Bishan Settlement Introduction
Located near the eastern coast of Kinmen, the Bishan Settlement, although not included in the Kinmen National Park, offers a rich landscape infused with different cultures, attracting numerous visitors. In 2002, during the historical architectural event titled "The Call of Bishan," the term "Bishan Eight Scenic Spots" emerged, including notable sites such as the Chen Qingji Western-style House, the Chen Dexiong Western-style House, Ruifeng School, the century-old Huanglian tree, the Yuluo Sijue residences, the Zhaoling Temple, and the Large and Small Ancestral Halls, becoming the signature must-visit points of the Bishan Settlement! The wall paintings completed by illustrator Liu Ruiqi (Wawa) and local volunteers, along with students from Anlan Elementary School, have infused vitality into the quaint settlement, adding the creativity of a new generation and continuing a fresh narrative. Ruifeng School, established in 1934, was built by Mr. Chen Ruifeng, who dedicated his life to developing education in Singapore. After his passing, his son entrusted the local villager Mr. Chen Dexiong to construct this school building specifically for educational purposes. Once completed, it enrolled children from surrounding settlements for free education, becoming a local tale of goodwill at the time, but unfortunately, it ceased operations after just one year due to the Japanese invasion of Kinmen. After being announced as a county-designated historical site and undergoing restoration, it now serves as a community art and performance center. The Ruifeng School, designed in the style of Western Baroque architecture, features a façade adorned with clay sculptures representing Indian police, a military band, flowers, and cranes. Despite showing signs of age, its former splendor is still evident. The Chen Qingji Western-style House was officially completed in 1931, with its distinct "Three Concave Longevity" and "Two Drops" design, constructed by owner Chen Qingji. The façade features a simple petal shape, with the inscription "Union Is Strength" and clay sculptures of armed Indian soldiers and boatmen. This blend of Eastern and Western architectural styles was quite rare in Kinmen at the time! After 1949, the house was requisitioned for military training purposes, remaining in use until the military officially withdrew in the 1980s. In 2014, it served as one of the filming locations for the movie "Military Paradise." The Chen Dexiong Western-style House stands prominently at the entrance of the settlement and is one of the early Western-style buildings in Kinmen. The façade is carved with motifs of mice, goldfish, and banana plants, symbolizing prosperity and abundance. The banana plant has a similar sound to "inviting" in Holo Taiwanese, signifying the invitation of good fortune. Although it appears somewhat dilapidated now, the grandeur of the past is still reflected in its intricate details.
