New Taipei City Soldiers' Shrine (Weapons Park) Introduction
The Military Martyrs' Shrine in New Taipei City, originally named the New Taipei City Military Cemetery, is located on the southern slope of Datong Mountain in the Shulin District of New Taipei City, covering an area of 5.6 hectares. The shrine was completed in July 1959 and serves as a place for honoring public soldiers and deceased veterans. The original military cemetery, which had been in use for more than twenty years, featured simple early structures that deteriorated over time; the columbarium was also inadequate for use. In 1982, the site was rebuilt, and the new complex was completed in March 1984. In June 1996, it was officially renamed the "New Taipei City Military Martyrs' Shrine," and after the city-county restructuring, it continued to be called the "New Taipei City Military Martyrs' Shrine." During the spring and autumn festivals, active military personnel who have died in combat, due to illness, accidents, or veterans who have legally retired or passed away may have their remains interred at this shrine upon request from their relatives to the Civil Affairs Bureau of New Taipei City. The annual memorial ceremonies for soldiers from all walks of life are held at the shrine on March 29 and September 3, with family members, friends, and representatives from organizations invited to participate. The ceremony is presided over by the mayor, with local leaders and elected representatives also in attendance, creating a solemn atmosphere. Adjacent to the shrine, the Ministry of National Defense has recently transferred several decommissioned land and air assets, such as tanks, aircraft, and missiles, to the plaza next to the shrine for public viewing, leading to the area being dubbed the "Weapon Park." This "Weapon Park" is currently the largest park in Taiwan displaying military equipment from the Ministry of National Defense, featuring impressive land, sea, and air military equipment. These include the world’s first supersonic fighter aircraft, the TF-104G Starfighter, anchors from the Chungchao-class corvette and Lushan-class corvette, K30 single-barrel 5-inch guns, M166 mountain howitzers, anti-aircraft artillery, and missiles. Many of these pieces of equipment have participated in defending the country for decades and remain well-preserved. Even those who are not military enthusiasts can appreciate the physical displays and explanatory signs to understand each weapon's function and historical significance. The TF-104G Starfighter exhibited is a two-seat trainer variant used solely for training purposes. The shrine is located at the foot of Datong Mountain, and its outer trail connects to surrounding hiking trails. From the Dofu Trail, visitors can access Mount Sanjiao Pu Ding, Qinglong Ridge, Datong Mountain, and the Nanliao Fude Temple, making it a popular hiking destination for a day trip in the suburbs. During the pampas grass season from September to December, it attracts many visitors for hiking and sightseeing!
