< Visited in Jul 2019 >
Taiwan has a comprehensive programme to preserve and revamp old military villages (眷村) into heritage zones - as opposed to eradicating all of these abandoned communities - inviting local artists, workshops, non-profit organizations and even brands to move in and utilize the space. Qingshui Art Village 清水眷村文化园区 is one of these country-wide projects, among the many such as Guangfu Village 光復新村 in Taichung Wufeng, and Military Families Community Park 四四南村 in Taipei. Built in 1949 to house airforce personnel and named Xinyi New Village 信義新村, the area was officially marked a heritage zone in 2012.
I had made my way here as part of a Qingshui day trip - check out my full post here:Check out my entire Qingshui Day Trip here:
[Taichung 台中] ☼ Qingshui Day Trip 清水一日游 ☼
A rather subtle and unceremonious "entrance" into the village, from where I walked over. Fortunately a housekeeping lady saw my hesitant approach from a distance and warmly greeted me to confirm this was my destination. Thanks to her, I also found out there was a bus stop at the end of this pathway, where I could make my way to Qingshui (TRA) Station.
While most of the abandoned houses are unoccupied, and left in various state of debris, these have become pretty popular and rustic spots for photographers (saw a couple of model and bridal shoots!).
Others, interspersed among the shambles, are subtle artworks or work in progress, creating little surprises for a leisurely afternoon stroll. (Do remember your mozzie spray though.)
An area dedicated to cats.
Another unit presented the look and feel of an old residence in old Taiwan, presumably one that would have been occupied by someone more senior, considering its frontyard, spacious living room, and more rooms at the back.
Now, a mishmash of old furniture, trinkets and forgotten memories.
Past a beautiful padi field of green, swaying in the cool, post-rain wind, there was more to see - I followed the footsteps of other visitors in this direction.
Peeking into the Humpback Whale House, there seems to be some storytelling activity going on for kids - and packed with parents and children.
Back to one end of the village, and checking out what the project team has done...
Spying eyes from the concealed rooftop...
There is also space for (usually weekend) bazaars, which is another common use for such converted military villages.
If you like strolling at such unticketed attractions, there are buses here from Qingshui (TRA) Station 清水(台铁)车站, or make it part of a walking Qingshui day trip 清水一日游 like I did.
☷☷☷☷☷☷☷☷☷☷☷☷☷☷☷☷☷☷☷☷
Qingshui Art Village 清水眷村文化园区
@ No. 41 Zhongshe Road, Xinyi Lane, Qingshui District, Taichung City 台中市, 清水区, 中社路, 信義巷41号
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