Bishan Settlement Introduction
Located near the eastern coast of Kinmen, Bihsan Village, although not part of Kinmen National Park, features a rich landscape infused with different cultures that continually attracts visitors. In 2002, during the themed historical architecture event "The Call of Bihsan," the term "Bihsan Eight Scenes" emerged, which includes notable sites such as the famous Chen Qing-ji Western-style residence, Chen De-xing Western-style residence, Ruiyou School, a century-old Huanglian tree, the Yueli Shujia residence, Zhao Ling Temple, and the large and small ancestral halls, making them must-visit landmarks in Bihsan Village! The wall murals completed by illustrator Liu Rui-qi (wawa) and local volunteers with the students of Anlan Elementary School have infused the quaint village with vitality, adding a creative touch from the new generation and continuing a fresh chapter. Ruiyou School, built in 1934, was established as an educational institution by Mr. Chen Rui-you, who toiled hard all his life to develop in Singapore. After his passing, his son commissioned local resident Mr. Chen De-xing to build this school building for local children to attend free of charge, which became a local success story but unfortunately ceased operations after just one year 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, features a façade adorned with themes of Indian police and musical bands, flowers, and cranes in plaster. Although it now shows signs of time, the past splendor is still apparent. The Chen Qing-ji Western-style residence, completed in 1931, was constructed by owner Chen Qing-ji and features "three eaves and longevity," "two levels," and "guarding dragons on both sides." The main façade resembles a simple petal shape, with the lintel inscribed with "Union Is Strength," and reliefs of armed Indian soldiers and boatmen, reflecting a unique blend of Western and Chinese styles, which was rare in Kinmen at the time! After 1949, the residence was requisitioned for military training purposes until military personnel officially withdrew in the 1980s. In 2014, a film titled "Paradise in Service" used this site as one of its filming locations. Chen De-xing Western-style residence is prominently situated at the entrance of the village, making it quite eye-catching, and is one of the early Western-style buildings in Kinmen. The façade features carvings of mice, goldfish, and banana plants, symbolizing abundance of descendants. In Minnan dialect, "banana" sounds similar to "invitation," signifying both bringing forth children and attracting wealth. Although the appearance is somewhat weathered now, its past grandeur still shines through in the details.
