Battlefield Kinmen (Taiwan)

Kinmen, an island in Taiwan with a rich history of warfare, natural landscapes, and unique culture. It is located in the waters between mainland China and Taiwan, about 190 kilometers from Taiwan. From 1958 to 1979, Kinmen played a significant role in the cross-strait conflicts. The former battlefield has left many historical scars, preserved on this land, covered by the passage of time. This is my first visit to Kinmen. Although I am not particularly passionate about history and culture, I never miss out on good food. I heard that Kinmen's porridge is smooth, the old cakes are fragrant and crispy, and the small oysters are rich in flavor. Watching videos about Kinmen in Taiwan made me want to travel there. After taking a propeller plane and stepping onto this land, I realized that I might fall in love with more than just its food. The island is sparsely populated, with well-preserved traditional three-section compound houses. Coming from the city, I felt like I had traveled through time, stepping into the past and experiencing the island's unique culture, history, and natural charm. My first stop was the Kinmen National Defense Park. This park preserves many military relics from the Cold War era, witnessing Kinmen's unique history. In the park, I visited the Kinmen Artillery Position and the Battlefield Culture Museum. These places made me feel like I had returned to the tense times of the cross-strait standoff. The artillery positions, though silent now, still stand majestically by the sea, as if telling the story of the past tension. At noon, I tasted local snacks on Kinmen Old Street. The lion's head meatballs and dried meat became my favorite delicacies. These unique snacks, whether from street vendors or old shops, offer a taste of Kinmen's distinct flavors. In the afternoon, I went to the Seaside Rest Park, the best place to view Kinmen's coastline. With the sea breeze blowing, the vast sea sparkled under the sun, and the scenery was breathtaking. The only downside was that Kinmen's summer was really hot! After checking into the hotel and resting for a while, I returned to Kinmen Old Street in the evening. Walking leisurely on the street, the old street looked particularly charming under the lights. Kinmen's night always carries a sense of nostalgia, and you can hear the echoes of history. The next day, I chose to delve deeper into Kinmen's culture. In the morning, I visited the Shanhou Folk Culture Village, which preserves many traditional Kinmen houses and handicrafts. Walking through these ancient buildings, I felt like time had reversed. Was this what Kinmen was like in the last century? These old houses, mainly built with stone and green tiles, retain a strong Minnan architectural style. Inside, they display unique folk art from Kinmen, giving me a deeper understanding of the island's culture. Kinmen, living by the sea, has many Mazu temples of various sizes. In Taiwan, people who make a living from the sea always build Mazu temples by the shore to pray for the safe return of their family members. The local people's faith in Mazu is profound. In the temple, I quietly listened to the sound of incense burning and felt a sense of peace. My three days in Kinmen made me deeply appreciate the unique charm of this small island. Its historical depth and natural landscapes complement each other, with both serene coastlines and bustling markets, solemn military relics, and warm old streets. This small island is not only a witness to history but also a microcosm of it. Here, I saw the past, reflected on the future, felt the resilience and passion for life of the local people, and examined whether my attitude towards life was too relaxed. As I left, my heart was filled with reluctance. This will be a beautiful memory that I will cherish forever.