Little Brown Bear as the Driver: Jimmy Liao’s “Moon Bus” Takes Passengers into a Whimsical World

▲ The boy who found the moon is the star of the entire bus. (Photo provided by Sinyi Realty)

Reported by Chen Ruizhong / Taipei

Recently, at the intersection of Xinyi Road and Songzhi Road, an unmoving bus has appeared—but everyone is more than happy to line up for a ride and disembark with satisfied smiles. It turns out this bus is the Moon Bus, themed around Jimmy Liao’s picture book *The Moon Forgets*, and it is Taipei’s first large-scale outdoor installation inspired by Jimmy Liao.

▲ Animals hidden in the bookshelves showcase Jimmy Liao’s whimsical art style. (Photo by reporter Chen Ruizhong, same below)

The picture book *The Moon Forgets* tells the story of a boy from a single-parent family who one day encounters a moon that has fallen from the sky. The book was published shortly after the 921 Earthquake, making it a healing work for many.

▲ The Moon Bus built based on Jimmy Liao’s picture book.

Transformed from a flat picture book into a three-dimensional world, the Moon Bus features various moon-themed elements around its exterior pool and on its roof (they even glow at night!). Stepping inside, visitors are greeted by a smiling bear driver, and the only passenger on board is the boy who took in the moon.

▲ The bear driver you see upon boarding is sure to bring a smile.

Echoing the plot of the book, shyly smiling moons can be found on the handrails and the stop bell. Looking up, a small skylight reveals the sky above. The walls and windows of the bus also feature elements from the book, such as the quote, “What we remember, does it mean it will never disappear? I guard dreams as fragile as bubbles,” which resonates deeply with Jimmy Liao fans.

▲ The bus’s handrails also feature design elements of the moon and the boy.

In the cabinet at the back of the bus, various animal figurines created by Jimmy Liao are displayed. Behind the cabinet lies a mysterious tree hole, designed with mirrored reflections. Paired with ever-changing artwork and a giant moon around it, it allows visitors to step into a whimsical world alongside Jimmy Liao.

See more photos of Jimmy Liao’s Moon Bus＜＜＜ Click here

Hong Wanqi, Marketing Project Manager at Sinyi Realty, said the Moon Bus cost NT$16 million to create and officially opened to the public on November 1.

▲ The mysterious tree hole that creates infinite space through mirror reflections.

Hong pointed out that Jimmy Liao’s works have the power to heal the heart, adding warmth to the busy Xinyi commercial district. Therefore, Sinyi Realty collaborated with Jimmy Liao to present the theme of *The Moon Forgets* through the form of a bus, allowing the public to feel the emotions behind his art.

See more photos of Jimmy Liao’s Moon Bus＜＜＜ Click here

The Moon Bus is open daily from 09:00 to 21:00, closed on the first Monday of each month. Admission is free and on a first-come, first-served basis, with a maximum of 15 people per session and a 10-minute visit time per person. Hong also revealed that since its opening, the bus has been especially popular among families, couples, and office ladies, and even some couples have come specifically to take wedding photos. The Moon Bus will also become a permanent exhibit, serving as a new attraction in the Xinyi District.

Information about Jimmy Liao’s Moon Bus
Location: In front of the building at No. 100, Section 5, Xinyi Road
Hours: Daily 09:00–21:00, closed on the first Monday of each month