Jincheng was formerly known as Houpu. It is located in the southwest corner of Kinmen. It is the most densely populated town in Kinmen and also the political and economic center. Its settlement was quite large as early as the Tang and Song dynasties, and it became a political and economic center during the reign of Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty. There are many historical sites left in the city, and the area around Juguang Road is quite dense. For example, the Lingji Ancient Temple was built in the Tang Dynasty, and the Chastity Arch of Qiu Lianggong's Mother next to it is majestic and magnificent. There are also the General's Office and Kui Pavilion of the Qing Dynasty, and the Wujiang Academy on Zhupu North Road and other historical sites that can be visited. There are still many old Fujian houses and Western-style buildings in the areas of Juguang Road, Zhupu South Road and Guangqian Road, and the Model Street with Japanese Taisho style has been established, which is the most beautiful shopping street in Jincheng. In addition, Houpu Town was selected as one of the "Top Ten Small Tourist Towns in Taiwan" by Taiwan Voting.
| Tour types | Guided tour |
| Sightseeing type | Japanese castles, Temples & shrines, Historic site tour |
| Transport | Walking |
Houpu Old Town (Jincheng) in Kinmen is very lively at night. You can stroll along Mòfán Street, which features Japanese Taishō-era style architecture, and admire its unique shops and buildings. The area around Juguang Road is filled with traditional Minnan-style houses and Western-style buildings that are particularly charming when illuminated at night. Additionally, the Qing Dynasty General's Residence often hosts evening events or is open for visits, and guided night tours are available in the surrounding streets, offering an in-depth understanding of the local history and culture. Many dining establishments also stay open late, providing a rich selection of evening dining options.
The best times to visit Houpu Old Town in Kinmen are typically spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). During these periods, the climate is pleasant, with gentle sunshine, making it ideal for outdoor activities and walking tours. While summers (June to August) are hot, they offer abundant marine activities. Winters (December to February) are relatively cold and damp, with strong winds. It's advisable to avoid the typhoon season (July to September) to ensure a smooth trip.
For an in-depth exploration of Houpu Old Town in Kinmen, it is recommended to allocate at least half a day to a full day. You can join a free evening guided tour (approximately 1.5 to 2 hours) to learn about the town's history and stories. During the day, you can leisurely visit historical sites such as Lingji Temple, Qiu Liangong's Mother's Memorial Archway, the Qing Dynasty General's Residence, Kui Ge, and Wujiang Academy. You can also sample local snacks and shop for souvenirs on Mòfán Street. If you wish for a more relaxed experience, consider staying overnight to soak in the tranquil atmosphere of the town at night.
The primary mode of transportation to Kinmen from mainland Taiwan is by airplane. You can fly directly to Kinmen Shangyi Airport from airports in Taipei Songshan, Taichung, Chiayi, Tainan, and Kaohsiung via UNI Air or Mandarin Airlines. The flight duration is approximately 50 to 60 minutes. Additionally, some travel agencies or charter services may offer ferry options from Taichung Port to Kinmen, but these are less frequent. It is recommended to check schedules in advance.
Yes, you can use electronic payment cards such as EasyCard and iPASS to pay for bus fares on buses operated by the Kinmen County Public Transportation Management Office, which is very convenient. You need to tap your card when boarding and alighting. Alternatively, you can prepare change for coin payment. It is recommended to combine this with the Kinmen Sightseeing Bus or rent a scooter or electric bike for more flexible travel around Houpu Old Town and other attractions in Kinmen.
In addition to the free night guided tour in Houpu Old Town, Kinmen offers many other worthwhile free activities. You can visit historical sites related to the war, such as the August 23rd Artillery Battle Museum, the Battle of Guningtou Museum, and Zhaishan Tunnel, to experience the historical traces of conflict. Stroll through the Qionglin and Shuitou settlements to admire the beauty of well-preserved traditional Minnan-style houses and Western-style buildings. Furthermore, the Kinmen National Park Headquarters often hosts free ecological tours or cultural lectures, providing a wealth of free experiences.
You can easily tour Houpu Old Town in Kinmen without a car. The town area is compact, and many historical attractions like Qiu Liangong's Mother's Memorial Archway, the Qing Dynasty General's Residence, and Mòfán Street are within walking distance. You can opt to join the town's free night guided tour, led by a guide who will help you explore. Additionally, Kinmen has a convenient bus system connecting major attractions, and you can also rent electric scooters or bicycles to flexibly plan your route and enjoy a leisurely car-free trip.
The Houpu Old Town night tour typically takes you to several representative historical sites and characteristic streets. You will have the opportunity to delve into the thousand-year history of Lingji Temple, admire the majestic Qiu Liangong's Mother's Memorial Archway, and visit the former Qing Dynasty General's Residence. The tour also passes by Kui Ge, Wujiang Academy, and streets like Juguang Road and Zhupu South Road, which are filled with traditional Minnan-style houses and Western-style buildings. Finally, you will stroll to Mòfán Street, with its Japanese Taishō-era style architecture, to experience the town's unique nocturnal charm.