Xiaolin Village Memorial Park Introduction
In the early morning of August 9, 2009, the strong winds and rains of Typhoon Morakot caused landslides on Xian Du Mountain, burying Xiaolin Village in the Jiaxian District, leading to a tragic disaster that 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 elevated ground south of the original site of Xiaolin Village, which was completed and opened in 2012. The park covers an area of 1.7 hectares, with eighty percent planned as green space, creating an image reminiscent of the former Xiaolin Village. The names of the 462 deceased are inscribed on both sides of the path, while 181 Taiwan native mountain cherry saplings represent the 181 families that were lost. The park also features a memorial square, Xiaolin Shrine, observation pavilion, and a monument. The nine-meter-tall monument is made from stones that flowed down from Xian Du Mountain during the storm, symbolizing the power of rebirth and reconstruction for the villagers. Looking out from the memorial park towards the site evokes a sense of reverence for the ruthless forces of nature, leading to greater appreciation for the present and fostering humility.
