Rainbow Village
Taiwan
Rainbow Village, located in Nantun District, Taichung, Taiwan, is a former military dependents' village transformed into a colorful open-air art gallery. The artwork was created by Huang Yung-Fu, a former soldier born in 1924, who began painting the houses in 2008 to prevent their demolition amid urban redevelopment. His vivid paintings feature birds, animals, and people, spreading across the remaining houses and turning the area into a beloved cultural landmark. Initially housing over 1,200 homes for National Revolutionary Army veterans and their families, most residents moved away due to redevelopment, leaving only a few houses intact. Local university students and residents campaigned to preserve the village, leading to its official protection as a cultural site and its opening as Rainbow Art Park in 2014. The village attracts over a million visitors annually, especially from Asia, and has been recognized internationally as a top Instagram and photo spot. Despite a controversy in 2022 involving repainting and a temporary closure, Rainbow Village reopened in 2023, continuing to celebrate Huang's legacy, who passed away in January 2024. The village remains a symbol of resilience, creativity, and Taiwan's military history.
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Tip: The best time to visit Rainbow Village is during the daytime when the vibrant colors are most visible. It is advisable to visit on weekdays or early mornings to avoid large crowds. Tickets are generally affordable, and some discounts may be available for students or seniors. Purchasing tickets or guided tours in advance can help skip queues. The village is easily accessible via Xinwuri Station of Taiwan Railway, and nearby Art Street offers additional cultural experiences.
Interesting facts
- •Rainbow Village was originally a military dependents' village with about 1,200 homes for National Revolutionary Army veterans.
- •The artwork was created by Huang Yung-Fu, known as "Rainbow Grandpa," who started painting in 2008 to save the village from demolition.
- •The village attracts over a million visitors annually, making it one of Taiwan's top tourist spots.
- •Rainbow Village has been recognized as one of Taiwan's top Instagram photo spots and featured in Lonely Planet's list of secret wonders of the world.
- •In 2022, a contract dispute led to some murals being painted over by protesting workers, but the village was restored and reopened in 2023.
- •Huang Yung-Fu was awarded honors for his military service and is considered a cultural icon in Taiwan.
History
Rainbow Village originated as a military dependents' village established to house National Revolutionary Army veterans who relocated to Taiwan after the Chinese Civil War in 1949.
Over time, as urban redevelopment progressed, most residents relocated or accepted compensation, leaving the village nearly abandoned.
In 2008, veteran Huang Yung-Fu began painting the houses to save them from demolition.
His artwork garnered attention from local students and officials, sparking the "Save Rainbow Village" campaign in 2010.
The city government designated the area as a cultural park in 2014, preserving the artwork and remaining structures.
Despite challenges including a 2022 dispute that led to some murals being painted over, the village was restored and reopened in 2023.
Huang Yung-Fu passed away in January 2024 at age 100, leaving a lasting legacy.
Place Guide
Huang Yung-Fu's Painted Houses2008–present
The core of Rainbow Village consists of houses vividly painted by Huang Yung-Fu, featuring whimsical depictions of birds, animals, and people that transformed the village into a colorful art park.
Rainbow Art Park2014
The designated cultural park area preserving the painted houses, surrounding old trees, and a small public park, officially opened in 2014 to protect the village's unique art and heritage.
Nearby Art Street
Located near Rainbow Village, Art Street complements the visitor experience with additional cultural and artistic attractions, drawing millions of visitors annually.