Rainbow Village - Taichung, Taiwan
Today was mostly a travel day as I made my way back to Taipei from Sun Moon Lake. I decided to stop in Taichung for a night to visit a friend I met on the Camino and to see a few sights. It took about two hours by bus from Sun Moon Lake to reach Rainbow Village.
Rainbow Village was once a military dependents’ settlement, and its colourful murals were painted by former soldier Huang Yung-Fu, who began decorating the houses to save them from demolition. As most residents moved out, Huang stayed behind, turning the small neighbourhood into a vibrant open-air gallery. His work was later discovered by local university students, who helped campaign to preserve the site. Today, it’s protected as a cultural landmark and one of Taichung’s most recognizable attractions.
The bus stop is conveniently located right next to the entrance—and even the stop itself is decorated in bright colours. Walking through the village, I admired murals covering nearly every surface, from walls to pathways. Though the village is small, I found myself exploring every corner, drawn in by its playful and heartfelt art.
Instead of taking the bus back to Taichung Station, I decided to walk. The route passed through a vast riverside park and along a preserved old railway line lined with historic displays. It was a long but rewarding walk, offering a different glimpse of the city beyond its tourist spots.
History & Background
Rainbow Village (彩虹眷村) began as a modest settlement for retired soldiers and their families after the Chinese Civil War. As Taichung grew, most of these old military communities were demolished to make way for modern developments.
In the early 2000s, Huang Yung-Fu (also known as “Grandpa Rainbow”), one of the last remaining residents, started painting the walls to brighten the empty streets and keep the village alive. His colourful murals—featuring animals, people, and cheerful patterns—caught public attention and transformed the area into a symbol of creativity, resilience, and community spirit.
Today, the village is preserved as a cultural heritage site and continues to inspire visitors with its message: one person’s imagination can save an entire neighbourhood.
Getting There
You can reach Rainbow Village from central Taichung by bus, taxi, or Uber, or by High-Speed Rail (HSR) if arriving from another city. Several local bus routes stop directly at or near the entrance. Taxis and ride-shares are faster and more direct but also more expensive.
Route Overview
Distance: 12.28 km (Rainbow Village → Taichung Station)
Total elevation gain: 74 m
Duration: 2 hr 28 min (with breaks 2 hr 58 min)
Difficulty: Easy
Cost Breakdown
Bus: Sun Moon Lake → HSR Taichung Station — NT$195
Bus: HSR Taichung Station → Rainbow Village — NT$20
Food: NT$259
