Historical sites, movie memorabilia, military dependents' villages, and cultural creativity are reborn in splendor

Text by MOOK Scenic Spots Christopher, compiled and reported

Taiwan’s rich cultural characteristics and historical sites are worth savoring and reflecting upon. In Zhongli, Taoyuan, there is a place known as the “Taoyuan Generals’ Village”—Mazu New Village—whose nostalgic military dependents' village architecture evokes the glory of bygone eras. At that time, Madame Chiang Kai-shek, in order to stabilize the morale of the troops stationed on Matsu Island, proposed accommodating the families of these frontline soldiers in Taiwan, leading to the construction of what is now Mazu New Village. It has now become an emerging cultural and creative hub in Taoyuan. Through restoration and revitalization, the former splendor has been brought back to life, allowing visitors to explore while also learning about Taiwan’s historical stories.

Mazu New Village is the first military dependents' village in Longgang and the second in the country to be preserved under the Cultural Heritage Preservation Act, following Taipei’s Sisi Nan Village. It features a grid-like road layout combined with a fishbone-style housing arrangement, creating a unique, standalone residential space. Public facilities such as a community center, auditorium, park, lawn, sports courts, and pavilions were subsequently added around it, forming a self-sufficient, semi-enclosed military dependents' village community.