New Taipei City Martyrs' Shrine (Weapons Park) Introduction
The New Taipei City Military Loyalty Shrine, originally named the New Taipei City Military Cemetery, is located at the foot of Datong Mountain in the Shulin District of New Taipei City. Covering an area of 5.6 hectares, the memorial hall was completed in July 1959 to serve as a place for the eternal resting of deceased soldiers and veterans. The original military cemetery, which had been in use for over twenty years, featured simple early structures whose facilities had deteriorated. The columbarium was also insufficient for use. In 1982, it was rebuilt at the original site and completed in March 1984. In June 1996, it was officially renamed the "New Taipei City Military Loyalty Shrine," and after the county and city were restructured, it was further renamed as the "New Taipei City Military Loyalty Shrine." During the spring and autumn festival activities, active military personnel who die in combat, from illnesses, accidents, or veterans who legally retire, can have their remains interred at this shrine upon the request of their families to the New Taipei City Government's Civil Affairs Bureau. The annual spring and autumn memorial ceremonies for fallen soldiers in New Taipei City are held on March 29 and September 3 at the Military Loyalty Shrine, inviting friends and family of the deceased as well as representatives from organizations to participate in the memorial rites, presided over by the mayor, accompanied by various leaders and representatives of public opinion, ensuring a solemn atmosphere. The shrine, built against the mountainside, has seen the Ministry of National Defense transfer various retired land and air equipment, such as tanks, aircraft, and missiles, to the square next to the shrine for public appreciation, thus being dubbed the "Weapon Park." "Weapon Park" is currently the largest park in Taiwan showcasing weapons from the Ministry of National Defense, featuring impressive military equipment from the army, navy, and air force. This includes the world’s first fighter jet capable of double the speed of sound (the TF-104G Starfighter), anchors from the Chung Chao-class warship and Lushan-class warship, K30 single-barrel five-inch guns, M166 mountain guns, anti-aircraft guns, and missiles. These weapons have participated in defending the nation for decades and are mostly well-preserved, allowing even those who are not military enthusiasts to quickly engage with the exhibits and explanatory placards, understanding the function and historical significance of each weapon. The "TF-104G Starfighter" is a representative of high-speed fighter jets from the 1960s! The displayed aircraft is a dual-seat trainer model, used solely for training purposes. The Loyalty Shrine is located at the foot of Datong Mountain, and its outer walking path connects to surrounding hiking trails, allowing access to various destinations such as Sanjiao Pu Ding Mountain, Qinglong Ridge, Datong Mountain, and Nanyiao Fude Temple via Dofu Trail, making it a popular spot for day hikes. During the pampas grass season from September to December each year, it attracts many people for hiking and sightseeing!
