After years of balancing cultural preservation and development, the Zhanshan (Dragon-Slaying Mountain) Relic Site in Tucheng finally opened on the 8th as an archaeological park. In addition to preserving the site in situ, the New Taipei City Government has incorporated an inclusive park design, featuring slides, sandpits, fountains, and a large grassy area—creating a new local leisure destination that allows more people to engage with archaeology education up close.
The Zhanshan culture is part of the Yuanshan culture. It was first discovered by scholars in the 1950s, but it wasn’t until 2012, when the New Taipei City Government was constructing the Tucheng City Hospital, that artifacts such as pottery shards and stone tools dating back 3,000 years were unearthed at the former Tucheng First Public Cemetery site. This confirmed the location as a Zhanshan cultural site, prompting efforts to rescue and preserve the relics.
At the opening ceremony, in addition to history enthusiasts, many parents brought their children to enjoy the park facilities. New Taipei City Deputy Mayor Wu Ming-chi stated that the city government is now developing the entire area into the “Zhanshan Relic Cultural Park,” integrating parkland with the archaeological site. In addition to information signs about the Zhanshan relic culture, the park includes recreational facilities such as slides, sandpits, and fountains for nearby residents to enjoy walks and play. The grassy area is also perfect for picnics or outdoor performances.
(China Times)