DEHUROEN

Plizio Visual Lab

Rainbow Village

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Landmark
—°16
Rainbow Village (Taiwan)

Weather…

Rainbow Village in Taichung is a former military dependents' settlement that was transformed into a spirited art installation by Huang Yung-fu, known as “Rainbow Grandpa.” Starting in 2008, Huang began painting the walls and floors of the remaining houses to protest their planned demolition. His colorful murals, which feature animals, traditional figures, and patterns, eventually gained international attention, leading to the village's preservation as a cultural site. Today, it stands as a unique example of folk art and urban survival in Taiwan's rapidly changing landscape. The site attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors annually who come to see the whimsical designs that saved a neighborhood from being erased. Despite its small size, the village represents a significant grassroots effort in heritage conservation and remains a symbol of individual resilience and community support.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Nov, Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C171820232526272726252219
Rain mm494583115256312216329187604642

📋 Practical info

🚪
Visiting
The colorful village can be visited free of charge at any time, with the animated murals on the old houses best admired during a leisurely walking tour through the narrow alleys.
🕒
Typical hours
Since it is an open residential area, there are no strict opening hours, but a daytime visit is highly recommended to fully appreciate the bright colors and intricate details of the artwork.
📷
Photography
Photography is permitted and highly encouraged everywhere, but please be mindful not to disturb the privacy of the remaining residents or block the narrow pathways for other visitors.
⏱️
Time needed
For a comprehensive tour and ample time to photograph the many fascinating details, you should generally plan on spending about one to two hours exploring the village.
➕
Combine with
The visit can be perfectly combined with other attractions in Taichung, such as the National Museum of Natural Science or a relaxing evening exploring the famous Fengjia Night Market.
🧭
Getting there
The village is best accessed by bus from Taichung Railway Station or the High-Speed Rail station, alternatively, taxis or ridesharing services offer a direct and convenient way to get there.
💡
Insider tip
To avoid the largest crowds, it is highly recommended to arrive either very early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when the softer light also makes for particularly beautiful and moody photos.

Geography

Coordinates
24.13370, 120.61050

Facts

  • Huang Yung-fu started painting the village in 2008 at the age of 84.
  • The settlement was originally built for soldiers of the Kuomintang.
  • His artistic protest saved 11 of the original houses from being demolished.
  • The site was officially designated as a cultural park in Taichung in 2014.
  • It is estimated that over 600,000 visitors visit Rainbow Village annually.
  • The murals underwent significant restoration in 2022 following vandalism.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Central Taiwan Science ParkCentral Taiwan Science Park4 km · WExplore →
Taichung Metropolitan ParkTaichung Metropolitan Park5 km · WExplore →
TaichungTaichung7 km · NExplore →
ChanghuaChanghua9 km · SExplore →
Wufeng Lin Family MansionWufeng Lin Family Mansion10 km · NEExplore →
YuanlinYuanlin11 km · EExplore →
Dajia RiverDajia River11 km · NWExplore →
CaotunCaotun12 km · NEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Rainbow Village (16)

Taichung City Government🏺 historical

A striking contemporary civic building featuring a massive open plaza and modernist architectural lines.

National Taichung Theater🎭 culture

A spectacular avant-garde performing arts center renowned for its curved walls and acoustic-focused cavernous design by Toyo Ito.

🕒 Su-Th 11:30-21:00; Fr-Sa 11:30-22:00♿

Dadu Ruian Temple⛪ religious

A prominent local temple in the Dadu district known for its colorful roof ornaments and community festivals.

Fengle Sculpxure Park🌳 park

The Fengle Sculpture Park is a notable green space featuring an array of large-scale outdoor sculptures.

🕒 24/7

Beitun Children's Park🌳 park

Beitun Children's Park is a popular local recreational area designed specifically with extensive playground facilities.

Maple Garden🌳 park

Maple Garden is an urban park uniquely constructed below street level around an artificial lake.

Rainbow Family Village🎡 recreation

Rainbow Family Village is an animated cultural park known for its former military dependents' housing completely covered in colorful street art.

Wuri Chaotian Temple⛪ religious

Wuri Chaotian Temple is a traditional place of worship serving the local community with ornate roof architecture.

