Taiwan Food Atlas

Hsiao Ju-sung Art Park

A watercolor master's former home transformed into a Japanese dormitory arts cluster — the gentlest cultural corner in Zhudong
📍 Hsinchu · Zhudong Township · Dongning Road🎨 Cultural venue🔖 Japanese wooden dormitories · Hsiao Ju-sung · Local art exhibitions

Hsiao Ju-sung Art Park centers on the former residence of Hsiao Ju-sung, one of Taiwan's important watercolor painters. A group of well-preserved Japanese wooden dormitories surrounds a courtyard, with the buildings themselves forming part of the historic environment. The permanent collection displays works by Hsiao Ju-sung and local Zhudong artists. The park atmosphere is quiet and unhurried — the most representative arts cluster in Zhudong Township.

What to see at Hsiao Ju-sung Art Park

Hsiao Ju-sung (1923–1992) taught for many years in Zhudong, depicting the mountain townscapes of Hsinchu and everyday still lifes in a delicate, luminous watercolor style. His work holds a distinctive place in the history of Taiwanese watercolor painting. The park begins at his former home and expands to incorporate the surrounding Japanese colonial-era teacher dormitories, forming a small art cluster. The tile roofs, verandas, and courtyards of the Japanese wooden buildings preserve the architectural vocabulary of the Showa period — precious documents of everyday life history in their own right.

Beyond the permanent collection of Hsiao Ju-sung's original watercolors, the park exhibits works by local artists, and some spaces rotate themed special exhibitions. Zhudong is the most populous township in Hsinchu County; the park serves as an important public arts space in the district. Weekend craft markets and art events are held occasionally, giving the place a lived-in, neighborhood feel.

Tips for getting the most out of your visit

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Read the watercolors through Hsiao Ju-sung's storyRead the introductory text at the entrance about Hsiao Ju-sung's life before viewing the works. His watercolor technique — the transparency of the paint and the handling of light — rewards careful study.
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Details of the Japanese wooden dormitoriesThe weatherboard exterior walls, the engawa (veranda), and the lattice windows are characteristic elements of Japanese residential architecture. Compare the layouts of different buildings for the subtle differences between them.
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Sit quietly in the courtyardThe park courtyard is shaded by trees, a pleasant place to rest after the exhibitions. Check whether the café area (if any) is open.
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Stroll into Zhudong town centerThe old street commercial district of Zhudong Township is not far from the park. Walk to Zhudong's traditional market or pick up local food to feel the everyday rhythm of this mountain town.

Practical information

Getting there and timing

  • Get off at Zhudong Station on the TRA Neiwan Line and walk about 10–15 minutes. Train service is infrequent — check the timetable before departing.
  • Opening hours and closing days are set by the Hsinchu County Cultural Affairs Bureau's official announcements; hours may change on certain public holidays.

Nearby connections

  • From Zhudong you can extend to Beipu Old Street (about 15 minutes by car) or Emei Lake (about 20 minutes by car) for a half-day Hakka mountain trip.
  • Neiwan Old Street is accessible by the Neiwan Line train — a good add-on for visitors who enjoy short heritage railway journeys.

Sources: The Wikipedia entry for Hsiao Ju-sung Art Park and Hsinchu County Government Cultural Affairs Bureau records. Photos to be replaced with Dio's own shots.

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