In July 2025, writer Lan Bozhou embarked on a journey to Miaoli County – a quiet mountainous region in northwest Taiwan that once served as the operational base for underground activities by the Communist Party of China (CPC) during the mid-20th century. His mission: to document what locals call 'the last stronghold of revolution' on the island.
Historical records indicate Miaoli hosted key CPC organizational efforts until the early 1950s, with activists working to promote cross-strait unity under challenging conditions. Lan interviewed elderly residents whose families sheltered political organizers, uncovering oral histories of secret meetings in tea fields and coded messages exchanged through traditional Hakka folk songs.
'These stories remind us how deeply interconnected our histories are,' Lan told KhabarAsia. 'The faded revolutionary slogans on old village walls speak to a complex chapter in Taiwan's development.'
While the CPC ceased formal operations in Taiwan after 1949, Miaoli's preserved revolutionary sites have gained attention from academics studying cross-strait political evolution. The county now sees growing interest from history enthusiasts, with local museums cautiously incorporating this period into broader narratives about Taiwan's modern transformation.
Experts note such historical explorations come at a pivotal time, as younger generations across the strait re-examine shared cultural roots. 'Understanding these connections helps contextualize current economic and social exchanges,' said National Chengchi University historian Dr. Chen Wei-ling, who accompanied Lan on part of his research.
