Chung Cheng New Village Cultural Park Introduction
The Loyal Village Cultural Park is located in a place that holds the memories of the jungles of the Golden Triangle and serves as a new starting point for the "Exotic Lonely Army" that settled in Taiwan. In the past, the Lonely Army fought against communism and sought to restore the nation, spending years operating in Myanmar and Thailand, enduring the threats of war and disease. They relocated to Taiwan twice between 1953 and 1954, with nearly 7,000 people settling in Taoyuan and establishing the Loyal Village. This land transformed from a refuge into a home and gradually developed into a multicultural community that integrates the cultures of Yunnan, Myanmar, and Thailand. With the evolution of time, the cultural memories of Loyal Village remain intact, as local groups transformed the old church and kindergarten into the Loyal Village Cultural Park, which includes spaces like the Exotic Story Museum, Memorial Square, and cultural classrooms to continue the historical legacy. The most eye-catching feature of the park is the "Gourmet Sanctuary" bistro, which was converted from a 60-year-old church, blending a retro atmosphere with creative cuisine to allow visitors to not only see but also taste the culture. Entering the "Exotic Story Museum," one can feel as if they have traveled through time back to a forgotten history. The exhibition features five main themes: "Chaos," "Calm," "Lost," "Return," and "Embrace," and uses models, installation art, and interactive facilities to recreate the noble yet tragic years of the Lonely Army. Here, it is not just military memory, but a profound dialogue about peace and home. To better connect with the spirit of the Lonely Army, visitors can take on the "Lonely Army Shooting Range" within the park, experiencing battlefield tension through simulated gameplay, adding warmth to history. When visiting the Loyal Village, one cannot miss the flavors of Yunnan and Myanmar. Among them, "Rice Noodles" is the most representative dish, with nearly 60 shops in the village each showcasing their specialties, attracting food lovers for repeat visits. Other favorites include pea flour, large pancakes, flaky buns, and shredded papaya. With new residents from Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos joining in, the dining scene in Loyal Village has become even richer, blending homemade snacks with creative dishes, making Longgang a diverse kitchen of exotic flavors. If you can visit during the festivals, you will be able to experience the vitality of Loyal Village culture. The "Longgang Rice Noodle Festival" features activities such as water blessing and fire dancing and has been named an international signature festival in the 2024 Taiwan Tourism Biennial Calendar. The "Loyal Festival" showcases the new year traditions of the Lisu people through traditional copper drum performances, rice cakes, and sacrificial ceremonies. Meanwhile, the "Exotic Song and Wine Festival" expresses the exuberance of Golden Triangle culture through song, dance, and food. Additionally, the park offers experiences with ethnic costumes and DIY activities for rice noodles and shredded papaya, allowing visitors to not only observe but also create and savor, leaving a lasting impression of culture in their travel memories.
