Juguang Tower | Kinmen Attraction

Completed in 1952, Juguang Tower stands in Jincheng Town in a palace-style architectural form, originally built to honor the soldiers who fought bravely in the Battle of Guningtou. The building appeared for many years on the reverse side of the one-New-Taiwan-Dollar coin, making it one of the most familiar visual images of Kinmen to people across Taiwan, and a spatial landmark at the heart of Jincheng Town.

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.

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