Zhudong Cultural and Creative Park Introduction
FUN Play at Zhudong Cultural and Creative Art Village: A Gorgeous Transformation of Old Dormitories into a Youth Innovation Base with Tasty and Fun Experiences. After 10 months of preparation, the Zhudong Cultural and Creative Art Village has finally opened! This youth innovation base integrates the diverse cultures of Hsinchu County and transforms into a cradle of dreams, with many shops operating their own brands based on the transformation of traditional industries. Strolling through the park, public art installations add a cultural vibe; special markets are held regularly, allowing visitors to deeply experience the charm of local life. Taking the Taiwan Railway Neihu branch line mini train to Zhudong, a cluster of nine auspicious figurines welcomes visitors at the symbolic train stations along the route. Stepping off the platform, on the right side of the station is the Zhudong Animation Park, showcasing various creative ideas in animation; walking to the other side, the Zhudong Cultural and Creative Art Village has just debuted. Operated by Fantasytouch Micro-Culture, it aims to help artists and local youth realize their dreams, offering experiences in indigenous craft, food, and design. The old space is infused with new creativity, revitalizing historical buildings with various professionals nurturing their entrepreneurial dreams. Adapting to the Local Context: A New Highlight for Cultural Tourism. The elongated park features a total of 10 buildings, divided into 16 independent spaces, focusing on revitalizing existing facilities while connecting with the cultural history of Hsinchu County, allowing artists and Indigenous workshops to establish businesses and encouraging youth to fulfill their dreams. The team from Fantasytouch Micro-Culture applies their expertise in shaping cultural creative clusters and marketing local specialties. Deputy General Manager Yang Sheng-Yao narrates the story of the Zhudong Cultural and Creative Art Village, outlining its future development. "When we took over the park, we thoroughly understood the hard and soft facilities, hoping to adapt to local conditions and emphasize cultural diversity to collectively create local economies." Thus, the team utilized existing resources, centering on people and cultural content, retaining the original appearance, buildings, and landscapes to find the artistic village's positioning value amid infinite possibilities. The 10 buildings were originally leased by the county government and Taiwan Railway, with architects overseeing the planning and construction of the old structures. The walls remain unadorned, showcasing a low-key, minimalist gray appearance, reflecting depth and dimension. The buildings are named from A to J, with each tenant responsible for their own decoration, aiming to shape a different cultural creative cluster image through the art village, creating a new highlight for cultural tourism. Cultural Cluster: Local Cultural Innovation in the Zhudong Cultural and Creative Art Village. Various new cultural creative spirits are emerging, with the first batch of tenants integrating local development and aesthetic living, creating unique brands. As art evolves into the creative source of the cultural cluster, it can leverage collective benefits, with shops generating sparks amidst competition and cooperation, realizing co-creation and mutual success. Entering the art village, the old buildings are given new life, and the creative products are irresistible; spaces transformed into cafes or eateries provide a soul-soothing experience that energizes visitors. Old Buildings, New Life: Delicious, Photogenic, and Fun. Flipping through the menu, the dishes incorporate Zhudong's culinary elements. Wu Jie humorously mentions that because his grandmother's home is in Zhudong, the snacks nourish childhood memories. Old Things Life mainly serves light meals and fried snacks paired with soothing herbal tea, following his grandmother's traditional eating habits. The Hakka crystal dumplings are made with rice from the Zhudong Soft Bridge community, featuring a soft and chewy outer skin, with minced pork filling releasing the aroma of scallions, hailed as a must-try Hakka dish! A signature special noodle dish includes fried chicken wings, vegetables, and drinks, perfect for chatting with friends for the entire afternoon. In the afternoon sun, light filters through the indoor space, dancing on old furniture and fluttering between worn walls and windows, blending into a nostalgic imagination. Brief Information: Zhudong Cultural and Creative Art Village Address: Lane 194, Donglin Road, Zhudong Township, Hsinchu County Opening Hours: 11:00 (Hours vary for different workshops and shops) Old & Crazy Address: Building D, Lane 194, Donglin Road, Zhudong Township, Hsinchu County Phone: 03 510 0940 Business Hours: 10:00 AM - 06:00 PM (Closed on Tuesdays) 853 Atayal Farmers' Market Address: Building C, Lane 194, Donglin Road, Zhudong Township, Hsinchu County Phone: 0926-151516 Business Hours: 09:00 AM - 07:00 PM Laurel Tree Workshop Address: Building F, No.8, Lane 194, Donglin Road, Zhudong Township, Hsinchu County Business Hours: Monday, Thursday: 10:00 AM - 05:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM - 03:00 PM Saturday: 02:00 PM - 08:00 PM Sunday: 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM (Closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays)
