Kinmen Tour | Shamei Old Street Tour Free Tour (Departs every Saturday and Sunday at 10:00)

The most iconic feature of Shami Old Street is the cluster of dilapidated houses known as 'Shami Morocco.' Its sandy yellow hues and unique architectural style make visitors feel as if they've stepped into a foreign desert. Additionally, the old street itself retains rich Minnan traditional architecture and historical cultural charm. Strolling through it allows you to experience Kinmen's nostalgic atmosphere, and there are many traditional snack shops and specialty stores worth exploring.

Shami Morocco is not a genuine Middle Eastern architectural site but rather a group of sandy yellow dilapidated houses deep within Shami Old Street. These old buildings, due to their unique visual effect, give many visitors a strong sense of exoticism, evoking a mysterious atmosphere akin to a Middle Eastern desert, hence its nickname 'Shami Morocco.' It has become one of Kinmen's most popular and mysterious photo-taking spots.

Guided tours of Shami Old Street will be led by professional guides who will delve into the street's Minnan architectural features, local residents' life stories, and historical changes. The guide will also specifically explain the formation background and cultural significance of the 'Shami Morocco' dilapidated houses, allowing you to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the charming historical and cultural essence embedded in this district as you explore.

Besides 'Shami Morocco,' the surrounding area of Shami Old Street includes the Jinsha Township Cultural Park, where you can gain a deeper understanding of Kinmen's local culture. You can also sample traditional Kinmen snacks like shaobing (baked flatbread) and Guangdong congee on the old street. If you have ample time, you can extend your itinerary to the nearby Mashan Observation Post or Shishan Artillery Battery to experience Kinmen's unique military landscape, making your trip more enriching.

The meeting point for the free guided tour of Shami Old Street is usually a convenient and conspicuous area within the old street, such as near the Shami Bus Station or a busy square. To ensure you can participate smoothly, it is recommended that after confirming your guided tour, you carefully check the specific meeting location and time indicated on your voucher, and allow ample time to arrive early.

It is recommended to allocate approximately 1.5 to 2 hours for visiting Shami Old Street and Shami Morocco. If you are participating in a guided tour, it typically lasts about 1.5 hours, taking you on an in-depth exploration. If you wish to stroll leisurely through the old street, sample local snacks, or take more photos at 'Shami Morocco,' you might consider allocating more time to enjoy a relaxed experience.

To get to Shami Old Street, you can choose to rent a car or scooter and follow navigation to Jinsha Township. If you're using public transportation, you can check Kinmen County bus routes for Shami; several bus lines pass through Shami Bus Station. Additionally, if you're joining a group guided tour, transportation is usually included, saving you the hassle of planning your own travel and making it more convenient.

The nickname 'Middle Eastern Desert' for Shami Morocco originates from the unique visual effect of its dilapidated houses. These weathered, sandy yellow old buildings, coupled with their peeling walls and distinctive alleyways, create an exotic atmosphere resembling Middle Eastern mud-brick houses or desert landscapes under the play of light and shadow. When visitors take photos here, they often capture a mysterious, exotic charm, hence the moniker.