Bishan Settlement Introduction
Located near the eastern coast of Kinmen, the Bishan Settlement is not included within the boundaries of Kinmen National Park, yet its rich landscapes harmonizing different cultures continue to attract visitors. In 2002, during the themed historical architecture event "The Call of Bishan," the term "Bishan Eight Scenic Spots" emerged, which includes the famous Chen Ching-chi Western-style villa, Chen Te-hsing Western-style villa, Ruiyou School, the century-old Huanglian tree, the Sigu (Four Banyans) residential house, Zhaoling Temple, and the Small and Large Ancestral Halls, making these must-visit landmarks in the Bishan Settlement! The wall murals completed by illustrator Liu Rui-qi (Wawa) and local volunteers with students from Anlan Elementary School added a touch of vitality to the ancient settlement and infused the Bishan Settlement with new creativity, continuing a fresh chapter. Ruiyou School, built in 1934, was established by Mr. Chen Ruiyou, who struggled throughout his life in Singapore. After his passing, his son commissioned local resident Mr. Chen Te-hsing to build a school building specifically for education. Upon completion, it welcomed local children from surrounding settlements to attend for free, which became a heartwarming story in the area; unfortunately, it was only operational for a year before being halted due to the Japanese occupation of Kinmen. After being restored as a designated County Historic Site, it now serves as a community arts and cultural performance center. The Ruiyou School, modeled after Western Baroque architecture, has themes of Indian soldiers and music bands, flowers, and cranes in clay sculptures on its facade. Though it bears the marks of time, its past grandeur is still evident. The Chen Ching-chi Western-style villa was formally completed in 1931 and features "Three Concave Longevities," "Two Falls," and guardian dragons on both sides, built by its owner, Chen Ching-chi. The face of the building showcases a simple petal shape, with the phrase "Union Is Strength" and clay sculptures of Indian soldiers and boatmen carved on the lintel, displaying a blend of Eastern and Western styles, which was rare in Kinmen at that time! After 1949, the villa was requisitioned for military training purposes until the military formally withdrew in the 1980s. In 2014, it became one of the filming locations for a movie titled "Paradise in Service." The Chen Te-hsing Western-style villa stands prominently at the entrance of the settlement and is one of the earliest Western-style buildings in Kinmen. The facade is adorned with carvings of mice, goldfish, and banana plants, symbolizing an abundance of descendants. The word for banana in Minnan sounds similar to "inviting," implying the invitation of children and prosperity. Although its exterior appears somewhat dilapidated today, remnants of its former grandeur are still evident in the details.
