Yangzhai Old Street Introduction
Yangzhai Old Street, located in Jincheng Township, was once a military stronghold where the Jin Dong Division was stationed and served as a recreational outlet for soldiers. The once-thriving shopping street featured cinemas, billiard rooms, bathhouses, and barbershops, but it gradually declined as the troops withdrew. Yangzhai Old Street gained renewed attention after the filming of the movie "Paradise in Service," which recreated the historical scenes of Kinmen in the 1960s, blending local culture with elements of wartime history. This portrayal recalled the historical memory of "military and civilian as one," and the film won accolades such as the opening film honor at the Busan International Film Festival and Best Supporting Actor and Actress at the 51st Golden Horse Awards, in addition to being selected for the Panorama section of the 65th Berlin International Film Festival. After the filming concluded, the Kinmen County Government preserved the locations while integrating them into the community and fostering youth entrepreneurship. Many unique businesses have gradually moved into the Yangzhai area, allowing visitors to traverse a time tunnel into the historical landscape of Kinmen. This has led to the development of a commercial model that revitalizes the community, supports young entrepreneurs, and enhances the tourist experience, bringing a renewed vibrancy to Yangzhai and sparking a significant tourism boom, making it one of the popular photo spots for young people. The Jindong Cinema was established in 1950 by Mr. Chang Hsiang-Chuan, the then-chairman of the Taipei City Council, to provide a recreational venue for the soldiers stationed at the front lines in Kinmen. The creation of the Jindong Cinema offered a place for soldiers to relax and enjoy entertainment, and at that time, every screening was packed, leading to an increase in activity in the Yangzhai district, with barbershops, billiard rooms, and bathhouses thriving as well. After several decades, the Jindong Cinema, following renovations, retains the atmosphere of the 1950s, preserving vivid memories of its past glory.
