lovers who keep coming back to Shamei Old Street. The three murals created by Wu Qi are titled "Dream Back to Golden Sands," "Strolling on Golden Ears," and "Reconstructed Boat." The main theme transforms the concept of the Wind Lion God into a dream beast, conveying the idea that the Wind Lion God has always protected this land of Kinmen. The hourglass represents the accumulation of history and culture that nurtures this golden land. The caterpillar symbolizes young people venturing out to earn a living. The slingshot in the dream beast's hand represents the pursuit of dreams, while the butterfly to the left of the slingshot illustrates the concept of metamorphosis and realizing dreams. The high-flying bird (the Eurasian Hoopoe, the bird of Kinmen County) symbolizes the return of those who have achieved success. The creator has returned to contribute their knowledge to their hometown and transformed these ideas into art, leaving them behind in Kinmen through murals. The Zhang Wenti Western-style house was built by Zhang Wenti, a Malaysian overseas Chinese, upon his return home. Completed in 1936, it was once occupied by Japanese and Nationalist troops and is currently uninhabited. The layout consists of a two-story building plus a rear section. The exterior is elegantly adorned with relief decorations, and notably, in this old Western-style building of Kinmen, the second-floor large rooms have bathrooms, which is rare for this region.
