History of Victorystar in Pingtung (V.I.P. Zone)
In 1920, Pingtung Airport was established. In 1927, the Eighth Air Regiment of the Imperial Japanese Army was stationed in Pingtung County, and it was expanded to the Third Air Brigade in 1936. In 1942, an Aircraft Maintenance Branch was established. To accommodate the military personnel, numerous official residences were constructed around the airport. After World War II, the Republic of China military took over and further expanded these facilities, creating a strong military dependents' village atmosphere in Pingtung City.
Currently, the area includes Victory New Village, Chongren New Village (which encompasses Chenggong District, Tonghai District, and Kongxiang District), Dexing New Village, and Xian Guang Ten Village, with a total of 113 buildings and 173 Japanese-era military officer residences. In 2007, these buildings were designated as historic sites for preservation, and in 2018, the area was officially renamed "Victorystar in Pingtung (V.I.P. Zone)," transforming it into a distinctive creative settlement and town. Additionally, through supporting and promoting the cultivation of local cultural and creative talents, the sustainable development of Pingtung's local cultural energy has been expanded. The Victorystar in Pingtung (V.I.P. Zone) not only preserves the culture of military dependents' villages but also allows people to experience Taiwan's diverse culture through various activities, highlighting the value and significance of cultural preservation.
Introduction to Victorystar in Pingtung
Victorystar in Pingtung (V.I.P. Zone) includes Victory New Village and the Chenggong District of Chongren Military Dependents' Village. These two military dependents' villages are connected by Zhongshan Road, just a 5-minute walk apart. In 2018, the area was renamed "Victorystar in Pingtung (V.I.P. Zone)." The term "star" symbolizes "inheriting the place where the General once lived to nurture future stars." This area serves as both an experience base for new-style military dependents' village life and a showcase for Pingtung, integrating past historical memories and spaces with modern life to create a unique "Victory Star Lifestyle."
Victorystar in Pingtung (V.I.P. Zone) features several permanent exhibition halls, including The General’s House and the Gen. Sun Li-Jen Historic House. Currently, many diverse brand shops have been established, including those in food and beverage, clothing and textiles, local specialty stores, performing arts, literature bookstores, floral shops, accommodation experiences, and diverse foreign cultures. It is hoped that in the future, Victorystar in Pingtung (V.I.P. Zone) will integrate with local life, develop cultural characteristics, and repurpose historical buildings as a "new-style Taiwanese military dependents' village cultural and lifestyle experience base."