Guoxing Well
Taiwan · Kinmen County · 烈嶼鄉 · Historic Sites
Image source: Taiwan_Opendata; license credits as shown.
Overview
Guoxing Well is located in Xiatian Village. More than 300 years ago, Zheng Chenggong led his troops to land on Little Kinmen and came to the Xiatian area. Exhausted by battle and travel, and unable to find drinking water, Zheng Chenggong — also known as Koxinga — pointed his sword at the ground and ordered his soldiers to dig where he indicated. Soon after, a clear, sweet spring water began to gush forth and has never run dry. Villagers came to honor it as Guoxing Well. Clear spring water still flows here today, and visitors are welcome to draw water.
Highlights
Guoxing Well is an ancient well associated with the legend of Zheng Chenggong, with a spring that has never run dry. It is a small attraction in Xiatian Village, Lieyu, where visitors can experience the local historical atmosphere and faith traditions. The site is best known for the story of ‘Koxinga pointing his sword at the ground to bring forth a spring,’ and the well still produces clear water today, which visitors can draw themselves.
What to See
1. Ancient well structure and bagua stonework: Guoxing Well now features a square outer shape with a circular inner well. The outer ring is built in a bagua pattern of stone, symbolizing blessings and protection, while the inner wall is circular. A metal well cover is often placed on top for protection. Seen up close, the site conveys a strong sense of traditional feng shui and military legend. 2. Clear spring water and water-drawing experience: Clear spring water still flows from the well. Buckets and other water-drawing tools are often provided on site, and visitors are welcome to draw water. This is one of the few ancient wells where visitors are encouraged to have a hands-on experience, making it a good place to personally feel the legendary ‘sweet and clear spring water.’ 3. Zheng Chenggong as ‘Koxinga’ legend scene: According to legend, more than 300 years ago Zheng Chenggong led his troops to land on Little Kinmen. In the Xiatian area, his soldiers were exhausted and short of water, so he pointed his sword at the ground and ordered them to dig a well. Soon after, spring water gushed out and saved the army. Because he was honored with the title ‘Koxinga,’ villagers came to call this place Guoxing Well, making it an important part of local historical memory. 4. Surrounding settlement and religious spaces: Guoxing Well is located around Xiatian Village in Lieyu Township, near traditional settlements and temple spaces. The surrounding area has a quiet rural landscape, making it suitable to visit together with other military sites, historic residences, and temple routes in Little Kinmen.
Address
Beside Jiujing Road, Lieyu Township, Kinmen County 894, next to Zhenwu Temple Phone: (08)2318823
Travel Tips
1. Suggested time on site: The area around Guoxing Well is small, so a stay of about 10 to 20 minutes is enough to look closely at the well, take photos, and try a simple water-drawing experience. It is a good stop to include in a Lieyu loop tour or a Little Kinmen day trip. 2. Transportation and route suggestions: Guoxing Well is in Xiatian Village, Lieyu Township, Kinmen County. The usual way to visit is to take a boat to Little Kinmen from the main island, then rent a scooter or drive around the island and follow signs or navigation. It is usually planned together with other Lieyu attractions. 3. Visiting etiquette and safety: Before drawing water, briefly check the surroundings and water quality. If you are only taking photos, please do not litter or throw objects into the well. When near the well opening, watch your step and keep children safe. Avoid leaning on the well rim or running beside the well. 4. Water-use reminder: Official and local introductions both say that visitors are welcome to draw water, but whether to drink it depends on personal habits and health considerations. Bringing your own clean container is more hygienic. If you only want a symbolic experience, drawing water to wash your hands or take photos is also common. 5. Best time to visit and seasonal notes: Guoxing Well is an outdoor open space and can be visited year-round. Sunny weather provides better light for photos. In summer, midday sun can be strong, so bring sun protection. On rainy days, the ground near the well may be slippery, so walk carefully.
FAQ
Q: Is Guoxing Well worth a special trip? A: Guoxing Well is a small but story-rich historic site, and it is best visited as part of a Lieyu or Little Kinmen island loop. The site itself is not large, but with its Zheng Chenggong legend, bagua stone well structure, and spring water that still flows, it is representative for travelers who enjoy historical anecdotes, legends, and local culture. It is best arranged together with nearby military sites and villages for a more complete experience. Q: Can you drink the water or draw water from Guoxing Well? A: The spring water at Guoxing Well still flows today, and both official and local introductions state that visitors are welcome to draw water. Many visitors use the containers provided on site or bring their own bottles. However, whether to drink it directly should be based on personal health and hygiene habits. If you are concerned, you can simply treat it as a symbolic water-drawing or hand-rinsing experience. Q: Is there an entrance fee or opening-hours restriction for Guoxing Well? A: Guoxing Well is an open-air site, so general visits do not require an entrance fee and it is usually accessible at all hours. Because it is located beside village roads, visitors can go freely, but daytime visits are recommended for safety and easier navigation. Please also respect the daily life and quiet environment of local residents. Q: What attractions near Guoxing Well can be visited together? A: Guoxing Well is located in the Xiatian area of Lieyu Township, Kinmen County. Common itineraries combine it with Little Kinmen’s military strongholds, war relics, traditional settlements, and coastal attractions. Specific places can be adjusted according to your transportation and available time, but the most practical plan is usually an island loop route with a short stop at Guoxing Well.
