Chung Chiao-Cheng Literary and Cultural Park Introduction
The establishment of the Chong Chao-cheng Literary Life Park began in 2012, focusing on the historical buildings of the Japanese dormitory complex of Longtan Elementary School and the Longtan Martial Arts Hall. After the Cultural Affairs Bureau of Taoyuan City initiated historical research, a residency project, and design planning, it was officially named "Chong Chao-cheng Literary Life Park" in 2015. The park centers around the literary works of national treasure writer Chong Chao-cheng (referred to as Master Chong), with the literary landscape serving as its branches and leaves. Through contemporary ecological museum thinking, it extends and reshapes the close connections between Longtan and post-war Taiwanese literature. On April 20, 2019, the Chong Chao-cheng Literary Life Park opened, witnessed by Master Chong, accompanied by the development of surrounding commercial districts and scenic slow travel experiences, leading to an increasing demand for guided tours. Therefore, in 2021, the Hakka Affairs Bureau of Taoyuan City Government and the Taoyuan Hakka Cultural Foundation jointly organized "Following the Footsteps of Literature in Longtan—Literary Landscape Readings and Guided Tour Talent Training," aiming to attract enthusiasts to engage in literary landscape readings and tours, telling the stories of the literary landscape from multiple perspectives while enhancing emotional connections with the land. The park adopts the concept that "the entire Longtan is our Literary Life Park," hoping to closely connect with local culture, not only promoting Longtan through literature and enhancing tourism value but, more importantly, allowing the public to rediscover the joy of reading and seek the warmth of the land within the words of Taiwanese literature. The Mother of Taiwanese Literature: Chong Chao-cheng from Longtan In the 1950s, the literary scene was dominated by anti-communist literature due to the political atmosphere, and local writers faced severe oppression. Chong Chao-cheng struggled amidst the thorns, writing with the homeland of Taiwan as his flesh and blood. With the cypress writing desk purchased by his beloved wife, he carved out his powerful literary creations. He once mentioned that as a literary writer, he naturally has the responsibility to write about the historical suffering endured by the Taiwanese people, which became his lifelong core mission in constructing "Taiwanese literature." In 1957, to unite local writers, he sent letters inviting like-minded literary creators to initiate the "Literary Friends Newsletter," and he held occasional gatherings to foster unity. In 1960, his work "Luping Flower" was published in the supplement of the United Daily News, marking his ascent to the literary peak after ten years of honing his craft, encouraging fellow writers to unite and seize this literary territory. From then on, Chong Chao-cheng nurtured generations of literary newcomers like a mother river and actively wrote significant works such as "The Turbulent River Trilogy," "The Taiwanese Trilogy," "The Mountain Suite," and "The Angry Waves," becoming the pioneer of writing grand narratives in Taiwanese literature, documenting indigenous memories, and creating works in multiple languages. Additionally, he steadfastly supported the literary journal "Taiwan Literature" and hosted the supplement of the People's Daily, aiming to provide a clean, free experimental space for emerging writers. Beyond his literary achievements, Chong Chao-cheng also engaged in the Hakka movement and the democratic movement in his later years, contributing significantly to the preservation of Hakka culture. He authored nearly 20 million words throughout his life and is the most awarded writer in Taiwan, earning the title "Mother of Taiwanese Literature." His former residence, the old dormitory of Longtan Elementary School, where he completed many important works, is even regarded as the "birthplace of post-war Taiwanese literature," attracting a steady stream of literary pilgrims. On May 16, 2020, at the age of 96, Chong Chao-cheng passed away peacefully in his sleep, prompting numerous literary friends both domestically and abroad to pay tribute. On the 18th, President Tsai Ing-wen attended the memorial service at the Longtan Martial Arts Hall, praising him by saying, "Chong Chao-cheng is not only a literary master but also a master of Taiwan." From the vast body of work left by Chong Chao-cheng, we can not only understand the development of post-war Taiwanese literature but also glimpse his unfinished vision for "Taiwan Studies," all rooted in his deep love for the homeland of Taiwan. The giant has traveled far, but his words and ideals will surely endure and be passed down. (Source: Official Website of Chong Chao-cheng Literary Life Park)
