Baodao Times Village Unveils Toy Museum Featuring Eye-Catching Model of HMS Victoria

▲ An antique tin toy of Charlie McCarthy on display at the Toy Museum. (Photo provided by Baodao Times Village)

Tourism Center / Comprehensive Report

To revive cherished childhood memories across different generations in Taiwan, the Toy Museum at Baodao Times Village in Caotun, Nantou, officially opened on the 12th, showcasing a diverse collection of antique toys from both Eastern and Western cultures. Jiang Qinliang, chairman of Baodao Times Village, stated that over the past century, toys from both regions have undergone significant changes, with many discarded during times of war or wear and tear. Therefore, it is truly remarkable that any have survived intact to this day. All the precious toys in the museum have been brought back to public view after multiple communications with toy collectors.

▲ (Left) The HMS Victoria model ship, globally limited to 1,000 units. (Right) Over 300 "Snow White Bubblegum" trading cards. (Photos provided by Baodao Times Village)

The most special item in the collection is the HMS Victoria model ship, produced by Germany’s Märklin, often referred to as the Rolls-Royce of the toy world. Globally limited to 1,000 units, the ship is powered by a wind-up mechanism and boasts a lifelike and design-rich appearance. Its exquisite craftsmanship was so remarkable that it helped the Märklin toy factory survive bombings during World War II, preserving a piece of Germany’s century-old industrial heritage.

Few people know that Taiwan was once known as the “Toy Kingdom.” One of the goals of establishing the Toy Museum is to showcase that proud legacy. The most iconic Taiwanese toy is undoubtedly the “\*Zai-Xian.” The museum displays more than ten large handmade \*Zai-Xian toys.

Additionally, on display are over 300 “Snow White Bubblegum” trading cards—items that can be considered the originators of Taiwan’s point-collection marketing campaigns. With a history of over half a century, these cards came in bubblegum packaging featuring Western fairy tales, and each piece of gum included a collectible card illustrated by artist Jin Liangzhi. The cards depicted classic characters from four major Chinese literary works: Romance of the Three Kingdoms, Journey to the West, Investiture of the Gods, and Dream of the Red Chamber. The full set includes 400 cards. At the time, they sparked a collecting craze and were so popular they were even sold in Hong Kong, Singapore, and throughout Southeast Asia.

Jiang Qinliang also noted that the toys on display, regardless of their shape, lines, coloring, or creativity, are all contemporary classics. Taiwan, influenced by the Japanese colonial period, the Nationalist government era, and Western culture, has produced numerous meticulously hand-painted masterpieces that combine artistry with fun—truly precious items worth taking the time to appreciate.

▲ Taiwan was once known as the “Toy Kingdom.” The left image shows the classic hand-drawn, brightly colored and finely detailed “\*Zai-Xian,” while the right shows the now rare thread-bound comics. (Photo provided by Baodao Times Village)