International Memorial Park of the End of World War II Introduction
The International Peace Memorial Park of the End of World War II was originally the Japanese military prison camp in Jinguashi from 1942 to 1945, known in Taiwanese Hokkien as "Tok-bé-á-liau," meaning "the camp for foreigners with high noses." At its peak, more than a thousand Allied prisoners of war were detained there, including individuals from the United Kingdom, Canada, the Netherlands, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and the United States. These Allied prisoners were forced to work in copper mines during their imprisonment. Due to harsh living and working conditions, strict management, insufficient medical care, and acclimatization issues, many prisoners perished here. The remnants of their suffering seem to linger, highlighting the significant importance of peace for the world. In 1997, a documentary titled "A War Story" was screened, and under the leadership of one of the surviving prisoners, Edward, a visit to the prison camp in Jinguashi was organized. Following this, the Prisoners of War Memorial Association was established to actively promote the construction of a monument at the site of the former Allied prisoners of war camp in the Tongshanli Community Park in Jinguashi, with a solemn memorial ceremony held on November 23, 1997. Since November 14 marks the date when British Commonwealth prisoners arrived at the Jinguashi camp, memorial services have been held every November. With the construction of the Shuinandong-Jinguashi Historic Park, it is now planned to be developed into the "International Peace Memorial Park of the End of World War II." Plans include the installation of historical interpretation panels, light sculptures, and the reconstruction of monuments, connecting nearby attractions like the Gold Museum to form a dual park area, becoming a new landmark. The remnants of the prison camp currently consist of the original gate pillars and a small section of the surrounding wall. The New Taipei City Tourism Bureau focuses on the historical and cultural significance of this park and is implementing the "Development Plan for the International Peace Memorial Park of the End of World War II," using this World War II prison camp as a travel impression center to improve facilities and plantings, add historical informational panels, introduce light sculptures, and integrate local Taiwanese imagery, transforming it into a unique new landmark. Additionally, the New Taipei City Government has completed a project that combines the International Peace Memorial Park, the Cuanjitang Temple, and the Qitang Old Street into a visitor experience connected to Jinguashi's most popular attraction, the Gold Museum, creating a dual park area that markets the rich culture and historical architecture of Jinguashi, establishing it as an international-level mountain town tourist destination.
