I had actually never heard of Taiwan’s famous Rainbow Village in Taichung,until I searched for it on Instagram. What’s it actually like to visit this tiny, colorful place in 2025? Is it worth making the trip, or is it just another spot that looks better online than in real life? Let’s dive into my honest experience!
What to expect in this article:
What is Rainbow Village in Taichung?
Let’s start by saying that Rainbow Village isn’t a village at all, it’s more like a small collection of houses painted with amazing murals.
The story behind it is that the artwork was created by Huang Yong-Fu. He was a retired soldier and is now better known as “Grandpa Rainbow.” (Cute name). In his 80s (!), he started painting walls, doors, and pavements to brighten up his neighborhood. I hope to be this creative when I am 80 years old! Little did he know that this would turn it into one of Taichung’s most famous attractions!
Last January, I had the chance to finally visit Taiwan, after I had to cancel my tickets in 2020 due to Covid. Not only did we explore this gorgeous country, I finally got to visit my Taiwanese friend again and celebrate Chinese New Year with her and her family. Something I will never forget. But now, talking about Rainbow Village. After visiting Hong Kong, we flew to Taichung, which was our first flavour of Taiwan. After some days, we did not know what to do and stumbled upon Taichung Rainbow Village.
How to reach Rainbow Village
Rainbow Village is located a bit outside central Taichung, so most travelers either:
Take a taxi or Uber (about 15–20 minutes from the city center)
Hop on a local bus that drops you nearby. As budget travellers, we did this; the bus leaves you right in front of the ‘village.’ Btw, you can’t miss the busstop, as it also has nice rainbow colors 🙂
Or visit as part of a Taichung day tour (often combined with Gaomei Wetlands or the National Taichung Theater)
Tip from this Dutchie who cycles everywhere 🚲: don’t try biking here unless you’re a fan of confusing Taiwanese traffic. Stick to the bus or Uber 🙂
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My experience at the Rainbow Village
Let’s be honest: Rainbow Village is tiny. You can walk through it in about 15 minutes. If you walk quickly, 2 minutes, haha. But it’s filled with colors, cute characters on the walls, and even rainbow-painted floors. You will not be able to see all the details, that’s how many there are!
It was difficult to choose where to take a photo, as everything is photogenic. So that’s why I tried to take as many photos as I could. I walked through the ‘village’ a few times to make sure not to miss anything. Also, there are cute notes that you can write and hang it, it is nice to see the art everyone created or nice words to others they put in it. This is Taiwan, everyone is kind to everyone 🙂
Luckily, we arrived early, as it can get super crowded. Everyone wants to see Yong-Fu’s creations and there is not much space, be aware of that.
Lastly, don’t forget to speak to the sellers, even when they speak little English. They deserve your attention (and money). The lady we spoke to, was so kind, she had the cutest souvenirs where some where even made by her daughter, so we had to buy something from her.
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Free to visit Rainbow Village?
Yes! There’s no entrance fee to visit. But there are donation boxes and small souvenir stalls (think postcards, tote bags, and other quirky Taiwanese souvenirs). Buying something small helps support the murals. If you are a budget traveller like us, this is a good attraction to visit as it is free.
Is it worth visiting Rainbow Village?
Honestly? Yes and no, but yes more 🙂
If you’re expecting a huge, buzzing street art district like in Tallinn, you’ll be underwhelmed. But if you go in knowing it’s a small, heartwarming spot with a touching backstory, it’s definitely worth a quick stop.
For me, Rainbow Village was less about the Instagram photos and more about feeling joy and happiness of being in Taiwan, where literally everyone is kind and you can find adorable stuff everywhere, even the famous transport EasyCard.
Where to stay nearby?
Honestly, we had a lovely stay in this accommodation with a Chinese name.
Final thoughts about the Rainbow Village
So to end this article, yes Rainbow Village in Taichung isn’t the biggest attraction you’ll see in Taiwan. And only if you combine it with other Taichung highlights and go with the right expectations, is it worth a visit. Anyway, I had a good time and like my whole Taiwan trip, I also look back at Rainbow Village with warm and loving feelings. I hope you will too!
Did you like reading this article? Have you been to Taiwan? I would love to know, so make sure to message me on my social media or leave a comment below.
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