Top 7 Most Beautiful Villages in Taiwan That Attract Tourists

Why is Cai Hong Juan known as the Rainbow Village? Simply put, the name "Cai Hong Juan" in Chinese means "rainbow." This unique village is located in Taichung and consists of just 4-5 small houses clustered together, making it a popular tourist spot in Taiwan thanks to its vibrant, multicolored decorations. Once a military dependents' village with basic, small houses, it became increasingly abandoned as the young people moved to urban areas for better opportunities, leaving only the elderly residents behind. However, as the economy grew, new buildings sprang up, and the land became more valuable. The military village, once out of place, became the golden land for real estate projects. While the younger generation easily accepted the changes, the veterans were unwilling to forget the past and refused to leave, even knowing that it was unlikely to preserve the village for long.

The village was saved due to the innovative efforts of war veteran Huang Yong Fu, affectionately known as Mr. Huang or "Grandpa" by the villagers. When the village was about to be demolished and its residents had moved away, only Mr. Huang and a few families remained in the dilapidated houses. Knowing that traditional protests were futile, he devised his own creative approach that produced unexpected results.

Upon entering the village, you'll find a sign directing visitors to walk calmly, avoid blocking narrow paths, and refrain from speaking loudly to respect the residents. The lively artwork scattered around the village was created by Mr. Huang, an amateur artist. His paintings, often featuring animals and deities, are intentionally rough and irregular. Some houses also display dolls, toys, and paper decorations, creating a charmingly unusual atmosphere.

Hujia Village, located in the Shanhua District of southern Taiwan, has seen a dramatic rise in property prices and attracts a growing number of visitors thanks to its charming, whimsical murals scattered across the village. The walls are adorned with colorful and adorable cartoon characters, which captivate tourists who visit Hujia Village.

The trend of painting murals began in April 2014, when three siblings from a local family decided to decorate their grandmother's house. This sparked a village-wide movement, with some families allowing their children to paint freely, while others hired artists to create impressive and visually appealing works. Initially, tourists only visited the village during the annual festivals held three times a year, but now the village sees visitors every day. Some residents even set up props, like bricks, to create a more lifelike effect in the 3D murals. On weekends, visitors are required to park outside the village and walk to explore.

A map guiding visitors to the painted walls can be found at the village entrance. It takes about two hours to walk around the entire village. Besides Hujia, many other villages in Taiwan, such as Nalun in Chiayi in western Taiwan and Haifeng in Changhua, are also following this mural trend.

Yaoguai Cun Village, also known as the Monster Village, is a small village located at the entrance of Chitou Forest in Nantou County. This village is built in a Japanese style, featuring unique houses and monster-shaped puppets displayed in front of each home.

Despite the eerie name, visitors often find the village's atmosphere to be surprisingly welcoming and charming. Upon entering, tourists are greeted by large, friendly monster statues from Japanese folklore, such as stuffed bears, bunnies, three-eyed creatures, and long-necked ghosts, all transformed into adorable, lovable versions. Colorful flags and lanterns hang along wooden houses, creating a whimsical scene straight out of an animated movie.

Visitors can take a walk along a forest trail inside the village, where they’ll find various attractions, including a theme park with games for all ages. One notable feature is the Monster Village Suspension Bridge, which spans a valley and is one of the longest suspension bridges in Taiwan. From the bridge, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding forest and mountains.

If you ever get the chance to visit Taiwan, don't forget to try the delicious freshly baked 'Cat Biting Person' Kubota bread at Yaoguai Cun.

Located about 36 kilometers west of Taipei, Houdong Village is known as the ‘Kingdom of Cats,’ home to hundreds of adorable and playful felines. The name ‘Houdong’ translates to ‘monkey cave,’ as the area was once a cave inhabited by wild monkeys. However, the cave is now just a memory, as Houdong has evolved into a ‘cat kingdom.’ Every year, the village attracts more tourists, with food for the stray cats primarily coming from nearby souvenir shops. Visitors to Houdong can easily reach the village by train, bus, or car. The village is easily recognizable by the sign, ‘Many cats are often seen here. Please drive slowly,’ welcoming both drivers and tourists.

In the 1970s, Houdong was the largest coal mining area in Taiwan. Around 2008, a group of cat lovers formed a volunteer organization to rescue abandoned cats from the streets and bring them to Houdong, where they provided a better living environment for them. Images of these cats began appearing on the internet, drawing cat enthusiasts from all over to visit the village. Today, Houdong is home to around 100 different breeds of cats and has become a gathering place for cat lovers. In this ‘cat sanctuary,’ visitors can freely admire, pet, and take photos with the adorable cats. The cats here live comfortably and are well cared for. They can be found lounging on park benches, wandering the streets, or entering people's homes without fear of being chased away.