Wangtianshan🌿 nature

Wangtianshan is a prominent local peak offering scenic hiking trails above the surrounding urban landscape.

KNOW PHOTO GALLERY🏛 museum

KNOW PHOTO GALLERY is a dedicated exhibition space showcasing local and international fine art photography.

Summer Pilates Arts🎭 culture

Summer Pilates Arts is a cultural and arts center offering studio spaces focused on body movement and wellness.

Chinese Temple⛪ religious

This Chinese Temple features classic curving roof ridges decorated with intricate dragon and phoenix figures.

Jiankang market🎭 culture

Jiankang market is a bustling traditional marketplace where vendors sell fresh local produce, meats, and daily goods.

RuiJing Old Well📍 landmark

The RuiJing Old Well is a historic preserved water source that once served the early settlers of the village.

Fish nickname📍 landmark

The Fish nickname attraction is a whimsical local landmark featuring fish-themed art installations along the walkway.

Zero space📍 landmark

Zero space is an avant-garde architectural attraction hosting modern artistic displays in a minimalist environment.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the Rainbow Village?
A colorfully painted residential neighborhood.
Who painted it?
A former soldier, to save it.
How long does the visit take?
A short walk takes 30 to 60 minutes.
Is there an entrance fee?
It is mostly free, donations are welcome.
Is it good for photos?
Yes, one of the best photo spots in Taichung.
Rainbow Village: where is it located?
Rainbow Village is located in Taiwan.
Rainbow Village: what is there to see?
Highlights include Taichung City Government, National Taichung Theater, Dadu Ruian Temple.
Rainbow Village: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Nov, Dec.
Rainbow Village: why is it worth visiting?
Rainbow Village in Taichung is a former military dependents' settlement that was transformed into a spirited art installation by Huang Yung-fu, known as “Rainbow Grandpa.” Starting in 2008, Huang began painting the walls and floors of the remaining houses to protest their…
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
Asia
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in Asia
More places in Taiwan →

Nearby cities

Taichung — Rainbow Village (Taiwan)
Taichung
Taiwan's second largest city, famous for its pleasant climate and cultural museums.
Dakeng — Rainbow Village (Taiwan)
Dakeng
The 'Yangmingshan of Taichung', featuring diverse hiking trails with iconic wooden log stairs.

History & landmarks

Gaomei Wetlands — Rainbow Village (Taiwan)
Gaomei Wetlands
An expansive tidal flat in Taichung, which is an important habitat for migratory birds and is famous for its spectacular sunsets.
Hsinshe (Xinshe) — Rainbow Village (Taiwan)
Hsinshe (Xinshe)
A scenic district in Taichung famous for its annual 'Sea of Flowers', mushroom farms, and European-style castles.

Nature

Dajia River — Rainbow Village (Taiwan)
Dajia River
The Dajia River originates in the central highlands and plays an important role in hydroelectric power generation in Taichung.

More places

Central Taiwan Science Park — Rainbow Village (Taiwan)
Central Taiwan Science Park
Focused on precision machinery, semiconductors, and aerospace technology.
Taichung Metropolitan Park — Rainbow Village (Taiwan)
Taichung Metropolitan Park
A large nature park on the Dadu Plateau offering expansive views of the city and the coastline.
Wufeng Lin Family Mansion — Rainbow Village (Taiwan)
Wufeng Lin Family Mansion
A historic building complex in Taichung showcasing the architectural development and wealth of the Lin family.
Port of Taichung — Rainbow Village (Taiwan)
Port of Taichung
An artificial port playing a key role in the industrial exports of central Taiwan.
Lihpao Land — Rainbow Village (Taiwan)
Lihpao Land
A large amusement and water park offering fun and attractions for the whole family.
Taichung Power Plant — Rainbow Village (Taiwan)
Taichung Power Plant
One of the world's largest coal-fired power plants, supplying a massive portion of Taiwan's energy.
Basianshan Forest — Rainbow Village (Taiwan)
Basianshan Forest
Basianshan Forest, meaning Eight Immortals Mountain, offers lush vegetation and historical logging trails.
Xueshan — Rainbow Village (Taiwan)
Xueshan
The second highest mountain in Taiwan, famous for its glacial formations.