Hakka Village History Volume 30 – “The Splendor Of Longdu Reflections Along The Laonong River”

Located in the southeastern corner of Meinong District, Kaohsiung City, Longdu is a tranquil and secluded Hakka settlement, nestled within the embrace of surrounding mountains like a hidden sanctuary within the dragon’s belly. Blessed with a unique natural environment, Longdu Zhuang has flourished while preserving its rich cultural heritage and historical memory. Comprising three administrative neighborhoods, Longdu’s population is less than one-fifth of the entire Meinong District, yet it retains the purest Hakka-speaking environment, making it a key area for the development of Hakka culture in Taiwan.

From the Qing Dynasty to the present, Longdu has weathered the shifts of time and social transformation while steadfastly preserving the roots of its traditional culture. Confronted with youth outmigration and changing industries, the people of Longdu have shown resilience and wisdom, finding a balance between tradition and innovation. They promote Hakka-language education in schools, revitalize historical sites, and develop community cultural initiatives, breathing new life into this ancient village. Open the pages of this book, step into Longdu, and listen to the echoes of Hakka village life bridging past and present.

Author: Liu Hsiao-chien