Liu Yu-zhang Statue

Overview

In 1954, General Liu Yu-zhang took office as Commander of the Kinmen Defense Command. During his tenure, he directed the Battle of September 3 and led troops to dig trenches, excavate tunnels, and build the Taipushan hiking road, laying the foundation for Kinmen’s underground defense system. This later played a crucial role in the August 23 Artillery Battle.

Highlights

The Liu Yu-zhang Statue is an outdoor bronze statue on the slope of Mount Taiwu in Jinhu Township, Kinmen County, commemorating General Liu Yu-zhang’s military achievements and contributions to local defenses. Together with the road named after him, Yu-zhang Road, the statue bears witness to the origins of Kinmen’s underground defense system and is especially important for understanding the historical background of the Battle of September 3 and the later August 23 Artillery Battle. Many visitors treat it as a convenient stop on the way to Mount Taiwu and nearby military heritage sites, combining remembrance, military history, and a waypoint along the hiking route.

What to See

1. General Liu Yu-zhang Bronze Statue: The Liu Yu-zhang Statue is a bronze monument standing on the slope of Mount Taiwu and facing Kinmen’s battlefield landscape. It honors his outstanding military achievements and contributions to Kinmen’s defense history. The statue presents a resolute and composed military image, allowing visitors to feel the wartime atmosphere and defensive spirit along the mountain road. 2. Yu-zhang Road (Taipu Mountain Road): The mountain road where the statue stands is named Yu-zhang Road. It is one of the important roads and trails leading to Mount Taiwu and a route many hikers and trekkers pass through. The road itself symbolizes General Liu’s historical role in overseeing the construction of the Mount Taiwu ascent road, and the open scenery along the way offers views of Kinmen’s mountains and sea. 3. Battlefield and Underground Defense Heritage: During his tenure, General Liu Yu-zhang commanded the Battle of September 3 and led soldiers to dig trenches and excavate tunnels, laying the groundwork for Kinmen’s underground defense system and making a key contribution to the later August 23 Artillery Battle. Standing around the statue and imagining the wartime mountain environment filled with fortifications and tunnels helps visitors understand Kinmen’s tense frontline situation and overall defense layout. 4. Connection to the Mount Taiwu Trail and Nearby Military Attractions: The area near the Liu Yu-zhang Statue is linked with the Mount Taiwu trail and several battlefield-related attractions, and visitors often plan them as a single route. Walking up Yu-zhang Road, the statue can be treated as the starting point or a mid-route stop on the ascent, and combining it with nearby military relics offers a fuller experience of Kinmen’s battlefield cultural landscape.

Address

Liu Yu-zhang Statue, Yu-zhang Road, Jinhu Township, Kinmen County 891 Phone: (08)2313100

Travel Tips

Recommended season: The Liu Yu-zhang Statue is on the slope of Mount Taiwu and can be visited year-round, but autumn and winter are the most suitable seasons for hiking and battlefield touring because the weather is cooler and visibility is usually better. In spring and summer, mountain humidity and strong sunlight can make midday visits less comfortable, so it is best to avoid the hottest hours. Transportation and access: The statue is located along Yu-zhang Road in Jinhu Township, Kinmen County. Most visitors go by rental car, private car, or scooter, then connect with nearby attractions by bus and walking. If using public transportation, get off at a nearby stop and continue on foot uphill. For the latest routes and schedules, consult local transportation information and tourism maps after arriving in Kinmen. Suggested visit time and stay: The Liu Yu-zhang Statue is an open-air outdoor site and can usually be visited freely at any time. Most visitors spend a short time here for photos and interpretation, but if combined with the Mount Taiwu trail and surrounding battlefield attractions, it can easily become a half-day to full-day itinerary. Suitable visitors and notes: This site is suitable for travelers interested in military history, cross-strait warfare history, and Kinmen’s battlefield culture, and it also works well as a warm-up point before a hike or a rest stop along the way. Mountain winds can be strong at times, so it is advisable to bring a light jacket and a windproof hat. Trail sections may be slippery underfoot, so take extra care after rain. Please remain solemn and respectful during your visit, and avoid making noise or climbing on the memorial statue. Suggested items to bring: Bring drinking water, a sun hat or rain gear, comfortable walking shoes, and a lightweight jacket appropriate for mountain weather. If you plan to extend your walk to Mount Taiwu or other battlefield sites, it is also useful to bring some snacks and personal medical supplies.

FAQ

Q: What is the Liu Yu-zhang Statue mainly commemorating? A: The Liu Yu-zhang Statue mainly commemorates General Liu Yu-zhang’s major contributions to Kinmen’s defense, his command during the Battle of September 3, and his efforts in promoting the underground defense system. In 1954, he took office as Commander of the Kinmen Defense Command and led troops to dig trenches, excavate tunnels, and build the Mount Taiwu ascent road, laying the foundation for Kinmen’s underground defenses and playing a key role in the later August 23 Artillery Battle. That is why a bronze statue was erected on the slope of Mount Taiwu and the road was named Yu-zhang Road in his honor. Q: Where is the Liu Yu-zhang Statue, and how do I get there? A: The Liu Yu-zhang Statue is located on Yu-zhang Road in Jinhu Township, Kinmen County, on the slope leading to Mount Taiwu. Most visitors start from Kinhu or Shanwai and travel uphill by rental car or scooter along Yu-zhang Road, following the signs to the statue. If taking a bus, first get to a stop near Jinhu and then walk or transfer. For the latest schedule and route details, check Kinmen’s local tourism service center or bus stop information. Q: Do I need a ticket or advance reservation to visit the Liu Yu-zhang Statue? A: Visiting the Liu Yu-zhang Statue usually does not require a ticket or advance reservation. It is an open-air memorial space, so visitors can go there freely for photos and remembrance, but it is still important to pay attention to mountain weather and driving safety, and to remain quiet and respectful near the statue. Q: What other attractions can I visit nearby? A: A common plan is to combine the Liu Yu-zhang Statue with the Mount Taiwu trail and nearby battlefield attractions. Continuing uphill from Yu-zhang Road leads to military relics and viewpoints, forming a route that combines battlefield history with natural scenery. Visitors can also include other attractions and settlements in Jinhu Township to create a half-day or full-day battlefield culture itinerary in Kinmen.

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