Lin T'ien-fu is a student with a strong background in art design. He also has a profound interest in photography. Whenever he sees a beautiful scene, he wants to record it on film. He was assigned to Kinmen to serve his 22-month military duty. When he had free time, he would travel around the island to photograph Kinmen's traditional architecture and beautiful landscapes.

Lin observed that most of Kinmen's buildings are done in a traditional style. This type of traditional architecture is called the Southern Chinese style. It was brought to Kinmen during the Sung dynasty and has been the dominant form of architecture ever since. The Southern Chinese style of architecture is very ornate, with pillars and roofs done in rich, bright colors-similar to what is commonly described as a "temple style" of architecture.

The two most distinctive qualities of the Southern Chinese style of architecture are the "swallowtail" and "horseback" styles of roofs. "Sparrowtail" is an architectural term referring to the curve of the roof which turns up at the eaves. The "horseback" is similar to the swallowtail, except that the horseback's central ridge is only slightly curved and lacks the projecting eaves characteristic of the swallowtail. The horseback-style roof is most commonly associated with the dwellings of common people, whereas the swallowtail, with its lavish ornamentation, is limited to official residences and temples.

Lin was most impressed by the swallowtail roof contrasted against a deep blue, cloudless sky. The turning up at the eaves gives one the sense of flight; hence, the term "flying eaves" is used to describe the feeling of freedom, majesty, grace, and independence associated with birds like the swallowtail.

In addition to traditional architecture, Lin found that Kinmen also has Western-style architecture. Allegedly, at an earlier date (sometime between the late Ming and early Ch'ing), some of the natives left the island to find work overseas (mostly in Southeast Asia). There they probably saw their first glimpse of Western-style architecture, as many of the Southeast Asian countries were under colonial rule. When they returned, they erected Western-style buildings as a symbol of their great success and to bring prestige to the family. Some of these buildings are a hodge-podge of Western-style architecture. The contrast of semi-Western and Eastern architecture standing side by side is one of Kinmen's special attractions.

Lin also went on excursions in the countryside to witness the "green miracle." Kinmen is sometimes referred to as the "green miracle" because it originally was a barren island. But through the collective efforts of the military and civilians, Kinmen today is a beautiful island, replete with densely wooded forests and locally grown fruits and vegetables. This "green miracle" is also communicated through Mr. Lin's photographs.

(Craig Scott Galper)

[Picture Caption]

Left, Residents of Kinmen still preserve many of their ancient customs. For example, each house-hold pastes couplets on its doors to celebrate the lunar new year. Above, Two goats, one black and one white, grazing in front of the ancient Chen g family shrine. Below, A Western and a Chinese house--the juxtaposition of color s is striking.

1. Kinmen also has Western-style buildings, built by Overseas Chinese who made their fortunes abroad. 2. A deep blue sky contrasted against a temple wall. 3. Blue sky, white clouds, a withered tree, and a house make a beautiful scene. 4. A horseback mountain wall reflected through a church window.

1. Western and traditional-style architecture side by side is one of Kinmen's special sights. 2. A panoramic view of Kinmen's sparrowtail roofs. 3. Chickens scavenging for food in one of Kinmen's back alleys. 4. Kinmen's Army Activities Center is done in Western-style architecture. 5. In the past, Kinmen lacked sources of water, so the inhabitants drank surface water. Pictured is a well in a courtyard.

1. The people of Kinmen use water-wheels to irrigate their fields. 2. Horses can be seen grazing amid the trees. 3. Kinmen created many artificial lakes for irrigation; this has already led to increased crop yields.

For example, each house-hold pastes couplets on its doors to celebrate the lunar new year. Above, Two goats, one black and one white, grazing in front of the ancient Chen g family shrine.

Below, A Western and a Chinese house--the juxtaposition of color s is striking.

1. Kinmen also has Western-style buildings, built by Overseas Chinese who made their fortunes abroad.

2. A deep blue sky contrasted against a temple wall.

3. Blue sky, white clouds, a withered tree, and a house make a beautiful scene.

4. A horseback mountain wall reflected through a church window.

2. A panoramic view of Kinmen's sparrowtail roofs.

1. Western and traditional-style architecture side by side is one of Kinmen's special sights.

3. Chickens scavenging for food in one of Kinmen's back alleys.

4. Kinmen's Army Activities Center is done in Western-style architecture.

5. In the past, Kinmen lacked sources of water, so the inhabitants drank surface water. Pictured is a well in a courtyard.