Bishan Settlement Introduction
Located near the eastern coast of Kinmen, the Biyang settlement, although not included in the Kinmen National Park, boasts a rich landscape interwoven with diverse cultures that continues to attract many visitors. In 2002, during the themed historical building event "The Call of Biyang," the term "Eight Views of Biyang" emerged, featuring notable sites such as the Chen Qingji Western-style House, the Chen Dexing Western-style House, Ruiyou School, the century-old Huanglian tree, the Yueliu four-story house, the Zhaoling Temple, and the large and small ancestral temples, which have become must-visit landmarks in Biyang settlement! Additionally, mural paintings completed by picture book artist Liu Ruqi (wawa) and local volunteers, along with elementary school students from Anlan Elementary School, have added vitality to the quaint settlement and infused it with the creativity of a new generation, marking a fresh chapter in its history. Ruiyou School, built in 1934, was established through the lifelong efforts of Mr. Chen Ruiyou, who moved to Singapore to seek a better life. After his passing, his son entrusted Mr. Chen Dexing to construct this educational building specifically for schooling purposes. Upon completion, it offered free education to children from surrounding settlements, which was a remarkable story in the local community at that time, though it sadly only operated for one year before shutting down due to the Japanese occupation of Kinmen. After being restored as a designated county ancient monument, it now serves as a community arts and cultural performance center. Ruiyou School, modeled after Western Baroque architecture, features a front adorned with clay sculptures of Indian soldiers, musical bands, flowers, and cranes. Although time has left its mark, the grandeur of the past is still evident. The Chen Qingji Western-style House was officially completed in 1931 by its owner, Chen Qingji. The building features a unique façade with a simple floral petal design, and the lintel is carved with "Union Is Strength" along with clay sculptures of Indian soldiers and boatmen, representing a fusion of Eastern and Western styles—quite rare in Kinmen at the time! After 1949, the house was requisitioned for military training, and it wasn't until the 1980s that military personnel officially withdrew. In 2014, it served as one of the filming locations for the movie "Garrison Paradise." The Chen Dexing Western-style House is situated at the entrance of the settlement, making it quite conspicuous. It is one of the earliest Western-style buildings in Kinmen. The main façade is adorned with carvings of mice, goldfish, and banana plants, symbolizing a bountiful offspring. In Minnan language, "banana" sounds similar to "zhao," which also connotes attracting wealth. Although the exterior appears somewhat dilapidated today, the former grandeur still resonates in the details.
