Not just the Taiwan Lantern Festival！New retro scenes at an old military dependents' village for endless photo ops

By MOOK Scenic Spots Family, compiled and reported
 
Located at the intersection of Zhongshan Road and Qingdao Street in Pingtung City, Shengli New Village features mostly military dependents' housing that retains the style and techniques of Japanese architecture. Now, after restoration, many shops have moved in, bringing vitality to the village. It has now been renamed “Shengli Xing Village Creative Living Zone,” where travelers can stroll around, take photos, and enjoy the nostalgic, retro culture of the military dependents' village.

“Shengli Xing Village,” formerly known as “Shengli New Village,” was originally the officers’ dependents' housing during the Japanese colonial period. After the Nationalist government relocated to Taiwan, it became the residence of Pingtung Army and army commanders, with a history of about 80 years, and has been registered as a historical building.

Shengli Xing Village consists of 70 well-preserved historical buildings. The main visual theme of the zone uses illustrations to showcase the architectural features of the military dependents' village and elements of southern life, blending history with innovation to create a new and diverse look for the area.

In addition to preserving some historical relics, Shengli Xing Village also houses many dining spots, bookstores, and cultural and creative studios. The entire military dependents' village zone is filled with a lively and creative atmosphere, attracting both local residents and travelers.

This year’s Taiwan Lantern Festival also featured Shengli Xing Village as one of its lantern zones, themed “A Luminous New Spring.” Drawing on elements of the military dependents' village and childhood nostalgia, it included creative lantern displays such as steamed buns, baked cakes, giant teddy bear lanterns, and paper-cut art.