Shuitou Village is a historic overseas-Chinese remittance settlement in the southwest corner of Jincheng Township, near Shuitou Pier, where Western-style mansions and Banzaicuo houses built by returning migrants in the early 20th century stand alongside traditional Minnan swallow-tail-ridge houses. Its Huang Huihuang Mansion, built in 1931 by Huang Huihuang, who made his fortune in Indonesia, is one of Kinmen's finest Western-style mansions, now preserved by Kinmen National Park as an important cultural landscape.
According to Wikipedia's entry on the Deyue Tower and Huang Huihuang Mansion at Qian Shuitou, Huang Huihuang Mansion was built in 1931 by Huang Huihuang, who financed the construction with silver dollars earned from his business success in Indonesia; Kinmen National Park Headquarters has signed a 30-year custodial agreement with the overseas owner's descendants for its preservation and restoration.
Highlights of Shuitou Village
Shuitou Village is located in the southwest corner of Jincheng Township, near Shuitou Pier. The existing buildings, depending on their construction period and the background of their owners, display three coexisting types: traditional Minnan style, East-meets-West Western-style mansions, and Banzaicuo houses influenced by Southeast Asian colonial architecture. Several buildings are designated Kinmen County historical monuments, including the representative Huang Huihuang Mansion.
The village layout largely retains its original form, with alley proportions and the brick carvings and stucco decorations on building facades relatively well preserved. The national park has installed interpretation panels and a walking route, allowing self-guided tours. Some building interiors are open to the public, where visitors can examine timber roof structures and painted decorative craftsmanship up close.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Visit
Practical Information
Getting There & Hours
- There is a parking lot next to Shuitou Pier. Driving or renting a vehicle is the most convenient option; it is about 3 km from Jincheng Town center.
- Some Kinmen County bus routes serve the Shuitou Pier stop. Check the official Kinmen County bus information for timetables.
- The village is open all day. Allow 1 to 1.5 hours to walk through the main alleys.
Nearby Connections
- Shuitou Pier is the main ferry departure point for Lieyu (Little Kinmen), so a half-day trip there can be added to your plans.
- The Ming Dynasty ruins of Kinmen Walled City are in the nearby area, also within Jincheng Township, and can be visited in conjunction.
Sources: Kinmen National Park Headquarters; Wikipedia entry on Shuitou Village. Photos pending replacement with Dio's own shots.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of buildings does Shuitou Village have?
It has three coexisting types — traditional Minnan houses, East-meets-West mansions, and Banzaicuo houses — with Huang Huihuang Mansion as the most representative.
When was Huang Huihuang Mansion built?
It was built in 1931, financed by Huang Huihuang, who made his fortune running a business in Indonesia.
How do you get to Shuitou Village?
It is in the southwest corner of Jincheng Township near Shuitou Pier, about 3 km from Jincheng Town center; driving or renting a vehicle is most convenient.
How is Shuitou Village being preserved?
Kinmen National Park Headquarters has signed a 30-year custodial agreement with the overseas owner's descendants to preserve and restore the buildings.
Sources
- 前水頭得月樓及黃輝煌洋樓｜維基百科 — 黃輝煌洋樓1931年興建、30年委託代管合約