Hello, Ng Xinyao here, the team lead of the 2024 Kinmen Root-seeking Program. My ancestral home is in Dongdian (translates to East Palace), my surname is Huang (Mandarin), and I am the third generation offspring, counting from my greatgrandfather. I am fortunate to set foot on Kinmen for three times, and inaugural for this unique program.

        During the first two visits to Kinmen, my cousin Huang Mingren acted as the local guide, and we saw where my grandfather and his ancestors were born and lived. (My cousin’s father has settled in New Taipei City.) At that time, I saw only seven houses in the village. Also, my cousin shared that the ancestral home has been renovated and turned into a guesthouse. I observed, the building has a swallowtail roof, inside was a sky-exposed courtyard, a living room and bedroom to both sides after, and another bedroom on the second storey.

        The three most amazing things recalled for the first time are: First, the scale and artillery drills at Lion Mountain’s artillery positions. Second, I witnessed a group of buildings still bearing the scars of past bullet damage (remnants of war). Third, while climbing Mount Taiwu, I witnessed the characteristics of this granite mountain’s defensible yet hard-to-attack terrain. I can’t imagine the terror of the continuous sounds of artillery and gunfire from the past; compared to our peace today, I feel immensely grateful.

      The second time, I brought my mom back for a brief two-day visit, moving slowly to match her pace. It was during the plum rain season, and the damp cold chills seeped into our bones. We also tried the “Mini Three Links,” spending a night in Xiamen. It was a whirlwind tour, and the memories are rather faint.

      The itinerary in December 2024 (the third time) gave me the opportunity to connect information I remembered but couldn’t understand before, through the tour guide’s sharing. This time’s learning is linked to my previous experiences and insights.

      This time, the most meaningful aspects are threefold. First, the exchanges with the county government, county council, and hometown associations, which allowed us to appreciate the current emphasis and support that Kinmen places on overseas Kinmenese returning to their ancestral homeland. Second, the friendships and bonds established within the returning team, which, through their interactions with Kinmen, helped us understand and appreciate the hometown that nurtured our ancestors. Third, during visits to Fujian-style and Western-style buildings, we endeavored through vivid imagination the atmosphere that our forefathers lived in the olden days.

The most intoxicating experience for me includes the joy of seeing beautiful scenery after sweating from climbing to the top of Mount Taiwu again, learnt of the need for gun use and firing efficiency in simulated shooting, and whiffed the smell of fermented sorghum in the air when I first arrived at the Kinmen Distillery, and the satisfaction of my taste buds with various Kinmen delicacies.

I have traveled to over 60 regions and seen many, but only Kinmen has not only numerous modern battlefield sites but also the uniquely preserved Fujian-style architecture. I look forward to my next visit, whether to visit relatives, participate in a marathon, or attend the tunnel music festival, and to leisurely enjoy the sounds of birds and the fragrance of flowers.

The trip has concluded successfully. I would like to express my gratitude to: the Kinmen County Government, the County Council, the Kimmui Clans in Taiwan, Zimei Holidays and the local tour guides, the behind-the-scenes staff; the nomination by the Singapore Kim Moey Huay Kuan, the support and assistance from the behind-the-scenes personnel; the friends from overseas clan associations for their companionship and support during the journey; all the members of this homecoming trip; and everyone who contributed to the success of the 2024 project.

我是黄歆尧，2024返乡寻根团团长。祖籍东店黄氏，属履新三代。有幸第三度踏上金门土地，更是首次参与「金门返乡寻根」项目。

前两次抵金，都有堂哥黄明仁为地陪，也都见到爷爷和其祖辈出生与居住的地方（我堂伯已定居新北市）。当时数过，东店应该只有七户住宅。。。堂哥说爷爷出生的那栋房子已被修复重整为民宿，也确实看到是这样的。那建筑有燕尾脊，内有天庭，一楼客厅和卧室在旁，二楼也是卧室。

第一次返乡最震撼的有三点，狮山砲阵地的规模和砲操，一组遗留着往日子弹破坏痕迹的建筑群，太武山因花岗石山而形成易守难攻地形的特性。我无法想象从前连绵砲火声和枪击声所带来的恐惧感，相比我们今日的和平，感恩之情倍增。

第二次，我携妈妈回到当地小游两日，配合妈妈的步伐缓慢游走。那时正逢梅雨季节，是透入骨头的那种湿冷。我们也尝试“小三通”，在厦门过了一夜。属走马看花，记忆较浅淡。

2024年12月（第三次）的行程，让我有机会把之前脑子里记得但没法理解的信息点，通过导游的分享以及这次的学习，和之前的见闻积淀挂钩，串联起来。这回最具意义的有三点：一是与县政府，县议会，和同乡会的交流，从中体会到现今金门对于海外金门祖籍乡亲返乡寻根的重视和支持。二是返乡团队建立的友谊与纽带，透过大家的视角与金门互动，认识并欣赏孕育我们祖辈的原乡。三是走访闽厝建筑和洋楼建筑时，通过想象，努力勾勒并感受先辈们当时居住的生活场景。

令我最陶醉的体验有四，再次攀登太武山顶那种流汗后看到美景的欣悦，模拟射击对于用枪和发射效率的需求，初到金门酒厂那弥漫空中的高粱发酵的味道，以及各类金门美食的味蕾满足。我周游过60多个地域，见过很多有地方特色的景点，唯有金门不仅近代战地景点密布，更特别保留了闽厝建筑风光。已期待下次到访探亲时，或参加马拉松，或坑道音乐节，并漫步细赏鸟语花香。

行程圆满结束，我想表达感谢的包括： 金门县政府，县议会，同乡会，紫枚假期和在地导游，幕后工作人员，新加坡金门会馆的提名，幕后人员的支持和援助，海外乡团的朋友在旅途上的陪伴和支持，这次返乡的全体团员，所有共同成就这次2024项目的人员。