Kinmen County is located at the mouth of the Jiulong River in Xiamen Bay and is a county of Fujian Province under the jurisdiction of the Republic of China (Taiwan Region). It comprises 12 islands, including the main island of Kinmen, Lieyu, Dadan, and Erdan, and also administers Wuqiu, which originally belonged to Putian County. The county seat and largest city is Jincheng Township. Administratively, the county is divided into three towns and three rural townships.
Historically, Kinmen has belonged to Tong'an County in Fujian. It was known by several ancient names, such as Wuzhou, Xianzhou, Wujiang, or Wudao. A local proverb reflects Kinmen's economic significance to Fujian: “No silver without Kinmen, no copper without Kinmen.”
Geography and Natural Environment
Kinmen County is located at 118°32′E longitude and 24°44′N latitude, situated in Xiamen Bay. It lies only 1.8 kilometers from Dadeng Subdistrict in Xiang'an District, which is under the actual administration of the People's Republic of China, and about 210 kilometers from Taiwan Island. The county comprises 12 islands, including the main island of Kinmen (Greater Kinmen), Lieyu (Lesser Kinmen), Dadan, Erdan, Shiyu, Menghuyu, Caoyu, Houyu, Dongding Island, and Fuxingyu, covering a total area of 151.656 square kilometers.
The terrain of Kinmen mainly consists of granite gneiss and red soil. If divided by the Qionglin-Shangyi line, the eastern half predominantly features granite gneiss, while the western half mainly consists of red soil layers. The coastline is shaped by marine erosion, forming sea cliffs and wave-cut platforms, which are especially prominent along the northeastern and southeastern shores of the main island and Lieyu.
Climate Characteristics
Kinmen has a subtropical monsoon climate, with an average annual temperature of around 20.8°C. Influenced by the contrasting properties of land and sea and the strong northeast monsoon, Kinmen experiences cooler temperatures throughout the year compared to Taiwan Island, making it one of the coldest regions in the Free Area of the Republic of China (second only to Lienchiang County).
- Winter: Dry, cold, and windy, with a significantly lower perceived temperature.
- Spring: Frequently foggy and humid.
- Rainy Season: Mainly from April to September, with an average annual rainfall of 1,049.4 mm.
Due to high evaporation rates (exceeding 1,680 mm annually) and predominantly sandy and exposed red soils with low water retention capacity, Kinmen exhibits semi-arid characteristics. This limits agricultural development, making drought-resistant crops the primary focus of local farming.
Economy and Development
In the past, Kinmen served as a crucial military stronghold, acting as the frontline defense of the Taiwan Strait. However, it has since transformed into a region focused on tourism and cultural industries. Due to natural limitations, the local agriculture primarily revolves around drought-resistant crops.
The county is rich in both natural and cultural resources, featuring historical landmarks such as the Ancient Kinmen City, the Zhaishan Tunnel, and natural wonders like wave-cut platforms and granite landscapes—must-visit attractions for tourists. In addition, Kinmen is renowned for its specialty products, including Kaoliang liquor, gong tang (traditional peanut brittle), and steel knives, all of which are popular among visitors.
Kinmen County blends military history, unique natural scenery, and diverse cultural influences. It is not only a historically significant military fortress but also an area with growing cultural and tourism potential. From the historical traces of Jincheng Old Town to the breathtaking coastline shaped by the northeast monsoon, Kinmen showcases a distinctive charm and rich cultural essence.
