Kinmen National Park HQ's Contracted Inns Receive Prestigious Gold Award for Sustainable Management and Revitalization of Traditional Architecture
The Taiwan Tourism Administration recently conducted the "Taiwan Host" voting event, selecting 103 inns from over 1,700 across Taiwan to receive the esteemed Gold Award. These awards serve as a guide for top accommodations for both domestic and international travelers. Among the recipients, 8 inns from Kinmen County were awarded, with 7 of them managed under contract with the Kinmen National Park Headquarters and National Park Service (HQ), demonstrating exceptional performance. Currently, the HQ manages 43 inns recognized with the "Taiwan Host" label, which represents 27.9% of the 154 total inns in Kinmen County.
The Traditional Inns of Kinmen National Park that received the "Taiwan Host" Gold Award include:
Nature Ecology Award:
- Forgotten Feather Inn: This inn is located near the Shanhou settlement, surrounded by hills and coastal areas, and offers opportunities to explore local flora, fauna, geology, and intertidal zones.
Cultural Exploration Award:
- Water Melody Inn: With its elegant interior design, this inn immerses guests in the ambiance of traditional Minnan (Southern Fujian) architecture and historical culture.
-Ri Yue Ju: A fusion of modern design and comfort, this inn allows visitors to experience the beauty of Minnan ancient houses.
Additionally, the Kinmen National Park Traditional Inns that received the "Golden Quality Taiwan" recognition include:
Nature Ecology Award:
- Forgotten Wings Inn: Located near the Shanhou Village, it provides visitors opportunities to explore local flora, fauna, geology, and intertidal zones.
Cultural Exploration Award:
- Water Melody Inn: Elegantly decorated, this inn immerses guests in traditional Minnan architecture and local history.
-Riyue Residence: Featuring a modern, stylish design, it offers a comfortable stay while showcasing traditional Minnan-style architecture.
Distinctive Architecture Award:
- New Water Melody Inn: Known for its richly adorned architecture symbolizing hopes for future generations.
- Guning Heart Retreat: This inn features a minimalist design that creates an elegant and timeless environment inspired by cultural aesthetics.
- Shuitou Old Western-style House: A building adorned with intricate colored ceramic tiles reflecting the family's glorious history.
- Old Minnan House: Recognized for its double-tiered, double-protected dragon design, illustrating the rich cultural history of the Qionglin settlement.
In 2025, Kinmen National Park will celebrate the 20th anniversary of its operation of traditional B&Bs. Operators have emphasized the core values of this ancient B&B brand, which align with the park's mission to preserve traditional architecture. Future plans include integrating these values into events like the Taiwan Host Festival and Settlement Tours, alongside collaborations within the industry to promote Kinmen's traditional settlements and the unique architectural features of Southern Fujian. These efforts aim to encourage low-carbon tourism, increase accommodation rates, and enhance regional tourism benefits.
The HQ has stated its commitment to continuing collaboration with "Taiwan Host" inn operators to commemorate this 20th anniversary milestone. The focus will be on the sustainable operation of inns in traditional buildings and the preservation of traditional settlements and architecture for future generations. Visitors are warmly invited to experience Kinmen by staying at the traditional inns within Kinmen National Park, providing a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the charm of Minnan architecture and the island's rich historical and cultural heritage. For more information, please visit the official Kinmen National Park website.