Xiaolin Village Memorial Park Introduction
In the early morning of August 9, 2009, the strong winds and rains from Typhoon Morakot caused landslides on Xiantou Mountain, burying Xiaolin Village in the Jiaxian District, which shocked the entire nation. To commemorate and remember the 462 villagers of Xiaolin Village who were buried, the Kaohsiung City Government established the Xiaolin Village Memorial Park on the high ground to the south of the original site of Xiaolin Village, which was completed and opened in 2012. Covering an area of 1.7 hectares, 80% of the park is planned as green space, recreating the imagery of the former Xiaolin Village. The names of the 462 deceased are inscribed on both sides of the park’s suffering road, while 181 native Taiwanese mountain cherry saplings represent the 181 families that were lost. The park also features a memorial plaza, Xiaolin Shrine, a viewing pavilion, and a monument among other structures. The nine-meter tall monument is built from stones from Xiantou Mountain that were carried downstream by the storm, symbolizing the renewal and rebuilding power granted to the villagers. From the memorial park, visitors can gaze upon the site, recalling the departed and feeling the ruthless power of nature, which fosters a greater appreciation for the present and a sense of humility.
