Hujingtou Battle History Museum is a war-history exhibition hall completed in 1988 at the northwestern tip of Lieyu Township, Kinmen, displaying former artillery positions and defensive fortifications and offering high-power telescopes for viewing Xiamen across the strait. The site sits about 5 kilometers from Xiamen's mainland shore, making it one of the closest public vantage points in Taiwan for observing the opposite coastline.
Hujingtou Battle History Museum was completed in 1988, displaying former artillery observation posts and defensive fortifications and offering high-power telescopes for viewing Xiamen. According to on-site media reports, the distance to Xiamen is about 5,000 meters (roughly 5 kilometers), not the commonly repeated figure of "about 2 kilometers" (sources: The Epoch Times, on-location travel blog Military Anny).
Highlights of the Hujingtou Battle History Museum
During the Cold War, Lieyu Township served as a front-line defense position. Hujingtou was the most forward outpost on the northwestern coast, equipped with artillery observation posts and defensive fortifications. The site preserves some of the original fortification structures, including underground tunnel entrances and artillery position remnants. Exhibits document how Lieyu's Cold War defense system operated and use maps and photographs to explain the historical context of the cross-strait military standoff.
Hujingtou's geographic setting makes it a uniquely revealing place for understanding the reality of cross-strait geopolitics: Xiamen Island's buildings, the Xiamen Bridge, and other landmarks are clearly visible. Set against the backdrop of the former artillery ruins on the museum grounds, the effect is a striking juxtaposition of historical eras. The observation deck has interpretive signs that label the identifiable landmarks on the opposite shore, helping visitors orient themselves across Xiamen Island.
How to make the most of your visit
Practical information
Getting there and timing
- To reach Lieyu, take the Little Kinmen ferry. Check the latest schedules and fares with the Kinmen County Government or the ferry operator. Hujingtou is at the northwestern tip of Lieyu Island; after arriving at Jiugong Pier, renting a scooter is recommended — about 10 minutes away.
- Opening hours and admission fees for the museum are subject to official Kinmen County Government announcements — confirm before visiting. Morning or earlier in the day offers better visibility; avoid afternoon visits when backlighting reduces the quality of views across to Xiamen.
Nearby connections
- Hujingtou is close to Badalouz (Shangqi) and Lingshuihu Lake, all on the western side of Lieyu Island — a half-day western Lieyu route can connect all three in a single outing.
- From Hujingtou, heading south along the coast connects to the northern section of the Lieyu Coastal Trail, where you can hike along the rocky shoreline and pass former watchtower ruins for a rich on-foot experience.
Sources: Kinmen County Government tourism information, Lieyu Township Office interpretive materials. Photos to be replaced with Dio's own shots.
Frequently Asked Questions
How close is Hujingtou to Xiamen?
About 5 kilometers (roughly 5,000 meters), making it one of Kinmen's closest public vantage points for viewing Xiamen's cityscape.
When was Hujingtou Battle History Museum completed?
It was completed in 1988 and displays Lieyu's Cold War-era defensive fortifications and artillery positions.
Sources
- 湖井頭輝煌戰史一把抓 廈門景觀近在咫尺 — 大紀元報導，載明距廈門5000公尺與落成年份
- 【烈嶼】免費參觀「湖井頭戰史館」 — 實地遊記，確認距廈門5000餘公尺