💼 What if your most precious memories could fit in a suitcase? For many residents of the Taiwan region, homesickness isn’t just a feeling—it’s a physical ache tied to artifacts left behind. CGTN’s recent visit to Beitun New Village, now a museum, reveals how generations have preserved their cross-strait roots through everyday objects.
Poetry in Motion
Yu Kwang-chung’s iconic poem about separation still resonates today. Curator Chao Chia-hsiang explains: 'These walls aren’t just displays—they’re time capsules. A child’s school uniform here, a faded train ticket there… each whispers stories of families divided by the Taiwan Strait.'
Museum of Memories
Built in 1960 as housing for military families, Beitun’s preserved rooms now showcase life frozen in time. Vintage radios crackle with static like they’re still tuning into news from the Chinese mainland. Faded Lunar New Year decorations hint at celebrations tinged with longing.
📸 One striking exhibit: a wall of black-and-white wedding photos where grooms wore uniforms instead of suits. 'Love stories written during uncertainty,' Chao says. 'These couples built lives here, but their hearts never fully left home.'
Youth Rediscovering Roots
In 2026, young visitors flock to the museum, snapping selfies with historical artifacts. 'My grandparents never talked about this,' shares 24-year-old visitor Lin Mei-ling. 'Seeing their generation’s luggage makes me wonder—what would I pack if I had to leave everything?'
