[Tainan 台南] 321 Arts Village ♦ 321 巷艺术聚落 @ Lynda's Taiwan-logue

< Visited in Aug 2018 >

Situated near Tainan Park 台南公园, 321 Arts Village (321 巷艺术聚落) used to be dormitories (apparently, for high ranking officials) of the Japanese Army Infantry Second Regiment, back in the 1930s. Unoccupied and left to dilapidate from the mid 90s, the government took ownership, and declared it a city monument in 2003. Eventually refurbished to house artists and performance groups, the old settlement reborn in 2013 is now an IG-friendly attraction, one of the many historical, cultural and architectural relics in Taiwan.

If you are a fan of similar attractions, check out my other blogs:
[Taipei 台北] Military Families Community Park & Good Cho's 四四南村 & 好，丘
 [Taichung 台中] Qingshui Day Trip // Qingshui Art Village 清水一日游 // 清水眷村文化园区
[Taichung 台中] Wufeng Day Trip // Guangfu Village 霧峰一日游 // 光復新村

Typical of my tendency to explore Tainan on foot, I embarked on an estimated half hour stroll from my accommodation at Zhengxing Street. Google Maps is highly effective and accurate in Taiwan, so make good use of it. Be sure to cover up well, slap on sunblock and stay hydrated to beat the often punishing southern heat.

Arriving at the "back" of 321 Arts Village (321 巷艺术聚落), I cut through an unassuming and quiet estate to catch sight of a public art installation (pink arrow above).

Scan the QR codes for short informational videos on residents and artists from the settlement (you can also try scanning those in my photo - they work!).

Approaching the walled settlement proper, an adorable icon beckons.

Stepping within the arts village, I was lost in time.

While the arts village is guided by operating hours, not all tenants are open to the public / all the time, or appear to be open. From experience, if you are keen to visit any of them, it's advisable to stay updated on their respective social media or official site.

There are still untouched old houses that are out of bounds, for safety reason and to avoid trespassing state land. Admiring them from a distance, they are silent reminders of their part in history, of a long forgotten past.

You would have noticed the random street art, sprucing up an old estate.

▼ Spot the furry resident scurrying across the overhead cable.

▼ Former residence of late Professor and Artist Guo Bo-chuan, now a memorial museum open to the public. Unfortunately it was closed during my visit.

Approaching a large metal structure, beautifully piecing together traditional window grilles (铁花窗).

This is the other end from where I had made my entrance, wrapping up my leisurely stroll that afternoon. If you appreciate nice quiet strolls, free parks, and rustic clusters with their histories narrated through art, this is one destination you can consider, even with kids and elders in tow.