Kinmen Photo Gallery - Qionglin

Qionglin is an interesting village of preserved Fujian-style houses, shrines, and ancestral halls. The best parts are not accessible by cars through the narrow alleys, poking through people's drying laundry and kids' toys.

At the centre of town, 1.3km of tunnels were built by the villagers in preparation of a Communist invasion. One exit is now in a park, while the other is across the street in another handsome building.

The Military Brothel Exhibition Hall showcases the need for prostitutes to serve the military personnel from the 1950s to 1990s. Stories of the girls who were imported from Taiwan and the prostitution system outline how much soldiers can afford for a 30-minute session.

Rooms are quite spacious and have individual bathrooms with a romantic tub and large bed for 2.

A 10-minute drive south is the town of Cheng Gong. While foodies come here for dumplings, there is a beautiful Western-style building worthy of a stop. Chen Ching Lan Mansion was built in 1921 by a businessman from Southeast Asia. It was used as a hospital and then a military recreation centre before turning into a museum today.

Head down the stairs towards the coast. Taiwan is an hour's flight in that direction.