One-second trip to Little Hong Kong！ Kaohsiung Guomao New Village, carrying decades of military dependents’ village flavors

▲The visual beauty created by Guomao New Village’s two semi-circular buildings against the azure sky is truly spectacular. (Photo / from a netizen’s IG) crazyuno4747 (Please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.)

Reported by Wei Jinyun / Compiled from multiple sources

You’re not seeing things—no special effects or post-processing here. Just look up, and you can see this unique architectural design with your own eyes. You might think honeycomb-style residences only exist in densely packed Hong Kong, but surprisingly, you can find them in Kaohsiung, Taiwan too. Located in Zuoying, Kaohsiung, Guomao New Village’s high-density buildings give off the illusion of being in Little Hong Kong for a moment—until you realize it’s actually a naval dependents’ village that has preserved its unique community character for decades.

▲The high-density grid-like buildings of Guomao New Village easily bring to mind Hong Kong’s crowded honeycomb residences. Its distinctive architectural design is sure to catch your eye. (Photo / from a netizen’s IG) huilin_00 (Please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.)

Guomao New Village (also known as Guomao Community), also called Bihai Xindayuan, consists of 13 buildings—ranging from 12 to 18 floors above ground and one basement level. Originally designed to accommodate a large population, it was specially planned as an onion-like concentric circular community. Two large semi-circular buildings encircle a central area that includes markets, restaurants, and other amenities, making daily life extremely convenient.

▲Originally a renovated military dependents’ village, Guomao New Village is mainly home to veterans and naval families. The community even features a flagpole flying the national flag, exuding a strong military dependents’ village atmosphere. (Photo / from a netizen’s IG) crazyuno4747 (Please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.)

Guomao New Village is no stranger to longtime residents of Kaohsiung. This public housing complex, transformed from an old military dependents’ village to provide relocation and resettlement housing, was once a landmark in the Zuoying District and the most densely built-up residential community in Kaohsiung. At its peak, nearly 10,000 people lived here. But with the passage of time, as young people moved away to start families and careers, most of the remaining residents are now elderly or low-income households, and many units are vacant and available for sale or rent.

▲Since most residents are veterans or military dependents, many buildings in the community still carry a strong military dependents’ village flavor—whether it’s the omnipresent national flags, basketball courts painted in blue, white, and red symbolizing the Republic of China flag, or various slogans and signs. As soon as you step into the community, it feels like you’ve traveled back in time to the days of the old military dependents’ villages. (Photo / from a netizen’s IG) tw_dyno (Please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.)

As an older type of collective housing, Guomao New Village’s unique building exteriors are truly eye-catching. Though the facades have weathered over time and the once-strong naval identity has faded, its role as a space that harmoniously blends the cultural traditions of various communities remains intact. Stepping inside still gives you a sense of entering another world, which is why it has become one of Taiwan’s distinctive military dependents’ villages.

▲The unique architectural design of Guomao New Village adds variety to the otherwise uniform rows of public housing, creating a special visual aesthetic. (Photo / from a netizen’s IG) tw_dyno (Please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.)

▲Between the two large arc-shaped buildings facing each other, there is a small children’s park equipped with simple play and fitness equipment for residents to use. (Photo / from a netizen’s IG) hung_1230 (Please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.)

Guomao New Village’s distinctive architecture is a major visual treat. In addition, according to netizens, nearby eateries such as Kuailaisun Breakfast Shop, Meihong Soy Milk, and Wu Ma’s Dumplings are all delicious must-tries. A friendly reminder:since this is still a residential area, be sure not to disturb the residents. Instead, quietly take in the breathtaking beauty with your eyes and camera lens.

Guomao New Village
Address: Guofeng Street, Zuoying District, Kaohsiung City