Chung Cheng New Village Cultural Park Introduction
The Cultural Park of Loyalty New Village is a place rich with memories from the Golden Triangle jungles and serves as a new starting point for the "Foreign Legion" in Taiwan. At that time, the Legion fought against communism and sought to restore the nation, spending years in battle in areas of Myanmar and Thailand. Under constant threat from war and disease, they relocated to Taiwan twice between 1953 and 1954, with nearly 7,000 people settling in Taoyuan to establish Loyalty New 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. The rebirth of the military dependents' village – as times evolved, the cultural memory of Loyalty New Village still persists. Local organizations transformed an old church and kindergarten into the Cultural Park of Loyalty New Village, which includes the Foreign Story Museum, Memorial Square, and cultural classrooms, continuing the historical value. The most eye-catching attraction in the park is the "Gastronomic Sanctuary" restaurant and bar, which was converted from a 60-year-old church, blending a vintage atmosphere with creative cuisine, allowing visitors to experience the culture in a tangible and tasty way. Entering the "Foreign Story Museum" feels like traveling through time back to a period of history forgotten by the world. The exhibition is presented through five major themes: "Chaos," "Calm," "Maze," "Return," and "Contain," using models, installation art, and interactive facilities to recreate the heroic yet tragic years of the Legion. This place is not just a memory of the military but is also a profound dialogue about peace and home. For those wanting to connect more closely with the spirit of the Legion, a challenge at the park's "Legion Assault Shooting Range" allows visitors to experience the tension of battle through simulation games, adding a compelling warmth to history. Eating up history – the exotic kitchens in Loyalty. When visiting Loyalty New Village, how can one 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 unique take, enticing food lovers to return time and again. In addition, pea powder, large flat noodles, flaky pastry, and shredded papaya are also very popular. With new residents from Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, and other places, the dining table in Loyalty has become even more diverse, blending homemade snacks and creative dishes. Longgang has essentially become a grand kitchen of exotic flavors. Observing culture through festivals – bringing traditions to life. Visiting during festivals provides an even deeper sense of the vibrancy of Loyalty's culture. The "Longgang Rice Noodle Festival" features activities such as water splashing blessings and fire dancing, and has been highlighted in the 2024 Taiwan Tourism Biennial Calendar as an international characteristic festival. The "Loyalty Kuoshi Festival" showcases Lisu New Year traditions through bronze drums, rice cakes, and rituals. The "Foreign Song and Wine Festival" reflects the exuberant passion of Golden Triangle culture with songs, dances, and food. Additionally, the park offers ethnic costume experiences and DIY for rice noodles and shredded papaya, allowing visitors not only to observe but also to create and taste, leaving a deep imprint of culture in their travel memories.
