Taoyuan Martyrs' Shrine and Cultural Park Introduction
Located on Huzhou Mountain in Taoyuan City, the Taoyuan Martyrs' Shrine was completed in 1938. It was originally built as the "Taoyuan Shrine" by the Japanese and is the most well-preserved shrine from the Japanese colonial period in Taiwan. The architectural style integrates ancient Chinese Tang dynasty elements, Japanese style, and modern Taiwanese features, constructed with high-quality Taiwan cypress wood. In 1994, it was officially designated as a city historical monument. Due to its unique historical and cultural significance, it was selected as a filming location for the movie "KANO," allowing audiences to experience the memories of the 1930s deeply. During the Japanese colonial period, Japan implemented the Imperialization Movement in Taiwan, leading to the construction of around 200 shrines across the island. The Taoyuan Shrine was built during this time, chosen for its mountainside location, allowing for a distant view of the southwestern Taoyuan urban area, notably passing through the Xinchang Shengwang Temple at the city center, symbolizing the intention to protect the people. Following Japan's defeat in World War II and the severance of diplomatic relations between Taiwan and Japan, many shrines faced demolition or reconstruction due to the lack of worshippers, and the Taoyuan Shrine was renamed Taoyuan County Martyrs' Shrine in 1950. Its Tang-style architecture and use of premium Taiwan cypress wood have been meticulously preserved, making it the only complete shrine building retained outside of Japan. Today, the Taoyuan Martyrs' Shrine Cultural Park features a complete array of buildings. The complex includes the "Main Shrine," which houses personal spirit tablets, the "Worship Hall" for general worshippers, the "Office," for priests or administrators, and the "Handwashing Station," where visitors can wash their hands and rinse their mouths before entering the shrine. Additional facilities include torii gates, stone lanterns, Korean dogs, bronze horse sculptures, and the shrine approach, all constructed from high-quality cypress and cedar wood with a refined texture. The carefully preserved timber structure system, with beams and columns secured by joining methods, demonstrates the artisanship involved, allowing visitors to appreciate the solemn and simple beauty of the shrine cultural park. By following the terrain and ascending the steps beside Chenggong Road, one can view the straight approach leading to the cultural park from the shrine, connecting the main gate with the worship hall, which continues all the way to Taoyuan Railway Station. The area surrounding the shrine cultural park is planted with ancient pine and cypress trees, creating a tranquil environment, lush greenery in front of the shrine, and an antique atmosphere. In early spring, when cherry blossoms bloom, the romantic pink petals add a soft ambiance to the shrine area, while in autumn, visitors can enjoy the colorful maple leaves in the garden and parking area in front of the shrine, making each season distinctively beautiful. A brief pause on the platform at the steps in front of the worship hall allows one to overlook the entire shrine, enveloped by greenery, creating a serene atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for visitors to take photos and enjoy the surroundings. (Some images sourced from the Taoyuan City Government Confucius Temple and Martyrs' Shrine Joint Management Office)
