Chen Jinglan Mansion | Kinmen Attraction

In 1921, Chen Jinglan, an overseas merchant based in Singapore, returned to his hometown and funded the construction of this three-story mansion, whose exterior blends traditional Minnan and Southeast Asian colonial architectural elements. The building's fate went through several transformations — from a private residence to an officers' club, then to a servicemen's center — before being restored and opened to the public. It is now one of the most visually prominent historic buildings on the eastern coast of Jinhu Township.

Highlights of Chen Jinglan Mansion

Chen Jinglan Mansion is situated on the coast of Chenggong Village in Jinhu Township. It was built in 1921 by Chen Jinglan, a Kinmen native who lived in Singapore. The three-story building has the arcaded veranda form common in Southeast Asian colonial architecture, while also retaining the traditional Minnan gable wall profile — making it one of the larger-scale overseas remittance buildings from early 20th-century Kinmen.

After the war, the military took over the mansion and used it for decades as a recreational facility for officers, with no public access. Following recent restoration, it has been converted into a tourist attraction. Part of the interior has been restored to reflect the building's original appearance, and the exhibition displays historical materials related to Kinmen's overseas remittance culture and Chen Jinglan's family background. The building faces the bay, with an excellent scenic position.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Visit

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Observe the Fusion of Minnan and Southeast Asian Architectural ElementsThe arcade columns, gable wall form, and tile decorations each come from different architectural traditions. Observing them side by side on the same building gives you a concrete sense of the architectural expression of cross-cultural exchange during the colonial period.

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Enjoy the Bay ViewThe mansion faces Chenggong Village bay, offering excellent scenery. It is a fine vantage point for the east coast of Jinhu Township, and on clear days you can see across the strait.

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Read the Overseas Remittance History ExhibitionThe in-house historical materials explain Chen Jinglan's business background and the construction process, as well as the overall influence of Kinmen's overseas remittance culture on settlement architecture — background context for understanding the origins of Kinmen's Western-style mansion clusters.

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Look at the History of the Military Use PeriodHistorical materials from the period of military takeover and use as an officers' club reflect how civilian buildings were converted to military use during the military administration era on Kinmen — another facet of Kinmen's distinctive history.

Practical Information

Getting There & Hours

Chen Jinglan Mansion is in Chenggong Village, Jinhu Township, near the east coast. Driving or renting a vehicle is more convenient. For bus routes, check the Kinmen County bus official website.
Opening hours and admission fees are subject to local official announcements. Check in advance before visiting.

Nearby Connections

Shanhou Folk Culture Village is in the northern part of Jinhu Township and can be combined into a half-day architectural culture route through Jinhu.
Qionglin Village is within Jinhu Township and can be visited on the same day as an extension, connecting overseas remittance mansions with a traditional clan settlement.

Sources: Wikipedia entry on Chen Jinglan Mansion; Kinmen County Cultural Affairs Bureau information. Photos pending replacement with Dio's own shots.

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