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Exploring Taichung’s Rainbow Village

Make sure your phone or camera has enough battery and storage if you’re going to the Rainbow Village in Taichung because every wall and corner will pep up your Instagram feed. 

The Rainbow Village, located in Nantun District, Taichung, Taiwan, was developed by a former soldier named Huang Yung-Fu when he started painting the houses and creating striking images of birds, animals, and people. Huang is now in his 90s and known as Rainbow Grandpa. His artworks are expressions of humor, affection, and child-like imagination. Here are other things you need to know about exploring Taichung’s Rainbow Village:

 

 

Rainbow Grandpa’s Story

via Pixabay

Born in Taishan County, Guangdong Province, China in 1924, Huang Yong-Fu was a part of the army in Hainan and went to Taiwan with the KMT. He was discharged at the age of 55. Huang bought his current house in the village, which was erected by nine retired soldiers. The land where the village now stands is owned by the Ministry of National Defense.

In 2010, when he heard that the government would demolish the village, Huang started painting the walls of his home and other buildings to preserve them. He was one of the few people still residing in the village.

His artwork was eventually discovered by students from the nearby Ling Tung and Hung Kuang universities. They successfully petitioned the Taichung mayor to preserve the 11 remaining houses, and the village quickly became a tourist attraction.

 

 

Rainbow Village Closing and Opening Time

Zairon via Wikimedia Commons

You can visit the village any day of the week from 9 AM to 6 PM. There is no entrance fee but you can leave a donation or purchase an item from their souvenir shop or buy a coffee.

 

 

How to Go to the Rainbow Village

Steven R. Barringer via Wikimedia Commons

The Rainbow Village is outside of Taichung City, the second-largest city in Taiwan, and you can reach it through the public buses that run through the area. You can take the Taiwan High-Speed Rail (THSR) train to Taichung Station, then ride bus #26-70-99, which will bring you to Ling Tung University. Stop by Nantun Tongan House, the 10th stop from the THSR station, and walk along Lane 19 on Zhongyong Rd. Don’t forget your Taiwan High-Speed Rail Unlimited Pass if you will be traveling around Taiwan to see attractions outside the city like the Rainbow Village.

You can take bus #655 from XinWuri Rail Station to Rainbow village, but note that this bus only operates on weekends, public holidays, summer and winter school vacations.

You can also take a taxi or book an Uber ride. If you want to maximize your time and travel comfortably, you can book the Taichung City Private Half-Day Tour, which will take you to Rainbow Village.

 

 

What to Do in the Rainbow Village

Zairon via Wikimedia Commons

You can take as many photos as you want. The Rainbow Village is a cluster of colorful houses where almost every alley and floor have paintings. Even the doors, windows, and roof are parts of the entire masterpiece. 

You can buy food or drink at the stalls near the entrance and at the back of the village. You can unwind at a café inside that serves coffee in artistic go-to cups. If you want some souvenirs from the village, you can purchase items like hats, fans, and umbrellas with Huang’s artwork. 

If you’re lucky, you might be able to meet Rainbow Grandpa himself. He has become a local celebrity and will tell you more about his artwork and the village. 

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