Things to Do at Rainbow Village

Rainbow Village (Caihong Juancun) charges no admission but donations of NT$50-100 ($2-3 USD) support 95-year-old Huang Yung-fu, the resident artist who single-handedly saved this military dependents' village from demolition by covering every surface in vivid murals. The smell of acrylic paint still hangs in the humid air as you walk between tiny concrete houses splashed with cartoon soldiers, rainbow stripes, and whimsical animals that seem to dance across weathered walls. Visit early morning (8-9 AM) to catch Grandpa Rainbow adding fresh touches to his ever-evolving masterpiece and enjoy cooler temperatures for photography. The bright reds and electric blues pop intensely under Taiwan's strong sun, while shaded alleyways reveal intricate details like hand-painted Chinese calligraphy and military insignias that tell the story of refugees who became permanent residents in these 12 remaining houses.

The village sits in Nantun District. While it isn't exactly central, getting there is straightforward-take the Taichung MRT to Jiuzeitou Station, then catch bus 56, 75, or 617 to the Rainbow Village stop. Total trip: ~45 minutes. If you're driving, parking is limited nearby, so show up early for the best spots. Many visitors combine it with other southern Taichung attractions and taxi between locations-honestly worth the convenience.