Zhudong Cultural and Creative Arts Village Introduction
FUN at Zhudong Cultural and Creative Art Village: A Stunning Transformation of the Old Dormitory into an Innovative Base for Young Entrepreneurs After 10 months of preparation, the Zhudong Cultural and Creative Art Village has finally opened! This incubator for young entrepreneurs integrates the diverse cultures of Hsinchu County, transforming into a cradle for dreams. Most of the businesses here represent traditional industries evolving into their own brands. Strolling through the park, one can admire public art installations sprinkled throughout, adding a touch of cultural atmosphere. The village also regularly hosts themed markets, providing an in-depth experience of local life. Taking the Taiwan Railway's Neiwan Branch Line, visitors sway into Zhudong, greeted by nine auspicious mascots symbolizing the stations along the way. Upon exiting the platform, to the right is the Zhudong Animation Park, showcasing various creative ideas related to animation; to the other side lies the newly opened Zhudong Cultural and Creative Art Village. Operated by Fantasigh Micro-Creative Culture, the venue supports artists and local youth in realizing their dreams, offering experiences in indigenous crafts, casual dining, and design works. The old space is infused with new creativity, revitalizing historical buildings while accommodating various craftsmen, nurturing their entrepreneurial dreams together. Adapting to Local Conditions: A New Highlight in Cultural Tourism The elongated park consists of ten buildings divided into 16 independent spaces, aiming to reactivate existing facilities while connecting to Hsinchu County's cultural history. It encourages artists and indigenous workshops to establish businesses and empowers youth to chase their dreams. The team responsible for operations and marketing at Fantasigh Micro-Creative Culture utilizes their expertise to shape the cultural creative community's brand, promoting local characteristics. Vice General Manager Yang Sheng-Yao eloquently recounts the story of the Zhudong Cultural and Creative Art Village, painting a picture of its future development. "When we first took over the park, we thoroughly assessed the hardware and software facilities, hoping to tailor them to local conditions and focus on cultural diversity to co-create local economies." The team leverages existing resources, centering around people and cultural content, preserving the original appearance of buildings and landscapes while finding the positioning value of the art village amid infinite possibilities. The ten buildings were originally rented from the county government and Taiwan Railways, designed and overseen by architects. The walls are left unembellished, presenting a minimalist gray exterior that reveals depth and dimensionality. The buildings, named from A to J, are individually decorated by the businesses that occupy them, aiming to create an alternative image of a cultural creative community and establish a new highlight for cultural tourism. An Artistic Community: Revitalizing Local Culture In the Zhudong Cultural and Creative Art Village, various new creative spirits are emerging. The first group of businesses combines local development with lifestyle aesthetics, forming distinctive brands. When art evolves into the creative source for the community, it can harness the benefits of collaboration—stores spark creativity in a relationship of both competition and cooperation, achieving co-creation and mutual benefit. Stepping into the art village, one can see old buildings revitalized, with cultural creative products that are hard to resist. Spaces transformed into cafés or eateries allow visitors to unwind and gain renewed energy. Old Houses, New Life: Delicious and Instagrammable Flipping through the menu, the dishes incorporate flavors from Zhudong cuisine. Wu Jie humorously shares that his grandmother lives in Zhudong, and the local snacks nurtured his childhood memories. Old Affairs生活 primarily offers light snacks and fried food along with the refreshing herbal tea passed down from his grandmother’s traditional cooking practices. The Hakka crystal dumplings are made with rice from the Zhudong Soft Bridge community, featuring a soft, chewy skin and fragrant minced pork filling—a must-try delicacy! Ordering a signature special noodle dish, which includes fried chicken wings, vegetables, and drinks, guarantees an enjoyable afternoon with friends. The afternoon sunlight casts a gentle glow in the indoor spaces, dancing on antique furniture, and mingling with the faded walls and windows, inviting imagination across the passage of time. Brief Information Zhudong Cultural and Creative Art Village Address: 194 Lane, Donglin Road, Zhudong Township, Hsinchu County Opening Hours: 11:00 AM (varies by workshop and store) Old Affairs生活 (Old & Crazy) Address: Building D, 194 Lane, Donglin Road, Zhudong Township, Hsinchu County Phone: 03-510-0940 Operating Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (closed on Tuesdays) 853 Tayal Farmers Market Address: Building C, 194 Lane, Donglin Road, Zhudong Township, Hsinchu County Phone: 0926-151516 Operating Hours: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM Laurel Workshop Address: Building F, No. 8, 194 Lane, Donglin Road, Zhudong Township, Hsinchu County Operating Hours: Monday and Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM Saturday: 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays)
