Yangjiao Old Street Introduction
Located in Jinsha Township, Yangzhai Old Street was once a military stronghold where the Jin Dong Division was stationed and served as a place for soldiers' entertainment and consumption. In its heyday, the bustling commercial street featured cinemas, billiard rooms, bathhouses, and barbershops. However, as the military withdrew, Yangzhai Old Street gradually declined. The area later gained renewed attention when the film "Paradise in Service" was shot here, recreating the historical scenes of Kinmen in the 1960s and blending local culture with wartime elements to create a historical memory of "military and civilians as one." The film also received recognition as the opening film of the Busan International Film Festival, as well as honors for Best Supporting Actress and Best Supporting Actor at the 51st Golden Horse Awards, and was selected for the Panorama section of the 65th Berlin International Film Festival. After the filming, the Kinmen County Government preserved the set, integrating it into the community and encouraging youth entrepreneurship. Many unique shops have since opened in the Yangzhai area, taking visitors on a journey through time into Kinmen's past. This has gradually formed a commercial model, revitalizing the community, supporting youth initiatives, and enhancing the tourism experience, turning Yangzhai into a popular spot for young people to take photos. In 1950, Mr. Zhang Xiangchuan, then Speaker of the Taipei City Council, donated funds to build the Jin Dong Cinema to provide a recreational place for the officers on the front lines in Kinmen. At that time, the cinema was always packed, contributing to the lively atmosphere of the Yangzhai area, which gave rise to barbershops, billiard rooms, and bathhouses. After several decades, the Jin Dong Cinema has been renovated while still retaining the ambiance of the 1950s, leaving a vivid memory of its former glory.
