International Land-Sea Peace Memorial Park Introduction
The International End of War Peace Memorial Park was originally the Japanese military POW camp in Jin Gua Shi from 1942 to 1945, known in Taiwanese Hokkien as "To̍k-pí-á-liâu," which means "barracks for foreigners with high noses." At its peak, the camp housed over a thousand World War II prisoners of war from Allied nations, including Britain, Canada, the Netherlands, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and the United States. The POWs were forced to work in copper mining during their imprisonment. Due to poor living and working conditions, harsh management, insufficient medical care, and acclimatization issues, many prisoners lost their lives there. The remnants of their suffering seem to linger, emphasizing the significant meaning of peace in the world. In 1997, after the screening of the documentary "A War Story," survivors, led by one of the POWs, Albert, visited the camp in Jin Gua Shi. Subsequently, the POW Memorial Association actively promoted the construction of a memorial in the Tongshanli Community Park, located at the former site of the Jin Gua Shi Allied POW camp, and a solemn memorial ceremony was held on November 23, 1997. Since November 14 is the date the British Commonwealth POWs arrived at the Jin Gua Shi camp, a memorial service is held every November. With the development of the Water Gold Nine Scenic Area, it is now planned to become the "International End of War Peace Memorial Park." Plans include setting up historical interpretation boards, light sculptures, and remodeled memorials, linking surrounding attractions with the Gold Museum to form a dual park area and become a new landmark. Only the original gatepost and a small section of the wall remain from the original POW camp. The New Taipei City Tourism Bureau focuses on the historical and cultural significance of this area, implementing the "International End of War Peace Memorial Park Development Plan," utilizing this World War II POW camp as a center for travel impressions, improving facilities and landscaping, adding historical interpretation boards, introducing beautifying light sculptures, and integrating local Taiwanese imagery to transform it into a unique new landmark. Furthermore, the New Taipei City Government has completed the integration of the International End of War Peace Memorial Park, Chuanji Hall, and Qitang Old Street, along with the Gold Museum, which is a favorite destination for visitors in Jin Gua Shi, forming a dual park area in the Jin Gua Shi region to promote its rich culture and historical architecture and build it into an internationally recognized mountain town attraction.
