Jiaobanshan Villa Introduction
Jiao Ban Mountain Villa Park is located along the Beiheng Line, integrating history, culture, and natural ecology. The park includes distinctive points such as the Battle Preparedness Tunnel, Jiao Ban Mountain Villa, Plum Garden, and the Camphor Storage Office. By the end of 2024, following structural repairs, landscape optimization, and improvements to recreational facilities, modern technology and artistic displays will be introduced. The first exhibition after the renovation is titled "Travel Sketches of Jiao Ban Mountain," aiming to reinterpret the history and natural beauty of Jiao Ban Mountain through the perspectives of travelers or artists who have visited. The Battle Preparedness Tunnel, built in 1963, was originally used for command and shelter purposes during wartime. The tunnel extends 20 meters underground and is 100 meters long, featuring interactive 3D murals that recreate the military scenarios and historical slogans of the time, making it a popular educational and entertaining attraction. Following the escape route leads to the Jiao Ban Mountain Villa, which showcases exhibits centered on "The Travels of Chiang Kai-shek," emphasizing the story of Chiang Kai-shek and his wife visiting Jiao Ban Mountain for tourism, as well as the process of Soong Mei-ling learning to paint. Historical photos are displayed on-site, such as images of the Chiang couple in the Bamboo Pavilion at Jiao Ban Mountain and snapshots from their outings on the Jiao Ban Mountain Suspension Bridge, connecting travel and aesthetics to let the public understand different facets of them, alongside interactive new media art creations. Stepping out of the villa towards the Sijiao Pavilion offers a panoramic view of the Dahan River and the Nanjieshan terrain, a vast landscape reminiscent of Chiang Kai-shek's hometown, Xikou in Zhejiang. The Sculpture Park blends installation art with the natural environment, with pine, cypress, plum, and bamboo trees planted throughout; during plum blossom season, it attracts visitors for plum viewing, tea tasting, and outdoor activities, creating a lively floral atmosphere. The Camphor Storage Office is the only remaining Japanese-style camphor hall in Taiwan, which was once a hub for camphor concentration and transportation, displaying the history and refining processes of the camphor industry. The North Entrance Plaza retains remnants of the original buildings, combining landscape paving, tea house facilities, and leisure platforms to deepen cultural experiences. The nearby ecological pond is built around a wooden boardwalk, planted with various aquatic plants such as iris and water lilies, and features diverse plants like golden rhododendrons and fragrant seven-mile incense—an environment favored by tree frogs and fireflies. To promote nighttime tourism, outdoor sculptures in the park will be illuminated, creating a serene atmosphere where nature and light intertwine. The park is now open until 8 PM, becoming a new destination for the public to walk and appreciate art pieces under the night sky.
