Discover Jinhu: Taihu, Gardens and Architecture

Jinhu can be explored from different perspectives through its waterscapes, historic sites and architecture. A simple distinction can help with planning: Taihu and Lanhou center on the reservoir and its shores, while Fuguodun Fishing Harbor offers views of the sea. Gardens, a memorial park and a historic house provide other points of interest. You can choose based on the theme you want to shape your trip to Jinhu.

Reservoir, Shores and Viewpoints

Taihu is Kinmen’s largest reservoir. It was created in 1966 and covers 36 hectares. Two small islands lie in the lake, while pavilions and paths shape its green shores. The landscape combines the water with landscaped areas along the shore. At Lanhou, a stone path leads from the shore to an island in the lake. The area is considered a place for fishing and recreation. The views differ: at Taihu, the lake, islands and shore take center stage; at Lanhou, it is the connection between the shore and island via the stone path.

Fuguodun Fishing Harbor is a place to watch and photograph sunrises and sunsets; it also has a sea-view trail. This view of the sea adds a different perspective to the inland landscape around Taihu. From 134 Highland, the view takes in, among other places, Taiwu Mountain to the north, Taihu, the Shanwai urban area, Luoluo Bay, Chenggong Beach, Kinmen Bridge and the estuary at Qionglin. The panorama thus encompasses the lake, urban area, beach and coastal landscape.

The creation of Nan Shihu Park is also part of the township’s landscape: after quarrying ended, the former quarry was transformed into today’s park. Its change from an extraction site into a park provides a different point of interest from the shores and viewpoints.

Gardens, History and Architecture

Weilu, an old residence excavated from the shifting sand by soldiers, is located in Rongyuan Garden in Jinhu Township. The garden also includes about ten century-old banyan fig trees. The residence, its excavation and the old trees give the garden several distinct historical and landscape features.

Father Luo Memorial Park is located on the shores of Taihu, at the site of the Catholic church where Father Luo once treated Kinmen residents and gave them medicine. The location combines a lakeside setting with the memory of this historic work. Chen Jinglan Western-style House, by contrast, draws attention to its architecture: its façade is light-colored and almost white, while elaborate carvings and symmetrical arches define its exterior.

A Route or Individual Highlights

The Xi Shan Ancient Trail passes the Reflection Tower, the Observation-and-Chess Site and Wu Wang Zai Ju. It brings several named attractions together along one route. This sets it apart from individual landscape or architectural highlights such as Taihu and Chen Jinglan Western-style House. If you make your selection by theme, you can choose from a route with several stops, views of water and coast, and places with a historical or architectural focus.

Discover more destinations: Jinning, Jinsha, Xiyu Township, Taichung City, Jian, Dongshan

Go to the main travel overview: Taiwan.