So photogenic you won’t even mind climbing Hero’s Slope—here are 8 free “painted staircases” across Taiwan

▲ The Taiwan Hakka Cultural Park is located in Tongluo, Miaoli. (Photo / netizenruru11210_0provided, please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement)

Travel Center / Compiled Report

Many people dread climbing stairs, but when plain, boring steps are adorned with colorful patterns, they become super Instagrammable artworks. ETNEWS Travel Cloud has rounded up 8 free “painted staircases” around Taiwan, so you don’t have to envy Japan or Korea—you can explore and snap to your heart’s content right here on the island.

▲ The 13th Generation Museum w??ā＃ㄍ迹??阕约a href="https://www.facebook.com/13hangmuseum/" target="_blank">New Taipei City 13th Generation Museum Facebook page)

1. 13th Generation Museum
The 13th Generation Museum features a 3D-painted “big ship entering harbor” theme, adding a sense of depth and transforming the originally gray staircase into a colorful ship. At first glance, it looks as if a real vessel is docked on the steps. It’s a must-visit spot near Whaleback Dunes.

13th Generation Museum
Address: No. 200, Museum Rd., Bali District, New Taipei City

▲ Tamsui Fuyou Temple. (Photo / netizenjohnsonc0518provided, please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.)

2. Tamsui Fuyou Temple
The painted staircase is tucked away in an alley beside the Tamsui Fuyou Temple, a third-grade historic site. Painted since November last year, it has become a new hot photo spot in Tamsui. The most eye-catching feature is a full wall of images depicting the Tamsui Goddess, Guandu Bridge, Tamsui sampan boats, sunsets, and more. When photographed from above, it feels like stepping onto a moving waterfall, offering a fully immersive experience.

Fuyou Temple
Address: No. 200, Zhongzheng Rd., Tamsui District, New Taipei City

▲ 3D-painted underpass on Huadong St. north of Zhunan Railway Station in Miaoli County (Photo / netizenhappy54321012345provided, please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.)

3. Zhunan Railway Station Underpass
Located in the underpass on Huadong St. north of Zhunan Railway Station in Miaoli County, this is the first privately sponsored underpass in Zhunan Township. The staircase is painted with huskies pulling sleds, making it look as if they’ve leapt off the flat surface. The other staircase features turtles and surfboards. There’s also an interactive photo area that has attracted many visitors.

Zhunan Railway Station Underpass
Location: Underpass beside Lane 31, Huadong St., Zhunan Township, Miaoli County

▲ Taiwan Hakka Cultural Park. (Photo / netizenpeihua___provided, please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement)

4. Taiwan Hakka Cultural Park
Located within the Tongluo Science Park in Miaoli, the 4.3-hectare Hakka Cultural Park resembles a massive land art installation, with many spots perfect for photos. Unlike painted artwork, the outdoor staircase plaza features randomly tiled mosaic tiles arranged in a circular design, offering different visual aesthetics whether viewed up close or from afar—it’s one of the hottest corners on IG.

Taiwan Hakka Cultural Park
Address: No. 6, Tongke S. Rd., Jiuhu Village, Tongluo Township, Miaoli County

▲ Colorful painted flower staircase in Miaoli. (Photo provided by Miaoli Xihu Junior High School)

5. Xihu Junior High School
Xihu Junior High School transformed its 10-meter-high, 110-step staircase by creatively incorporating local elements such as tung blossoms and pomelo flowers from Miaoli, creating a one-of-a-kind painted staircase. The long "Hero’s Slope" suddenly comes to life, offering a view that always seems to be covered in blooming tung blossoms. Black cats, squirrels, and even the school dog are painted on the steps.

Xihu Junior High School
Address: No. 1-1, Lane 1, Longdong Village, Xihu Township, Miaoli County

▲ Jianguo Elementary School. (Photo provided by a netizeniron0710Please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.)

6. Jianguo Elementary School
In front of Jianguo Elementary School, there is a 99-step staircase. The township office used 3D landscape painting to depict local features of Sanyi, such as the endangered Formosan clouded leopard, the Longteng Broken Bridge, Shengxing Station, steam locomotives, and even Miaoli’s most famous tung blossoms. These artistic touches breathe new life into the otherwise plain staircase.

Jianguo Elementary School
Address: No. 80, Guangsheng Village, Sanyi Township, Miaoli County

▲ 3D painted golden rooster at Zinan Temple. (Photo provided by a netizenloneliness_budPlease do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.)

7. Zhunan Zinan Temple in Zhushan
There’s also 3D landscape art at Zhunan Zinan Temple in Zhushan, Nantou. A giant golden rooster symbolizes joy, peace, and happiness, forming a heartwarming scene with chicks nearby. There are also paintings of dinosaurs and koi fish on the stairs next to the 6-star rated restroom. While praying for blessings, don’t miss this new highlight at Zinan Temple.

Zinan Temple
Address: No. 40, Dagong Street, SheLiao Li, Zhushan Township, Nantou County

▲ 3D painted staircase at Kaohsiung Wanxing Temple. (Photo captured fromKaohsiung Notebook’s official Facebook page)

8. Kaohsiung Wanxing Temple
At Kaohsiung’s “Qianjin Temple,” Wanxing Temple, the staircase in front of the temple features a 3D painted divine dragon. The colorful, multidimensional dragon is strikingly majestic. It was hand-painted over a month by 3D art artist Su Jiaxian, also known as “Dragon Painting Master,” combining religious culture and art to bring the temple vividly to life.

Wanxing Temple
Address: No. 325, Chenggong 1st Road, Qianjin District, Kaohsiung City