Qinjing Jiexiao Memorial Arch

Overview

The "Qinjing Jiexiao Memorial Arch," located beside Huan Island North Road between Qionglin and Zhonglan, is a lesser-known memorial arch than Qiu Lianggong’s Mother Jiexiao Arch and the One Family, Three Virtuous Women Arch, but because it stands right by the main road, it is often a popular stop for travelers to take photos.

Highlights

Qinjing Jiexiao Memorial Arch is a chastity memorial arch standing among farmland and close to Huan Island North Road, making it one of the roadside attractions most easily reached for visitors driving around the island who want to stop for photos. Although it is not as large or famous as Qiu Lianggong’s Mother Jiexiao Arch or the One Family, Three Virtuous Women Arch, its prominent location, open views, and the striking image of the arch standing alone in the fields make it a popular backdrop for travelers seeking a scenic mix of highway and heritage. Originally called the Qinjing Jiexiao Arch, it is also known as the Yan Family Jiexiao Arch, and was erected to honor the lifelong chastity of Yan Fengniang, the wife of Qionglin resident Cai Zhongde, who endured hardship while raising her family; it carries both historical and local storytelling appeal.

What to See

1. The Qinjing Jiexiao Memorial Arch itself: Qinjing Jiexiao Memorial Arch is a small stone memorial arch standing beside Section 3 of Huan Island North Road. Its simple, traditional form and clearly visible inscription make it one of the best places to pause on a trip and experience Kinmen’s traditional chastity-cult culture. Although some parts have been damaged by time and show traces of cement repair, the overall proportions remain graceful, and a front-facing shot can capture the arch together with the straight roadway for a distinctive composition. 2. The "Qinjing Jiexiao" inscription and the Yan Family chastity story: The four characters "Qinjing Jiexiao" on the arch symbolize the honor once bestowed by imperial decree. Behind the inscription is the story of Yan Fengniang, wife of Cai Zhongde from Qionglin, who remained faithful after losing her husband at a young age and lived to old age. Local records describe her as a model of virtuous womanhood. Visitors can use the arch to imagine historical expectations of female virtue and family duty, and gain a deeper understanding of Kinmen’s traditional clan-based and ethical culture. 3. Rural scenery and roadside landscape: Large fields surround the arch on both sides, creating a strong contrast between an ancient memorial arch standing in the middle of farmland and the main road right beside it. This is the most recognizable feature of Qinjing Jiexiao Memorial Arch. Seasonal changes in the fields—from plowed fallow land to fresh green rice seedlings and then to golden ripened grain—add depth to photos, and the distant village scenery and blue sky make it ideal for wide-angle compositions. 4. A starting point for nearby village exploration: Located between Qionglin and Zhonglan, Qinjing Jiexiao Memorial Arch is a convenient stop for exploring Qionglin settlement and attractions in the Jinhu area. Travelers can treat it as a short break to stretch their legs and take photos before continuing on to traditional houses in Qionglin, tunnels, or other memorial arches and heritage sites, creating a themed route that combines wartime history with traditional village scenery.

Address

Qinjing Jiexiao Memorial Arch, beside Section 3 of Huan Island North Road, Jinhu Township, Kinmen County 891 Phone: (08)2318823

Travel Tips

1. Suggested visit time and stay length: Qinjing Jiexiao Memorial Arch is an open-air attraction that can be visited at any time of day, with no fence or ticket booth. A stay of about 15 to 30 minutes is enough for photos, reading the information, and enjoying the rural atmosphere. 2. Transportation and parking tips: The attraction is beside Huan Island North Road, so driving or renting a scooter is the most convenient way to get there. Follow roadside signs for "Qinjing Jiexiao Memorial Arch" or "Yan Family Jiexiao Arch." The road is straight and wide, but please pay attention to speed and safety. You may stop briefly in a safe roadside area, while making sure not to obstruct traffic. 3. Best photo and weather advice: Early morning and late afternoon provide soft light and are the best times to photograph the arch and the surrounding farmland. Backlighting or side lighting can create silhouettes and layers. In summer, the sun is strong, so bring a hat, sunscreen, and water. In winter, northeast monsoon winds can be strong, so be prepared for wind and cooler temperatures. 4. Suggested nearby itinerary: It is recommended to combine Qinjing Jiexiao Memorial Arch with Qionglin settlement, other memorial arches, or wartime sites as part of a half-day or full-day island circuit. You can first explore the old houses, tunnels, and clan temples in the settlement, then end at Qinjing Jiexiao Memorial Arch with a photo of the arch in the fields to cap off the trip. 5. Visitor etiquette and safety: Although the arch is not listed as an official monument, it still has important historical value. Please do not climb, step on, carve into, or shake any of its components. The surrounding area includes farmland and private land, so when taking photos, stay on existing roads and edges, and respect the crops by not entering the fields without permission.

Nearby Dining

Nearby settlements such as Qionglin and the Jinhu urban area offer local snacks and dining options, including traditional noodle dishes, small family-run restaurants, and Kinmen specialty snacks. It is easy to eat in the settlement or town area first and then stop by Qinjing Jiexiao Memorial Arch for photos and a short walk as part of your island route.

FAQ

Q: How long should I stay at Qinjing Jiexiao Memorial Arch, and how should I plan the visit? A: A stay of about 15 to 30 minutes is enough at Qinjing Jiexiao Memorial Arch, and it is best visited as a stop for photos while touring Kinmen around the island or visiting Qionglin settlement. Most travelers drive or ride a scooter along Huan Island North Road, briefly stop to enjoy the arch and the rural scenery, and then continue on to Qionglin settlement, Jinhu town, or other wartime attractions, making it an easy mid-route stop. Q: Why is Qinjing Jiexiao Memorial Arch also called the Yan Family Jiexiao Arch? A: Qinjing Jiexiao Memorial Arch is also known as the Yan Family Jiexiao Arch because it was erected to honor Yan Fengniang, the wife of Cai Zhongde from Qionglin, for remaining faithful throughout her life and managing the household with virtue. After becoming widowed at a young age, Yan Fengniang remained steadfast and lived to an advanced age. Her story was recorded in Kinmen local history, so later generations often refer to the arch by her surname as a way of remembrance and respect. Q: Do I need a ticket or need to check opening hours to visit Qinjing Jiexiao Memorial Arch? A: Qinjing Jiexiao Memorial Arch is an open-air attraction that is freely accessible at any time and does not require a ticket. Travelers can stop by and take photos whenever they pass through. Although there are no obvious restrictions at night, the surrounding area is farmland and roadway with weak lighting and faster traffic, so it is not recommended to stay long or linger by the roadside when visibility is poor. Q: What is the difference between Qinjing Jiexiao Memorial Arch and Qiu Lianggong’s Mother Jiexiao Arch or the One Family, Three Virtuous Women Arch? A: Qinjing Jiexiao Memorial Arch is smaller and less famous than Qiu Lianggong’s Mother Jiexiao Arch and the One Family, Three Virtuous Women Arch, but because it stands right beside the main road with farmland behind it, it offers a unique "ancient arch in the middle of the fields" landscape. Qiu Lianggong’s Mother Jiexiao Arch is a nationally designated monument with a grand structure and excellent preservation; the One Family, Three Virtuous Women Arch is known for its three connected arches, while Qinjing Jiexiao Memorial Arch is a smaller roadside stop valued for Yan Fengniang’s chastity story and the scenic highway setting, making it especially convenient for island travelers who want a quick photo stop.

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