After three years of conservation work, Shueijiaoshe Cultural Park, the only remaining military housing community in Tainan, was finally opened to the public on December 25th of 2019. Not only was the appearance of the buildings preserved, the reputation of “Home to Thunder Tigers” was also re-estabished, with the theme of aviation running through the site. Touring the site brings visitors to acknowledge the glorious history of the ROC Air Force, admire the thrill of flying, and witness cultural relics come to life.

The human landscape of former military housing communities mostly remains only in old photos and memories. The area of today’s Shueijiaoshe dates back to the Ming and Qing Dynasties. In 1941, the Japanese built dormitories here for Tainan Navy Air Squadron. “Shueijiaoshe”, or club for Navy officials, was set up at Tainan military airport during that period. The name “Shueijiaoshe” was then adopted. After World War II, the area was taken over by the Air Force of the Republic of China and used to accommodate Air Force personnel and their dependents. In 1956, the pilots of Thunder Tiger Aerobatics Team and their families came to live here. Over the years, Shueijiaoshe was home to more than 50 generals, and later famed as “Home to Thunder Tigers”.

In 2004, Shueijiaoshe was designated a city historic site. Conservation and landscaping work started in 2013, spending over three years and more than 300 million New Taiwan Dollars. At the end of 2019, the renewed Shuaijiaoshe Cultural Park was opened to the public. Eight dormitory houses were converted into exhibition spaces displaying different themes. On the opening day, seven locally manufactured AT-3 jet trainers from the Thunder Tiger Aerobatics Team flew over the site in a V-formation, leaving a trail of red, white and blue smoke that signifies victory.

Eight historic buildings (three general-level and five colonel-level dormitory houses) were renovated into exhibition halls of various themes, namely Theme Hall, Exhibition Space, History Museum, AIR Tainan Hall, Special Exhibition Gallery, Literature Salon, Community Canteen and Aviation Playground. There is also a display area for F-5E aircraft. The memories of the foods and life style of the military housing community, as well as nearly three decades of history of American soldiers in Tainan, are vividly presented at the park, bringing the history to life.

AIR Tainan Hall adopts “American Soldiers in Tainan” as its theme, portraying the history of American soldiers in Taiwan in the 30 year period they were based here Through multi-media devices, projection mapping and interactive installation, the hall provides visitors with a creative experience which combines new technology and culture. The first thing one sees in the hall is the seat of a fighter jet and the equipment of the Thunder Tiger Aerobatics Team, a must-see for aviation fans.

The Cultural Affairs Bureau of Tainan City Government suggests eight routes for visitors to Shueijiaoshe Cultural Park, each catering to certain groups. The eight routes are: Family with Kids, Air Force Fans, Nostalgic Style, Hipsters, Scholars, Foodies, Time for a Milk Tea, and Come with Me.

For “Come with Me”, after visiting the Theme Hall, take a walk in the park and snap some photos of the Japanese-style dormitory, F-5E aircraft, Chapel of Light and share your photos online; end your tour at the nostalgic Exhibition Space. In “Time for a Milk Tea”, the past glory of the military housing community can be found while the visitors tour the Theme Hall and Literature Salon. Air Force Fans will definitely want to check out the AIR Tainan Hall and appreciate the aircraft close-up. For “Scholars”, History Museum is a must-see.

The fascinating stories of military housing community and Taiwan Air Force await you at Shueijiaoshe Cultural Park!

No. 118, Xingzhong Road, South District,Tainan City 06-2633467
Opening Hours│Wed. thru Sun. 09:00~17:00 For more information, scan the QR Code