Matsu New Village Cultural and Creative Park Introduction
Matsu Village was established in 1957 and was originally designed as a residential area for the families of the stationed troops of the 84th Army Division in the Matsu Islands. It was once home to numerous high-ranking military officers' families and earned the nickname "Stars Filling the Sky." Today, Matsu Village has undergone the test of time and has become an important site for preserving military dependents' village culture, worthy of travelers taking their time to savor. The unique charm of Matsu Village stems from its well-preserved military dependents' village appearance. The design of the living quarters clearly reflects a microcosm of life based on ranks and power distribution, authentically reproducing the living conditions of that era. In 2004, the Taoyuan City Government designated Matsu Village as a historical building and implemented restorations under the philosophy of "repair while revitalizing," successfully transforming it into a model of the integration of military dependents' village culture and creative industries, allowing the once prosperous scene to flourish once again. The heart of film and television culture in Matsu Village can be felt at the Zhongli Light and Shadow Cinema. This cinema, with its strong artistic atmosphere and 75 seats, serves as an important base for local film education. The regular monthly thematic film exhibitions and curated films not only provide citizens with free visual feasts but also attract a large number of film enthusiasts for appreciation and exchange. The artistic rebirth of historical spaces can be seen in the No. 1 to No. 3 military dependents' quarters, which have now transformed into the "Matsu Village Experimental Art Gallery." This space for showcasing creativity has attracted many young artists and cultural workers. The open call for exhibition submissions each year allows the space, which originally bore the history and memories of military dependents' lives, to transform into an exhibition venue full of cultural creativity, becoming an excellent platform for artistic and creative exchanges. In the picturesque setting of the military dependents' village, families can enjoy the endless charm of art together. The "Matsu Young Art Institute," restored from the original Matsu Kindergarten, is currently planned as a children’s art cultivation base, providing interactive spaces for parents and children, along with exhibitions and cultural education promotion activities, allowing art to connect with life and promoting cultural and artistic education from an early age. Exploring the unique artisan shops in Matsu Village reveals a space for artisans to showcase their skills and creativity, with many distinctive small shops nestled within the area. It is not only a great place for taking photos but also has various delicious small restaurants and handmade popsicle shops, allowing visitors to savor the flavors of the military dependents' village while experiencing the unique charm of Matsu Village. Additionally, the area offers diverse activities such as handmade fragrances, pottery creation, leather carving crafts, and qipao customizations and experiences, making it an excellent choice for relaxing on weekends.
