Zhudong Cultural and Creative Arts Village Introduction
After 10 months of preparations, the Zhudong Cultural and Creative Art Village has finally opened! This youth entrepreneurship base integrates the diverse cultures of Hsinchu County and transforms into a cradle of dreams, featuring many stores that are traditional industries transforming and developing their own brands. Strolling through the park, public art installations intersperse the area, adding a cultural atmosphere; there are also occasional themed markets that allow for an in-depth experience of local life charm. Taking the Taiwan Railways Neiwan Line train, you arrive at Zhudong, where nine auspicious mascots representing the stations warmly welcome visitors. Upon exiting the platform, to the right is the Zhudong Animation Park, showcasing various creative ideas related to animation; walking further leads to the newly opened Zhudong Cultural and Creative Art Village, operated by Fantastick Micro-Culture, which helps artists and local youth realize their dreams through engaging in indigenous crafts, delightful eateries, and design works. The old space is infused with new creativity, revitalizing the historical buildings, with various skilled artisans residing to nurture entrepreneurial dreams together. This elongated park consists of 10 buildings, divided into 16 independent spaces, focusing on revitalizing existing facilities and connecting with the cultural history of Hsinchu County. It encourages artists and indigenous workshops to start businesses, supporting youth in pursuing their dreams. The team from Fantastick Micro-Culture utilizes their expertise in shaping cultural creative clusters, marketing local characteristics, and describing the story of Zhudong Cultural and Creative Art Village, outlining its future development. "When we first took over the park, we thoroughly understood the hardware and software facilities, hoping to adapt to local conditions and emphasize cultural differences to co-create a local economy." Thus, the team used existing resources, centering on people and cultural essence, preserving the original appearance of the buildings and scenery, and identifying the artistic village's value in the realm of unlimited possibilities. The 10 buildings were originally leased from the county government and Taiwan Railways, with architects planning the renovation of the old buildings, maintaining a low-key minimalist gray exterior without added decorations, showcasing layered variations and dimensionality. The buildings are named from A to J, with each residing unit decorating their space, aiming to shape another cultural creative cluster image through the art village, establishing a new highlight for cultural tourism. In the Zhudong Cultural and Creative Art Village, various new creative cultural spirits are emerging. The first batch of resident units combines local development and aesthetic living, creating unique brands. As art evolves into the creative source for cultural clusters, it enables the realization of the benefits of clustering. The different shops spark each other through a relationship of both competition and collaboration, practicing co-creation and mutual benefits. Inside the art village, you can see the old buildings infused with new life, and the cultural creative products make it hard to let go; spaces transformed into cafes or eateries provide a calming atmosphere, giving people the power to reboot their spirits. Flipping through the menu, the dishes integrate Zhudong’s culinary elements. Wu Jie humorously mentions that his grandmother's home is in Zhudong, and the snacks nourish his childhood memories. Old Matters mainly serves light meals and fried snacks, paired with grass tea that calms and refreshes, following grandmother's traditional eating habits. Using rice from the Zhudong Soft Bridge Community, they make Hakka crystal dumplings, with a soft and chewy skin, filled with minced pork that exudes a fragrant aroma, regarded as a must-try Hakka delicacy! Ordering a signature special noodle dish includes fried chicken wings, vegetables, and a drink; friends can chat all afternoon without growing tired of it. The afternoon sun gently pours into the indoor space, casting dancing shadows on old furniture, mingling with the imagination of time’s transition. Brief Information Zhudong Cultural and Creative Art Village Address: No. 194, Lane, Donglin Road, Zhudong Township, Hsinchu County Opening Hours: 11:00 (the opening hours of each workshop and store vary) Old & Crazy Address: No. 194, Lane, Donglin Road, D Building, Zhudong Township, Hsinchu County Phone: 03 510 0940 Business Hours: 10:00 ~ 18:00 (Closed on Tuesdays) 853 Thaya Agricultural Market Address: No. 194, Lane, Donglin Road, C Building, Zhudong Township, Hsinchu County Phone: 0926-151516 Business Hours: 09:00 ~ 19:00 Laurel Workshop Address: No. 194, Lane, Donglin Road, F Building, 8, Zhudong Township, Hsinchu County Business Hours: Monday, Thursday: 10:00-17:00 Friday: 10:00-15:00 Saturday: 14:00-20:00 Sunday: 09:00-17:00 (Closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays)