Zhongzheng New Village Cultural Park Introduction
The Chung Cheng New Village Cultural Park is a place rich with memories from the jungles of the Golden Triangle, serving as a new starting point for the "Exotic Isolation Army" in Taiwan. This group fought for anti-communism and national restoration, spending years in conflict around Myanmar and Thailand, facing warfare and disease threats. In 1953 and 1954, nearly 7,000 people relocated to Taoyuan to establish Chung Cheng New Village. This land transformed from a refuge into a home and gradually developed into a diverse community merging the cultures of Yunnan, Myanmar, and Thailand. The "Exotic Isolation Army," a little-known force, fought for decades in the remote jungles of the Golden Triangle to restore the nation and maintain security across the Taiwan Strait, enduring battles and burying comrades, yet remains largely forgotten! Their stories must not fade into history! The "Exotic Story Museum" aims to preserve the heroic history of the "Exotic Isolation Army," ensuring these stories are passed down through generations. The rebirth of the military dependents' village – the cultural transformation of old buildings persists with the passage of time. Local organizations have converted an old church and kindergarten into the Chung Cheng New Village Cultural Park, encompassing the Exotic Story Museum, memorial square, and cultural classrooms, continuing its historical significance. The park's most eye-catching feature is the "Temple of Feast," a restaurant and wine bar transformed from a 60-year-old church, blending a retro atmosphere with creative cuisine, allowing visitors to not only see but also taste the culture. Stepping into the "Exotic Story Museum" feels like traveling through time back to a history forgotten by the world. The exhibition presents five major themes: "Chaos," "Stillness," "Confusion," "Return," and "Acceptance," using models, installation art, and interactive facilities to recreate the heroic yet tragic years of the Isolation Army. This place holds not only military memories but also profound dialogues about peace and homeland. For those wanting to get closer to the spirit of the Isolation Army, the "Isolation Army Assault Shooting Range" within the park offers simulation games to experience battlefield tensions, giving history a warmer touch. Eating history – the international kitchen in Chung Cheng New Village. When in Chung Cheng New Village, one cannot miss the flavors from Yunnan and Myanmar. Among them, "Mi Gan" is the most representative dish; this rice-based dish is featured in nearly 60 shops in the village, inviting foodies for repeated visits. Other popular delicacies include pea flour dishes, large rice sheets, pastry puffs, and shredded papaya. With new residents from Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos joining, the culinary offerings in Chung Cheng have become even more diverse, blending traditional family recipes with creative cooking. Longgang has truly become a grand kitchen of exotic flavors. Experiencing culture through festivals – bringing traditions to life. Visiting during festivals allows one to feel the vitality of Chung Cheng culture. The "Longgang Mi Gan Festival" features activities like water splashing prayers and fire dances, making it an international festival highlighted in the 2024 Taiwan Tourism Biannual Calendar. The "Chung Cheng Guo Festival" showcases the New Year traditions of the Lisu ethnic group through copper drums, rice cakes, and sacrificial ceremonies, while the "Exotic Song and Wine Festival" expresses the exuberant passion of the Golden Triangle culture through song, dance, food, and bamboo wine. Moreover, the park offers ethnic clothing experiences and DIY activities for making Mi Gan and shredded papaya, allowing participants to not only observe but also create and taste, firmly embedding culture into their travel memories. Cultural Classroom 2F – Muslim-friendly space. Whether you need a quiet and clean meeting venue or wish to hold gatherings and prepare meals in accordance with your faith, this is a trustworthy choice. We have specially designed a kitchen for Muslims, enabling you to prepare meals and share moments safely while engaging in exchanges and gatherings, suitable for small meetings, community interactions, and other purposes.
