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. Its colorful murals were created by former soldier Huang Yung-Fu, who began painting the houses to save them from demolition. While most residents relocated as the city developed, Huang stayed. His artwork was later discovered by local university students, who campaigned to preserve the village. Now protected as a cultural site, Rainbow Village has become a popular tourist attraction, especially after gaining attention on social media.
The bus stop is right next to the entrance, and even the stop itself is uniquely decorated. Walking through the village, I admired murals covering nearly every surface—even the walkways. Though the village is small, I spent time exploring every corner and enjoying the artwork.
Instead of taking the bus back to Taichung Station, I decided to walk. The route passed through a huge riverside park and then along a preserved old railway line, with informative displays about its history. It was a long walk, but a rewarding way to experience the city with the time I have.
Route Detail
Distance: 12.28km from Rainbow Village to Taichung Station
Total elevation gain: 74m
Time: 2h 28m (total time with breaks 2h 58m)
Difficulty: Easy
Transportation & Miscellaneous
Bus from Sun Moon Lake to HSR Taichung Station NT$195
Bus from HSR Taichung Station to Rainbow Village NT$20
Food NT$259
