Taiwan Food Atlas

Juguang Tower

Kinmen's most iconic landmark, once printed on the one-dollar coin
📍 Kinmen · Jincheng Township · Juguang Road⛩️ Historic Sites & Temples🔖 Palace-Style Architecture · Battle Memorial · Jincheng Landmark

Juguang Tower is a three-story, palace-style building completed in 1952 in Jincheng Township, Kinmen, originally built to honor the ROC soldiers who fought in the Battle of Guningtou. The tower has appeared on Republic of China postage stamps on multiple occasions and is one of Kinmen's most iconic landmarks, serving as a spatial reference point for Jincheng Town.

According to Wikipedia's entry on Juguang Tower, it was built in 1952, stands three stories tall, and was originally constructed to honor ROC soldiers who fought in the Battle of Guningtou; Republic of China postage stamps have featured the tower on multiple occasions.

Highlights of Juguang Tower

Juguang Tower was designed in a style imitating traditional Chinese palace architecture. The three-story main structure features four upturned corner eaves and vermilion columns, drawing on the vocabulary of traditional official architecture, though the materials and construction are modern. A dry bridge and reflecting pool in the plaza in front of the building, combined with landscaped greenery, make the tower highly recognizable among the street blocks of Jincheng Town.

The tower houses exhibition halls displaying historical materials related to Kinmen history and military affairs, with rotating themes. The rooftop offers a panoramic view of Jincheng Town's streets, with an open and wide field of vision. The building itself, as a historical memorial, has become a popular subject for visitors capturing Kinmen's representative images.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Visit

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Bring an Old One-Dollar Coin to CompareIf you have an old one-New-Taiwan-Dollar coin featuring the image of Juguang Tower, comparing the real building with the coin design in front of the tower is a simple and concrete way to connect with history.
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Go to the Top for a Panoramic View of Jincheng TownThe rooftop view takes in Jincheng Town and the surrounding hills, making it possible to identify the layout of the old streets and alleys below. Visit on a clear day in the late afternoon when light is plentiful.
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Examine the Architectural DetailsThe roof-ridge ornaments and the painted details on the column capitals are worth a close look. Comparing this palace-style form with Minnan village architecture helps you understand the logic of architectural choices within a military and political context.
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Visit the Indoor ExhibitionThe exhibition hall displays historical materials related to Kinmen, with content that changes seasonally. Check the current exhibition theme before entering to see if it matches your interests.

Practical Information

Getting There & Hours

  • Juguang Tower is located in the center of Jincheng Town and is within walking distance of Jincheng Old Street (Mofan Street), making it a natural stop on a walking route through town.
  • For opening hours and admission, check the Kinmen County Government website or on-site notices. Crowds are heavier on weekends and holidays.

Nearby Connections

  • Jincheng Old Street (Mofan Street) is just a few minutes on foot and can be combined for purchasing local specialties such as peanut candy (gong tang) and artillery-shell cleavers.
  • The Kinmen Distillery Jincheng Plant is also within the town area and can be visited the same day.

Sources: Wikipedia entry on Juguang Tower; Kinmen County Government information. Photos pending replacement with Dio's own shots.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Juguang Tower built?

It was completed in 1952 as a three-story, palace-style building.

Why was Juguang Tower originally built?

It was originally built to honor the ROC soldiers who fought bravely in the Battle of Guningtou.

What makes Juguang Tower notable?

It has appeared on Republic of China postage stamps multiple times and is one of Kinmen's most iconic landmarks.

Where is Juguang Tower located?

It is located in the center of Jincheng Town, within walking distance of Jincheng Old Street.

Sources