Rainbow Village
Central Taiwan Region
Rainbow Village is a unique cultural landmark located in Nantun District, Taichung, Taiwan. Originally a military dependents' village housing veterans and their families after the Chinese Civil War, it faced demolition as the area aged and residents moved away. Huang Yung-Fu, a former soldier born in 1924, began painting colorful murals of birds, animals, and people on the remaining houses to save the village from destruction. His artwork transformed the area into a vibrant open-air gallery, attracting visitors from across Asia. Despite challenges, including a dispute that led to some murals being painted over, the village was renovated and reopened in 2023. The site now welcomes over a million visitors annually and serves as a testament to one man's dedication to preserving his community's heritage through art. Rainbow Village is easily accessible from Xinwuri Station on the Taiwan Railway, making it a popular stop for tourists exploring central Taiwan.
Plan your trip to Taiwan with AI
Create a detailed itinerary in minutes. AI suggests the best places, restaurants, and an optimized route.
Tip: The best time to visit Rainbow Village is during daylight hours to fully appreciate the colorful murals. Visitors are encouraged to purchase tickets or passes in advance during peak seasons to avoid long queues. Discounts may be available for students and seniors. The village is easily reachable by public transport, with Xinwuri Station nearby. Wear comfortable shoes as exploring the village involves walking along the painted streets.
Interesting facts
- •The village was originally home to about 1,200 houses but only 11 remained by the time Huang started painting.
- •Huang Yung-Fu began painting to save the village from demolition and to alleviate his boredom as the last resident.
- •The colorful artwork includes depictions of birds, animals, and people, creating a vibrant open-air gallery.
- •Rainbow Village attracts over one million visitors annually, mostly from Asia.
- •In 2023, some murals were controversially painted over during a contract dispute but the village was renovated and reopened.
- •Huang Yung-Fu lived to be 100 years old, passing away in January 2024.
History
Rainbow Village originated as a military dependents' village established to house National Revolutionary Army veterans who fled to Taiwan in 1949 after the Chinese Civil War.
Over time, most residents moved away as the area aged and redevelopment plans threatened the village's existence.
In response, Huang Yung-Fu, a veteran and artist, began painting the houses in the early 2000s to prevent demolition.
His colorful murals revitalized the village, leading local students and authorities to preserve it as a cultural site.
Huang passed away in January 2024 at the age of 100, leaving behind a legacy of art and community preservation.
Place Guide
Huang Yung-Fu's Painted HouseEarly 2000s
The original house where Huang began painting a bird and expanded his artwork, now a central attraction showcasing his colorful murals that saved the village.
