Yu Zhang Road Archway
Taiwan · Kinmen County · Jinhu Township · Historic Sites
Image source: Taiwan_Opendata; license credits as shown.
Overview
Yu Zhang Road is the hiking road up Mount Taiwu, with a total length of about 3.5 kilometers. Former President Chiang Kai-shek named it “Yu Zhang Road” to commemorate General Liu Yu-zhang, who served as the Kinmen Defense Command commander from 1954 to 1957.
Highlights
Yu Zhang Road Archway is the gatehouse at the starting point of the Mount Taiwu hiking trail. It is a representative landmark commemorating General Liu Yu-zhang and Kinmen’s wartime history. The archway is inscribed with the characters “Yu Zhang Road” and connects to the approximately 3.5-kilometer Mount Taiwu hiking route, linking together statues, old battlefield relics, and natural mountain scenery.
What to See
1. Yu Zhang Road Archway itself: A tall archway at the entrance to Mount Taiwu, engraved with the three characters “Yu Zhang Road.” Its green glazed-tile roof, white stone columns, and pale walls give it an elegant appearance with strong military memorial significance. It is a popular photo spot and the starting point for the hike. 2. Yu Zhang Road hiking trail: Starting from the archway, this is the main access road up Mount Taiwu. The gradient is relatively gentle, making it suitable for casual hikers. Along the way, visitors can learn about Kinmen’s military history and transportation development. 3. General Liu Yu-zhang statue and Si Yuan Pavilion: Midway up the mountain, there is a statue of General Liu Yu-zhang and a memorial pavilion honoring his contributions to the construction of the Mount Taiwu road and wartime infrastructure. This is an important stop for understanding the origin of the road’s name. 4. Cultural attractions along the route: The trail passes sites such as Yanping King’s military-watching chess playing spot, Wu Wang Zai Ju, and Haiyin Temple, presenting multiple historical layers from the Ming-Zheng resistance against the Qing, to the cross-strait military standoff, to wartime religious culture. It is ideal for walking slowly and pausing to appreciate each site. 5. Natural scenery and birdwatching: The route preserves abundant native plants and birdlife, and the mountain’s higher viewpoints are excellent for observing raptors such as buzzards and hawks, making it especially appealing to travelers who enjoy nature observation.
Address
Entrance to Yu Zhang Road, Mount Taiwu, Jinhu Township, Kinmen County 891 Tel: (08)2313100
Travel Tips
Yu Zhang Road Archway is a good starting point for either a full-day or half-day hike on Mount Taiwu. Allow enough time to walk the trail at a relaxed pace and visit the attractions along the way. The most comfortable seasons for visiting are autumn, winter, and spring, when the weather is cooler and drier. In summer, sunlight is strong and humidity is high, so it is recommended to start early in the morning or late in the afternoon and to stay hydrated and protected from the sun. For hiking, wear light, moisture-wicking clothing and non-slip athletic shoes or walking shoes. Bring drinking water, a sun hat, a light jacket, and rain gear to handle changing mountain weather. If planning to walk the entire route, assess your fitness and schedule in advance based on your own endurance. Some sections of the Mount Taiwu area may have occasional construction or traffic controls. Before setting out, check the latest announcements from Kinmen National Park or local authorities, and follow on-site directions to adjust your route if needed. If driving, you can follow the route from Kinmen Airport via Zhongshan Road and Boyu Road to Yu Zhang Road. Roads near the archway are busy as the starting point of the hike, so both drivers and pedestrians should pay attention to safety.
FAQ
Q：What are the main features of Yu Zhang Road Archway? A：The biggest feature of Yu Zhang Road Archway is that it serves as the symbolic entrance to the Mount Taiwu hiking trail while also carrying historical meaning in memory of General Liu Yu-zhang. The archway bears the three characters “Yu Zhang Road,” and its green glazed-tile roof, white stone columns, and walls create a solemn and impressive appearance. It is the starting point for experiencing Mount Taiwu’s scenery and battlefield culture. Q：What attractions can be seen from Yu Zhang Road Archway? A：Starting from Yu Zhang Road Archway and following the hiking trail, visitors can sequentially explore the statue of General Liu Yu-zhang, Reflection Tower, Yanping King’s military-watching chess playing spot, Wu Wang Zai Ju, Shimen Pass, and Haiyin Temple. Along the route, visitors can also enjoy native plants, birds, and scenic high viewpoints, offering rich experiences in both history and nature. Q：What is the connection between Yu Zhang Road Archway and General Liu Yu-zhang? A：The road connected by Yu Zhang Road Archway was named to commemorate General Liu Yu-zhang, who once served as the Kinmen Defense Command commander, in recognition of his important contributions to the construction of the Mount Taiwu road and Kinmen’s defense infrastructure. Former President Chiang Kai-shek named this approximately 3.5-kilometer hiking road “Yu Zhang Road,” and the archway became the frontage of this commemorative route. Q：Is Yu Zhang Road Archway suitable for families and general visitors? A：Yu Zhang Road Archway and the connected Mount Taiwu hiking trail are mostly on relatively gentle slopes, so general visitors and families can usually enjoy a comfortable hike as long as they assess their fitness and pay attention to safety. With many cultural and natural attractions along the way, families can choose to walk only part of the route or simply stroll and take photos around the archway as an introductory outing.
