A Day in Zhongzhen Village: Beyond Rice Noodles!
Explore the "Exotic Story Museum" to experience the chaos of war, then stroll through the market and savor authentic Yunnan-Burmese cuisine.
The Orphans of Asia Find a Home Here: Taoyuan's "Exotic Story Museum"—Forgotten tales more moving than any movie.
Did you know that in Taoyuan's Longgang area, there lives a unique group of people? They are neither locals nor typical immigrants; they are the descendants of the forgotten exiled soldiers stranded in the jungles of the "Golden Triangle" due to historical tides.
Our understanding of this history might come from Bo Yang's book "The Exotic" or scenes from movies. But now, you don't have to imagine—you can directly step into Taoyuan Pingzhen's "Exotic Story Museum" to personally experience the thirty years of heroic and tragic history through visuals, sounds, and interactive installations.
This museum is not just an exhibition space; it feels like a condensed modern history film. Behind it lies a touching story: Mr. Wang Genshen, once a soldier in Northern Thailand, invested nearly 100 million NT dollars from his successful restaurant business to create this museum, ensuring that this history "won't fade into oblivion."
Five Exhibition Areas: An Immersive Journey from Chaos to Peace
The Exotic Story Museum's tour route is ingeniously designed, divided into five themes: "Chaos, Silence, Confusion, Return, and Acceptance," symbolizing the journey of the exiled soldiers from war to finding a home in Taiwan. It's highly recommended to follow the professional guides to uncover the hidden stories behind every detail.
First Stop: Chaos
As you step into the exhibition area, you'll be stunned by the scene before you. The floor is embedded with countless bullets, the walls are adorned with various firearms, and the air seems to be filled with the smoke of war. Through sound and light effects and physical models, this area recreates the turbulent atmosphere of guerrilla warfare in the Golden Triangle jungle, instantly conveying the "chaos" of that era.
Second Stop: Silence
Leaving the chaotic battlefield, you enter a pure white space. Here stands a lone sculpture of a little girl named "Yunnan-Burmese Orphan," curled up on a rock crying. This stark contrast tells the most brutal chapter of war—separation and forgotten trauma. This "silence" is more heartbreaking than the sound of gunfire.
Third Stop: Confusion
The Golden Triangle is often associated with "poppy flowers." This area explores the economic struggles and moral dilemmas faced by the exiled soldiers in the Golden Triangle. In addition to showcasing local ethnic costumes and opium paraphernalia, there are interactive installations where you can color poppy flowers on a screen and write your wishes for peace, watching them transform into unique flowers symbolizing hope amidst confusion.
Fourth Stop: Return
Walking through a time tunnel-like corridor, you see black-and-white photos and texts documenting the soldiers' battles, exile, and eventual phased retreat to Taiwan. A question on the wall, "Who am I?" profoundly reflects their identity struggles and inner turmoil.
Fifth Stop: Acceptance
At the journey's end, the atmosphere shifts to a cozy, retro military village living room. This area recreates the life in "Zhongzhen Village" where they settled. You can sit on old sofas and even find yourself appearing on an antique TV screen (a cute little surprise!). This area represents "acceptance," symbolizing the integration of Yunnan and Thai-Burmese culture into Taiwan.
Visitor Information and Transportation Tips
Planning a cultural trip? Make sure to note the following:
· Address: No. 70, Zhongshan Road, Pingzhen District, Taoyuan City (located within Zhongzhen Village Cultural Park)
· Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM (closed on Mondays)
· Admission: Free, but "reservation required"! There are four guided tour slots daily: 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 2:00 PM, and 3:00 PM. Each session is limited to 20 people, so it's recommended to book online in advance. Walk-ins are possible if spots are available.
· Transportation:
· By Car: Set your GPS to nearby parking lots like "Yunnan Cultural Park Parking Lot" or "Zhongzheng First Road Parking Lot" (both are paid parking). Crowds are heavier on weekends, so plan ahead.
· Public Transport: Take Taoyuan Bus 112 South, Zhongli Bus 112 North, or Ubus 717 to "Zhongzhen" stop, then walk about 4-5 minutes to reach the destination.
Bonus Activities: Explore Zhongzhen Village
After visiting the museum, don't rush to leave! The entire Zhongzhen Village Cultural Park is a paradise filled with Yunnan and Thai-Burmese culinary delights.
· Market Stroll: On weekends, the outdoor plaza hosts markets featuring specialty snacks and creative items.
· Food Tasting: Don't miss the signature "rice noodles" here! There are dozens of rice noodle shops nearby, such as the famous A-Mei Rice Noodles, known for its rich broth. Other authentic Yunnan-Burmese snacks include pea flour, thin pancakes, and crispy buns.
· Photo Opportunities: The "Yinshi Chapel" restaurant and bar, converted from an old church, boasts stunning interiors and exteriors perfect for Instagram-worthy shots.
· Unique Experiences: If your timing is right, you might even join annual festivals like the "Longgang Rice Noodle Festival" or "Exotic Song and Wine Festival" to immerse yourself in authentic exotic culture.