Rainbow Village is an old military dependents' village in Taichung's Nantun District that once faced demolition. Resident Huang Yongfu began covering its walls and ground with vibrant colors and simple figures in 2008, unexpectedly drawing public attention and sparking a preservation movement. Today the village has become a well-known cultural tourism destination in Taichung, and also tells the story of a community's rescue of Taiwan's military dependents' village heritage.
Highlights of Rainbow Village
Huang Yongfu, the initiator of the painted art, began decorating the village where he lived with a paintbrush when he was well past eighty. His style is unpretentious — the figures are simply drawn yet full of energy, with subjects ranging from animals and human forms to images from nature. What began as a personal pastime spread widely after being noticed by students and media, and the combined efforts of Taichung citizens led to the village's preservation.
The village is small, with the main paintings concentrated on a few short lanes and the exterior walls of buildings. A full walk-through takes about 20 to 30 minutes. Because visitor numbers are high, avoiding weekday noon peak hours on weekends is advisable. Part of the village still functions as a residential area, so visitors are asked to keep noise down and not enter areas that are not open to the public, out of respect for the elderly residents still living here. A small souvenir shop is set up near the exit.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit
Practical Information
Getting There & Timing
- By car or scooter from Nantun District, head toward Chun'an Road. There is some street parking nearby, though spots are harder to find on weekends.
- By Taichung city bus, take a route heading toward Nantun from the city center and walk about 10 minutes from the stop. Confirm your route before setting out.
- Open year-round, no admission fee, no set visiting hours. Allow about 30 minutes to an hour.
Nearby Connections
- Nantun Old Street (Litoudi Old Street) is not far away and can be reached on foot or by a short ride, offering a look at a different aspect of Nantun District's historical culture.
- There is a traditional Nantun market nearby where you can grab a local breakfast or street snack before or after your visit.
Source: Facts compiled from the Wikipedia entry on Rainbow Village. Photos to be replaced with Dio's own shots.