Monday, September 12, 2011

Treasure Hill Arts Village

You would never expect this quaint little neighbourhood to be tucked away behind the hustle and bustle of Gongguan. Treasure Hill was formerly a settlement for KMT veterans in the 1940's. It has since been rejuvenated as an environmentally sustainable arts village.

It almost has a Mediterranean feel, as you wander through the jumble of lanes, stairways and rooftops arbitrarily connecting the buildings stacked like building blocks. The hill overlooks the Xindian River and there are many vantage points to appreciate it from.

It remains a residential community, with a few of the homes still inhabited. Other buildings have taken on a new lease of life, some are galleries, studios, cafes and there is even a youth hostel. It is a very welcoming environment, I felt at ease to wander around and experience some of the interactive elements.

(left) View of the village from the base of the hill. (right) Interior of one of the cafes.

(left to right) Wandering up the hill through one of the lanes. Another cute cafe. Making origami
rabbits and eating PB&J sandwiches in the cafe.

(left) Designing an evening lighting display for the village skyline. (right) A painting class
painting landscapes of the village.

(left) Detail of a humourous art installation. (right) Getting interactive and tryingto be
humourous with another installation.

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