Zhushan Settlement
Image source: Taiwan_Opendata; license credits as shown.
Overview
Zhushan is located in the southwest of Kinmen Island, at the starting point of the Circular Road. This is a single-surname settlement of the Xue clan, whose ancestors settled here from Xueling in Xiamen during the Yuan Dynasty, with a history of 650 years. The first impression upon entering Zhushan Settlement is its beautiful colors, surrounded by highlands with a large pond in the center, forming a feng shui auspicious site known as 'Four Waters Returning to the Pond.' The entire settlement expands from the ancestral hall at its center, built around the large pond, where the ancient brick walls' reddish-brown contrast with the clear green water, creating a beautiful scene. Walking up to Zhushan Park for a stroll or quietly admiring the brick carvings and exquisite pottery on the old houses are highlights not to be missed in Zhushan Settlement.
Highlights
Zhushan Settlement is located in the southwest of Kinmen Island, at the starting point of the Circular Road, and is a single-surname settlement centered around the Xue clan, with a history of about 650 years. The settlement expands from the ancestral hall at its center, surrounded by highlands and a large pond, forming a feng shui pattern known as 'Four Waters Returning to the Pond,' giving the overall landscape a beautiful and complete traditional settlement quality.
What to See
- Ancestral Hall and Xue Clan Temple: The settlement centers around the ancestral hall, an important site for understanding the lineage of Zhushan Settlement. - Surrounding Landscape of the Large Pond: The settlement is built around the large pond, where the reddish-brown of the ancient brick walls contrasts with the deep green of the pond, representing the most iconic view of Zhushan. - Zhushan Park: A place to walk up and enjoy a panoramic view of the entire Zhushan Settlement and the surrounding landscape. - Brick Carvings and Glazed Pottery: Close-up appreciation of the brick carvings and details of the glazed pottery on the old houses highlights the craftsmanship of the settlement. - Traditional Minnan-style Architecture Streets: The settlement features numerous traditional Minnan-style buildings and red brick pavements, showcasing a consistent appearance of the ancient settlement.
Travel Tips
- It is recommended to visit during the day for a clearer observation of the details of the ancient houses, brick carvings, and glazed pottery, and to conveniently walk up to Zhushan Park for a view. - Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking, as it is best to explore the settlement and climb for views at a leisurely pace. - For a more complete experience, consider combining visits to surrounding ancient houses and traditional streets in Kinmen with the Zhushan itinerary. - In summer, the sunlight can be strong, so it is advisable to bring a hat, water, and sunscreen; if visiting on a rainy day, be cautious as the red brick and stone pavements may be slippery.
FAQ
- What is the most distinctive feature of Zhushan Settlement? The most distinctive feature is the traditional single-surname settlement pattern centered around the Xue clan ancestral hall, along with the surrounding highlands and the 'Four Waters Returning to the Pond' landscape. - How should one explore Zhushan Settlement? Zhushan Settlement is best explored on foot at a leisurely pace, focusing on the ancestral hall, the appearance of ancient houses, brick carvings, glazed pottery, and the panoramic views from Zhushan Park. - How long has Zhushan Settlement existed? Official and related tourism information indicates that Zhushan Settlement has a history of about 650 years. - Where is Zhushan Settlement located? Zhushan Settlement is located in the southwest of Kinmen Island, at the starting point of the Circular Road, in the vicinity of Jincheng Township, Kinmen County.
