Chen De-Xing Western-style House
Taiwan · Kinmen County · Jinsha Township · Historic Sites
Image source: Taiwan_Opendata; license credits as shown.
Overview
The Chen De-Xing Western-style House is located in the sparsely populated Bishan settlement. The house is particularly prominent at the entrance of the settlement.
Highlights
The Chen De-Xing Western-style House is the most eye-catching historical building at the entrance of the Bishan settlement, showcasing a magnificent facade that blends Chinese and Western styles, along with exquisite plaster decorations. This house was built during the Japanese colonial period by a merchant who returned from Southeast Asia and has been registered as a historical building in Kinmen County. It serves as an important landmark for understanding the culture of the Bishan overseas Chinese community and the story of returning to one's roots. The building features a two-story turtle-shaped design, with a red brick first floor and a plastered second floor, adorned with relief sculptures of the twelve zodiac animals, phoenixes, and flowers, making it one of the representative sites to appreciate traditional craftsmanship in Kinmen.
What to See
1. Landmark Western-style House at the Settlement Entrance The Chen De-Xing Western-style House is situated at the entrance of the Bishan settlement, and its elegant facade is visible as soon as one approaches the settlement, making it one of the most recognizable buildings in the area, easily seen from the road. Although the exterior appears somewhat dilapidated and damaged, the overall structure remains intact, allowing one to imagine the grandeur and elegance of the once affluent overseas Chinese houses, making it an excellent spot for capturing scenic photos of the settlement's entrance. 2. Two-story Turtle-shaped Western-style House Facade The building is a two-story "turtle-shaped Western-style house," with the central front porch slightly protruding, creating a visual focal point reminiscent of a Western tower, a common and representative form of early Western-style houses in Kinmen. The first floor is primarily constructed of red bricks, while the second floor features a plastered facade, with distinct layers of materials and colors, presenting a transitional style between traditional Fujian-style residences and Western-style houses. 3. Exquisite Plaster Sculptures and Decorative Patterns The gables and wall surfaces are decorated with traditional plaster sculptures of the twelve zodiac animals, phoenixes, and various floral and patterned motifs, combining elements of reality and imagination, as well as Chinese and Western imagery, with rich details. Intricate reliefs can be seen on the columns and facade, showcasing the exceptional skills of craftsmen in plaster and decorative arts at the time, making it a key point for photography and close observation of architectural details. 4. Stories of the Overseas Chinese Community and Returning to One's Roots The house was built under the supervision of Chen De-Xing, who returned from Singapore and Southeast Asia, embodying the life story of overseas Chinese who returned home to invest in property after achieving success. Among the many Western-style houses in Bishan, this one is the most representative of this theme. Nearby, there are also the Chen Qing-Ji Western-style House and Ruiyou School, which together form the "Western-style House Group" in Bishan, allowing visitors to explore and feel the historical context of the overseas Chinese family settlement. 5. Current Preservation Status of the Historical Building Due to long-term disuse, some areas of the outer walls and surrounding walls have collapsed and been damaged, but the main walls remain largely preserved, holding significant historical and artistic value. The site is mostly available for external viewing and photography, presenting a weathered feel, making it particularly suitable for travelers who enjoy exploring ruins and old house scenery.
Address
No. 1, Bishan, San Shan Li, Jinsha Township, Kinmen County 890 Phone: (08)2318823
Travel Tips
1. Suggested Duration and Route When visiting the Chen De-Xing Western-style House, a stay of about 20 to 40 minutes is sufficient to appreciate the exterior plaster sculptures, take photos, and learn about its historical background. If combined with visits to other Western-style houses and ancestral halls in the Bishan settlement, it is advisable to allocate half a day for exploration. It is recommended to stroll through the Bishan settlement on foot, starting from the Chen De-Xing Western-style House at the entrance and extending along the path to other Western-style houses and temples, to experience the overall spatial atmosphere. 2. Best Seasons and Times to Visit Kinmen's climate features strong sunlight in summer and northeast monsoons in winter. The spring and autumn seasons are more suitable for leisurely walks and photography in the Bishan area, providing a more comfortable experience of the settlement's landscape. The facade of the Western-style house is best photographed in the morning and evening when the light is softer, resulting in better photo effects with less contrast when capturing architectural details and views of the settlement entrance. 3. Photography and Safety Precautions As the building is aging, some wall sections and the surrounding walls have collapsed and been damaged. Please be cautious while taking photos, avoiding close proximity to potentially loose walls or climbing structures to ensure safety. It is advisable to focus on the exterior for photography, respecting the historical building and the lives of local residents, and not to climb over walls or enter closed spaces without permission. 4. Transportation and Suggested Itinerary The Chen De-Xing Western-style House is located at the entrance of the Bishan settlement in Kinmen's Jinsha Township, and it is most convenient to reach by car, motorcycle, or taxi. It can be combined with other attractions in Jindong (such as nearby Western-style houses, settlements, and coastal sites) for a day or half-day tour. If you have already visited Bishan, it is recommended to also visit the nearby Chen Qing-Ji Western-style House and Ruiyou School to gain a complete understanding of the local Western-style house culture. 5. Suggested Items to Bring The Bishan settlement area has limited shade, so it is advisable to bring a hat, sunscreen, and drinking water to stay comfortable while outdoors taking photos. Travelers who enjoy capturing architectural details may want to bring a telephoto or zoom lens to capture high-up plaster sculptures and decorative patterns. 6. Etiquette and Environmental Protection Bishan is still a traditional settlement, so please keep your volume low and avoid disturbing local residents during your visit. Be sure to take your trash with you to maintain cleanliness in the environment. When facing old houses and historical buildings, it is recommended not to graffiti or touch easily peeling decorations to prolong the lifespan of cultural heritage.
FAQ
Q: What is the main attraction of the Chen De-Xing Western-style House? A: The main attraction of the Chen De-Xing Western-style House is to appreciate its two-story turtle-shaped facade, exquisite plaster decorations, and the story of the overseas Chinese community returning to their roots. The building features a red brick first floor and a plastered second floor, with a central protruding porch, complemented by relief sculptures of the twelve zodiac animals, phoenixes, and flowers, showcasing a unique style that blends Chinese and Western elements, while also witnessing the historical background of overseas Chinese returning home to build Western-style houses. Q: Can visitors enter the Chen De-Xing Western-style House? A: Currently, the Chen De-Xing Western-style House is primarily for exterior viewing. Some structures are old and damaged, so it is recommended that visitors observe and take photos from a safe distance outside. Due to collapses and damages to the main structure and surrounding walls, entering the building or approaching dangerous areas is generally discouraged to avoid accidents and protect the historical building. Q: Is a reservation or ticket required to visit the Chen De-Xing Western-style House? A: Generally, no reservation is needed to visit the Chen De-Xing Western-style House, as it is an open site for external viewing. Related fees and open regulations may change according to local policies, so it is advisable to check the latest announcements from Kinmen County or relevant travel information platforms before departure to stay informed about the current situation. Q: How much time should be allocated for a visit to the Chen De-Xing Western-style House? A: A visit to the Chen De-Xing Western-style House itself takes about 20 to 40 minutes for photography, observing architectural details, and understanding its historical background. If you plan to explore the entire Bishan settlement and connect with nearby attractions such as the Chen Qing-Ji Western-style House and Ruiyou School, it is recommended to allocate half a day for a more complete experience of Kinmen's overseas Chinese Western-style house culture and settlement landscape.
