"I'm gonna be the Pirate King!" Pingtung County's Yanpu Township becomes a pilgrimage site for One Piece fans

Photos & Text /Bear

When Luffy and his crew become the stars of these murals, just imagine how thrilling that would be. When the straw-hatted boy appears before your eyes in such vivid, detailed paintings—wow, it really sends you into a brief frenzy...

After resting at home on Saturday, I planned a one-day trip to Pingtong on Sunday. With summer vacation here, I deliberately avoided crowded tourist spots. The recently viral One Piece murals were also added to my itinerary.

Having just admired the cool Luffy mural in the afternoon, the ETV movie channel happened to air "One Piece Film: Z" that evening, so I watched it again. There aren’t many murals here—just two large ones—but the brushwork is incredibly delicate, like a deluxe illustrated book.

A sudden downpour in the afternoon prompted the homeowner to roll out the awning to keep the rain from soaking the interior. To capture Franky’s pose, I had to include the awning in the shot as well.

Seeing Franky raising one arm in a spirited pose lifted my mood—I felt ready to set sail on the Thousand Sunny too.

I’m particularly fond of Chopper, so I couldn’t resist sneaking a solo shot of him.

Usopp’s gaping mouth stole the spotlight from everyone else, drawing my gaze every time.

The scar under Luffy’s left eye and his gentle smile always draw you in with his warmth and cheerfulness. The adventures he shares with his crew, the humor that makes you laugh in the show, the emotions when they refuse to give up... The vivid colors and fine brushstrokes make Luffy and his crew come alive on the walls, almost leaping off the surface.

Currently, there are only two murals—one vertical, featuring Luffy alone, and one horizontal, depicting the entire pirate crew.

Bear loves this mural—it’s both handsome and powerful. The gradient colors and shadows, along with the meticulously rendered accessories, are truly captivating.

It’s a pity there are only two murals; it’s really not enough to satisfy.

On the day of my visit, I happened to meet the homeowner’s wife and chatted with her for a while =^^= Apparently, her husband has ordered another One Piece-related book, and they might continue painting on the second-floor wall, though nothing’s confirmed yet. Honestly, Bear would love for this place to become a full-fledged One Piece mural village—that would be amazing—but the creators might sue them ^^"

The murals are painted on the wall of an open space next to the house, somewhat hidden. If we hadn’t overshot our turn and doubled back, we might’ve had to ask for directions. The village roads are narrow—just wide enough for two cars to pass. While admiring the art, please don’t park recklessly or make loud noises for your own convenience. The homeowner generously allows public appreciation of the murals, but let’s avoid causing any inconvenience.

Yesterday, the final stop of my trip was a bit far, but seeing such exquisite artwork made it worthwhile. The lifelike murals almost make you want to shout: "I wanna be the Pirate King and join the Straw Hat Pirates!"

Attraction: One Piece Murals
Address: No. 5-5, Renzhi Road, Gaolang Village, Yanpu Township, Pingtung County

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