Chung Cheng New Village Cultural Park Introduction
The Zhongzheng New Village Cultural Park is located in a place that holds memories from the jungles of the Golden Triangle and serves as a new starting point for the "foreign troops" who settled in Taiwan. Back then, these troops fought against communism and sought to restore their homeland, engaging in battles around Myanmar and Thailand for years. After enduring war and disease threats, they withdrew to Taiwan twice between 1953 and 1954, with nearly 7,000 people settling in Taoyuan, where they established Zhongzheng New Village. This land evolved from a refuge into a home, gradually developing into a multicultural community that integrates the cultures of Yunnan, Myanmar, and Thailand. The rebirth of the military dependents' village—amidst the evolution of the times, the cultural memories of Zhongzheng New Village persist. Local groups have transformed the old church and kindergarten into the Zhongzheng New Village Cultural Park, which includes a foreign stories museum, a memorial square, and cultural classrooms, continuing its historical significance. The most eye-catching spot in the park is the "Inspiration Hall" bistro, which was converted from a 60-year-old church, combining a vintage atmosphere with creative cuisine, allowing culture to be not only seen but also tasted. Stepping into the "Foreign Stories Museum" is like traversing time, returning to a chapter of history forgotten by the world. The exhibition is presented through five major themes: "Chaos," "Silence," "Daze," "Return," and "Embrace," recreating the tragic epoch of the foreign troops through models, installation art, and interactive facilities. This place is not only a memory of military history but also a profound dialogue about peace and home. For those wanting to get closer to the spirit of the foreign troops, the park offers the "Foreign Troops Shooting Range," where visitors can experience battlefield tension through simulation games, making history feel warmer. Eating history—Culinary Delights in Zhongzheng When visiting Zhongzheng New Village, one cannot miss the tastes of Yunnan and Myanmar. Among them, "Mian Gan" is the most representative; this dish made from pure rice has nearly 60 shops in the village, each showcasing their specialties, attracting gourmets to return repeatedly. Additionally, dishes like pea powder, large flat rice noodles, flaky pastries, and shredded papaya are also quite popular. As new residents from Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos continue to join, the dining scene in Zhongzheng becomes even more diverse, blending old and new flavors from homemade snacks to creative cuisines, making Longgang a vibrant kitchen of exotic charm. Cultural Insights Through Festivals—Bringing Traditions to Life Visiting during festivals allows one to experience the vitality of Zhongzheng's culture more fully. The "Longgang Mian Gan Festival" gathers activities such as water splashing blessings and fire dance performances, and it has been recognized as an international featured festival in the 2024 Taiwan Tourism Biennial Calendar. The "Zhongzheng Kuoshi Festival" showcases the new year traditions of the Lisu people through copper drums, bamboo rice cakes, and sacrifice rituals. Meanwhile, the "Foreign Song and Wine Festival" presents the passionate culture of the Golden Triangle through song, dance, and food offerings. Additionally, the park offers experiences with ethnic costumes and hands-on DIY activities for making Mian Gan and shredded papaya, allowing visitors not only to watch but also to create and taste, leaving a deep cultural imprint in their travel memories.
