Situated 227 kilometers off Taiwan’s west coast, the outlying ROC county has capitalized for many years on the tourism potential of its Cold War-era military installations. But these days, the archipelago has much more to offer, with stunning scenery and eye-catching Fujian-style red-brick homes proving irresistible to visitors from home and abroad.
According to Lu Shu-fei, deputy director of Kingmen National Park Administration, there are over 1,000 such traditional establishments inside the park.
These historical properties were mostly built in the 19th century by locals and expatriates working throughout Southeast Asia, Lu said. Given the island’s close proximity and historical relationship with mainland China, the old houses exhibit distinctive characteristics common to buildings found in Min-nan, or southern Fujian province.
Under a 1999 initiative aimed at preserving Kinmen’s cultural heritage, KNPA spent NT$194 million (US$6.5 million) subsidizing renovation of 270 buildings by their owners as of the end of 2012. “The best way to maintain these historical assets is to have their residents continue living inside the houses,” Lu said, adding that the face-lift also reinvigorated surrounding neighborhoods.
Prior to the project, some buildings stood empty as a result of owners disputing the future of their properties, Lu said. “The KNPA stepped in and secured the rights to use 77 such houses for 30 years and spent over NT$582 million on renovation work.
“About 10 buildings with architectural or cultural significance have been either transformed into exhibition centers or souvenir stores, with 63 converted into bed and breakfast facilities.”
Describing the KNPA initiative as win-win solution, Lu said another outcome is that more structures are kept in a good shape, providing an opportunity for visitors to better understand Kinmen’s culture and spurring local tourism.
“Most importantly,” she said, “it has brought these historical buildings back to life.”
Since 2005, the B&B facilities have become one of the major tourism attractions of Kinmen as they enable visitors to travel back in time and experience the life of our forebears, Lu said.
The park administration carefully vets candidates managing these facilities as their role is key in fostering the B&B sector and preserving these irreplaceable assets.
“We want the B&B operators who are enthusiastic about taking care of guests and committed to maintaining the historical properties under their care,” Lu said. It is imperative we understand and agree with their business philosophies and the kind of lodging atmospheres they intend to create.”
The KNPA conducts regular and surprise inspections to ensure the buildings are properly maintained, with all public safety facilities and measures implemented in accordance with regulations.
“B&B managers must submit performance results to us every six months and deliver presentations in front of an independent committee as part of their annual reviews,” Lu said, adding that the agency offers assistance to those experiencing difficulties with their operations.
As part of a KNPA undertaking to support these businesses and promote local tourism, it organizes themed tours and free concerts that feature accommodation at the B&Bs.
“These events are very popular and most rooms are fully booked for the duration,” she said. “These establishments are also very appealing to overseas ROC nationals residing in Southeast Asia who are keen on tracing their roots back to Kinmen.”
Yen Xiang-fen, who manages three B&Bs inside the park, is one of the first participants in the program. A Kinmen native with a master’s degree in tourism, she grew up in one of the traditional houses and always believed the facilities possessed great potential to become Kinmen icons.
A veteran tour guide who visited more than 20 countries, Yen said she was thrilled to learn of the project in 2005, deciding immediately to put her work experience and training into practice by becoming a B&B hostess.
“I want to create a ‘home away from home’ for my patrons and offer a unique lodging experience that will keep them coming back to spend time here.”
According to Yen, not everyone is cut out to run a B&B. In addition to a solid business plan, one needs to have a feel for interior design and knowledge in architecture, as well as Kinmen’s culture and history.
“After passing through the vetting process, I know I was chosen on the strength of my business plan and intrinsic connection with these old buildings. It’s destiny that has guided me back home to manage these B&Bs.”
Yen said Kinmen’s cultural assets occupy a central plank in the local tourism promotion plan.
“Prior to 2005, hotels in Kinmen existed mostly to accommodate occasional visits by family members and friends of soldiers serving in the garrison.
“There was a huge gap between such lodging arrangements and those on the Taiwan proper. But with the B&B business going from strength to strength, staying at one of these traditional dwellings has become an in-demand and one-of-a-kind experience.”
While most B&B guests enjoy the architectural beauty and nostalgic atmosphere of their lodgings, Yen said an increasing number of visitors are finding new ways of using the facilities. These include artistic performances and weddings, or shooting locations for TV dramas.
“I believe these premises can also be converted into studios for residential artists and am more than willing to contribute to such cultural and creativity projects.”
Yen said the knowledge that she is making a special contribution to the promotion of local culture and preservation of tradition is another reward for her hard work. “One of my guests, a professor from mainland China’s Xiamen University, was deeply impressed by joint public-private sector effort in preserving our historical buildings and the success of the B&B initiative.
“The professor said similar architecture in mainland China had largely been leveled during the cultural revolution,” Yen said. “Mainland Chinese authorities cannot restore surviving buildings because an absence of craftsman experience in Fujian-style building techniques.
“We should really be proud of what we have achieved, and this is one of the reasons that drives me to keep doing top-notch job each and every day. (JSM)
Write to Meg Chang at sfchang@mofa.gov.tw