Text by MOOK Scenic Spots / Christopher, compiled and reported
Taiwan’s rich cultural heritage and historical sites are worth savoring and reflecting upon. In Zhongli, Taoyuan, there is an area known as the Taoyuan Generals’ Village — the Matsue New Village. Its nostalgic architecture evokes the splendor of bygone eras. Back then, Madame Chiang Kai-shek proposed constructing what is now Matsue New Village to support the morale of troops stationed in Matsu by accommodating the families of soldiers stationed at the front lines. It has now become a rising cultural and creative hub in Taoyuan. Through restoration and repackaging, the former glory has been revived, allowing visitors to learn about Taiwan’s historical stories while exploring the area.
Matsue New Village, a veterans' village building full of nostalgic charm, known as the Taoyuan Generals’ Village (Image source / Taoyuan City Government)
Aerial view of Matsue New Village, a veterans' village cultural creativity hub (Image source / Zhongli Matsue New Village Veterans' Village Cultural Creativity Base)
An old bus stop sign in Matsue New Village (Image source / Taoyuan City Government)
Matsue New Village, featuring a red retro Vespa (Image source / Taoyuan City Government)
Matsue New Village is the first veterans' village in Longgang and the second in the country to be preserved under the Cultural Heritage Preservation Act, following Taipei’s Sisi Nan Village. With a grid-like road layout and a fishbone-style housing arrangement, it creates individual living spaces. Over time, public facilities such as community centers, auditoriums, parks, lawns, sports courts, and pavilions were added around the village, forming a self-contained, semi-enclosed veterans’ community.
Matsue New Village, an old barbershop (Image source / Taoyuan City Government)
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