Culture and History

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Aboriginals at the Dadu Mountain Plateau

According to historical documents, human activities on the Dadu Mountain Plateau can be traced back to as early as 5,000 years ago. Anthropologists who research the Pinpu aboriginals believe 7 to 12 Pinpu clans existed at one time and the majority of those who lived on the Dadu Mountain Plateau were said to belong to the Papora clan, of which the “Dadu commune”, one of the many Papora sub-clans, first staked claim to the plateau, hence the name for the area.

With their superior cultural and trade advantage, the Han who migrated from mainland China during the 19th century had driven most of the Pinpu aboriginals either out of work, or out of their settlements. For those at the Dadu Mountain Plateau, most moved to the Puli Basin for their next home during that time period.

Land Use

The hunting and simple farming life style of the early Pinpu aboriginals on the Dadu Mountain Plateau kept the area unspoiled for a long time. It was not until large scale farming carried out by the Han, that the area was turned into an agricultural landscape, on which peanuts, potatoes and sugar cane were the main produce, and they still are to date, due to the unusually dry soil conditions. Over the next century, urban industrialization and economic booms brought many new sociological elements into this area. Today, in addition to the traditional dry-land farming, mass housing, industrial farming, the Metropolitan Park, the Science Park to the east, plus potentially more to come in the future, have diversified the land use in ways never before seen in this area.

Military Pillbox

In the redesigning of the Dadu Mountain Plateau, over the years, many changes have been made: aside from cultural and economic developments, national defense once was also an important element due to the plateau’s location and elevation overlooking an increasingly significant metropolis during WWII. The objects that perhaps attract the most interest are the 10 or more WWII era military gun emplacements and cannon installations designed to shield the Shuinan and Qingquqngang airbases below. Although the original military purpose for these artifacts has long dissipated, their historical and archaeological significance are only growing.

In addition to the large machine gun emplacements, 2 cylindrical anti-airborne (#3, #4) pillboxes and a bell-shaped pillbox next to north side parking lot (#5) are readily accessible when visiting the park.