Treasure Hill Artist Village is a former hillside settlement in Taipei’s Zhongzheng District, now home to artists’ studios and public art. Its narrow lanes, stairways and individual houses make exploring feel different from visiting a conventional gallery. Look for murals, sculptures and exhibitions by local and international artists, with some studios open to the public. The village also has a protected green area and views toward the water. Gallery access can vary, so check what is open before setting out.
From settlement to artists’ village
Treasure Hill began as a settlement established by soldiers who came to Taiwan with Chiang Kai-shek in the late 1940s. After the Second World War, the area also served as a military base for the Kuomintang. Over time, it became a community built beyond formal planning, with residents adapting the hillside to daily life.
Some homes were made from discarded materials, and residents created organic gardens beside the river and reused grey water. The community also developed ways to access electricity. These traces of an improvised settlement are part of the site’s history, alongside its present role as a place for artists.
A living community and creative space
In 2010, the government worked with the local community and arts organisations to preserve the village and turn it into a place where artists could live, work and exhibit. The conversion did not erase the residential character of the hillside. Houses, studios and public artworks sit within the same network of narrow paths and staircases.
The village has studio and exhibition spaces for resident artists. Some artists work behind doors that are open to visitors, while other spaces may be closed. Exhibitions vary in style and quality, and not every gallery is available on every visit. The public artworks are spread through the lanes, so exploring the routes between buildings is part of seeing the work.
Finding your way around the hillside
The steep layout rewards a slow walk through its passages and stairways. A marked hiking trail gives a shaded alternative to the regular streets and can lead to better views. The grounds also include a protected green area, offering a quieter stretch among the village’s built spaces.
Treasure Hill is near Gongguan MRT station, about a 10-minute walk away. It is also close to the Museum of Drinking Water; the village can be reached by heading toward the river from the museum and turning left. Allow time to follow the winding paths, since the studios and public art are spread across the hillside rather than gathered in one gallery.
The outdoor setting can be hot around midday, and mosquitoes may be present. Take water in warm weather and ask at the information booth about repellent. If visiting for a particular exhibition, check the village website first, since the published opening times do not guarantee that every gallery will be open.
Perguntas frequentes
How do you get to Treasure Hill Artist Village?
It is about a 10-minute walk from Gongguan MRT station. From the Museum of Drinking Water, head toward the river and turn left.
Are the studios and galleries always open?
No. Some spaces may be closed even when the village is open, so check the website before visiting.
What should I bring for a visit?
Bring water in hot weather. Mosquito repellent is available at the information booth.
Is there an evening exhibition?
An evening light exhibition is one of the village’s attractions. Check the website for current exhibition details.