Jiufen Village, perched on the mountainside in northern Taiwan, is a charming, historical village that draws many tourists. It’s a famous destination, celebrated for its breathtaking ‘mountainous sea view’ (yi shan mian hai), where you can enjoy both the mountains and the ocean. Not only does Jiufen captivate visitors with its scenic beauty, but it also offers a wide variety of dining options, perfect for those seeking a slower pace of life and relaxation.

When visiting the ancient Jiufen Village, tourists can stroll leisurely up the stone steps and take in the peaceful, nostalgic views below, a sight that’s hard to find anywhere else.

Apart from the famous Shuqi Road, Jiufen also features two parallel streets—Jingtian Road and Gushan Street—that intersect with Shuqi Road. Along these streets, visitors can find many restaurants, bakeries, tea houses, and even theaters and museums to explore. The village also houses a folk art exhibition hall, as well as several temples dedicated to the city god.

More than just a tourist attraction, Jiufen has also become a popular filming location. Its nostalgic atmosphere makes it an ideal backdrop for historical and period films. In 1989, Jiufen was used as a key setting in the hit movie “City of Sadness.” In 2001, renowned Japanese director Miyazaki Hayao chose Jiufen as the setting for his animated film “Spirited Away.” If you're searching for a peaceful and vintage getaway, this village is a must-visit.

In recent years, Taiwan has become a rising star in tourism, attracting visitors from around the globe. Known for its ancient villages and majestic mountain scenery that still retains a peaceful vibe, one of the gems is Shifen Ancient Village. Despite the passing of time, Shifen remains a beloved destination, retaining its timeless charm that keeps visitors coming back year after year.

Located in Pingxi District, New Taipei City, about 30 km northeast of Taipei, Shifen is nestled along the Keelung River, famous for its ancient stone pathways, suspension bridges, and winding narrow streets. The village boasts traditional wooden houses, narrow lanes, and historic cobbled streets. The vibrant and traditional architecture of the buildings, along with their eye-catching colors, create a nostalgic and welcoming atmosphere that continues to draw crowds. Surrounded by lush mountainous landscapes, Shifen offers an environment filled with clear, fresh air and beautiful nature. The village is graced by rivers, waterfalls, and verdant hills that paint a serene and picturesque scene. What stands out in Shifen is its winding streets surrounded by traditional wooden houses, creating a perfect blend of old-world charm and beauty. Each home has a unique design, often decorated with traditional artwork and motifs, which adds a distinct flair to the village.

Shifen is also renowned for the railway that cuts through the heart of the village, operating since the 1930s. As trains pass through, locals and tourists alike often step aside onto the tracks, creating a joyful and lively atmosphere. This quirky interaction has become a popular and unique feature of the village. Another striking feature of Shifen is its lantern festivals. As night falls, thousands of colorful lanterns light up the streets, casting a magical, romantic glow over the village. But beyond the natural beauty and picturesque sights, visitors are also enchanted by the people of Shifen. With their warm hospitality and smiles, the locals create a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, making every visitor feel as though they are at home.

Lukang is another historic village in Taiwan that Mytour would like to introduce to travelers, located in Changhua County. Visiting Lukang offers tourists the chance to explore and learn about Taiwan’s rich historical and cultural heritage.

With its coastal location and vast area, Lukang quickly became one of Taiwan’s most prosperous towns in earlier times. Today, although Lukang no longer holds the economic position it once did, its strong cultural identity and tranquil, picturesque surroundings have made it one of Taiwan's most famous ancient villages that travelers should not miss.

In Lukang, visitors can feel the passage of time, as the marks of history are still clearly visible in every corner of the village. From the traditional tube-shaped ancient houses to the old streets paved with red bricks, lined with shops that have grown close together, Lukang presents a nostalgic and poetic charm.

At Lukang, tourists can also visit historic cultural sites that are of great significance to the locals and Taiwan as a whole. You can explore the temples, which are considered the village’s architectural symbols. These temples, built centuries ago, carry the imprint of time, offering a sacred and ancient atmosphere.

Notably, Lukang has a famous 200-year-old alley known as the "Chest Rub Alley," which attracts many tourists for photo opportunities. The alley got its name due to its narrow width, ranging from 47 to 59 cm, which allows only one person to walk at a time. If two people walk side by side, they inevitably have to “bump into each other.” This unique name has stuck and continues to be part of the village’s charm today.