Kinmen

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Kinmen

General Information
Name	Kinmen
Native Name	金門
Other Names
Settlement Type	County
Transliteration
Language 1
Type 1
Info 1
Location
Coordinates	24°26 N°118
Map
Population
Total	140,000
Density	per km²
Area
Total	153.1 km²
Land	km²
Water	km²
Government
Type
Leader
Time Zone
Standard	UTC
DST	UTC

Kinmen (Chinese: 金門; pinyin: Jīnmén ), also known as Quemoy, is a group of islands governed by the Republic of China (Taiwan). It is located in the Taiwan Strait, just off the southeastern coast of mainland China, near the city of Xiamen. Kinmen is part of the Fujian Province of the Republic of China.

History

Kinmen has a rich and complex history, having been a strategic military outpost for centuries. During the Ming dynasty, it was an important base for the defense against pirates. In the 20th century, Kinmen gained international attention during the First Taiwan Strait Crisis in 1954-1955 and the Second Taiwan Strait Crisis in 1958, when it was heavily shelled by the People's Republic of China.

Geography

Kinmen consists of several islands, with the largest being Greater Kinmen (大金門) and Lesser Kinmen (小金門). The islands are characterized by rolling hills, sandy beaches, and granite outcrops. The climate is subtropical, with hot, humid summers and mild winters.

Economy

The economy of Kinmen is primarily based on tourism, agriculture, and the production of Kaoliang liquor, a type of sorghum-based spirit. The islands have also developed a reputation for their high-quality knives, made from the remnants of artillery shells.

Culture

Kinmen has a unique cultural heritage, influenced by both Chinese and Taiwanese traditions. The islands are known for their traditional Minnan-style architecture, including the iconic Kinmen-style houses with swallowtail roofs. Festivals such as the Mid-Autumn Festival and the Dragon Boat Festival are celebrated with great enthusiasm.

Transportation

Kinmen is accessible by air and sea. The main airport is Kinmen Airport, which offers flights to and from Taiwan and China. Ferries connect Kinmen to Xiamen and other nearby islands.

Military Significance

Due to its proximity to mainland China, Kinmen has been of significant military importance. The islands are heavily fortified, and remnants of military installations can be found throughout the area. The Kinmen National Park preserves many of these historical sites.

Also see

• Taiwan Strait
• Fujian Province, Republic of China
• First Taiwan Strait Crisis
• Second Taiwan Strait Crisis
• Kaoliang liquor