Xinyi Citizen Hall and Military Dependents Village Cultural Park - Four Four South Village Introduction
Si-si South Village is a product of the Chinese Civil War and is also the first military dependents' village in the Taipei area. It is named "Si-si South Village" because it is located south of the Si-si Arsenal. Within the area, there is a preserved bunker from that time, a deliberate decision by the designers to keep it, which, although it has lost its original function, serves as a mark of the historical journey of Si-si South Village. The park features numerous exhibition halls and many civilian houses that retain their original appearance, as well as many cultural and creative elements added within, along with various products for sale. Building A - Parent-child Pavilion: This space provides a warm play environment for families, allowing the retro atmosphere of the former military dependents' village to be filled with creativity. It uses natural materials and handmade themed teaching toys for joint play, nurturing, learning, and growing together, creating an experience akin to returning home—always moving and full of new discoveries. Building B - Military Dependents' Village Cultural Relics Exhibition Hall: This building primarily exhibits the static displays of the cultural preservation of Si-si South Village, with themes including the historical trajectory of Si-si South Village, arts and culture of the military dependents' village, village mothers, village cuisine, village life, playful interactions, handicrafts, and multimedia screening rooms, among others. Building C - Hao Qiu Cultural and Creative Dining Space: Currently leased by Zhongzi Culture Co., Ltd., the establishment is named "Hao Qiu," focusing on light meals, including bread, bagels, burgers, and coffee beverages, while integrating military dependents' village culture and providing art exhibition activities, making it a great place for casual dining. Building D - Arts, Bookstore, and Theater: The PLAYground Nan Village Theater, Qing Niao, and uDesign jointly create a new type of space that integrates theater, reading, design, and culinary creativity. During the day, it serves as an organic bookstore with thousands of themed books and hundreds of design products, while at night, it transforms into a showcase theater promoting new Taiwanese theater troupes, new texts, and new productions. The Xinyi Citizen Plaza is one of the four symmetrical buildings of Si-si South Village, retaining the unique architectural style of the military dependents’ village. It is surrounded by the Cultural Park of Military Dependents’ Village, Jingxin Park, spacious pedestrian plazas, and Xinyi Elementary School, providing ample public open space for community residents, Taipei citizens, and even travelers staying at nearby hotels in the Xinyi District, making it a great place to escape the hustle and bustle for leisure walks. Si-si South Village has become a gathering place for the civilian culture of military dependents' villages, with its low, uniquely nostalgic buildings contrasting sharply with the towering commercial structures of the Taipei financial center, coexisting with architectural styles that showcase the past and present of the Xinyi District.
