Tourists enthusiastically pet the suitcase in Yilan's Jimmy Liao Square, "wearing its skin off"

▲Jimmy Liao Square, located south of Yilan Railway Station, brings the illustrated world of Jimmy Liao’s picture books to life. (Photo / Reporter Chen Ziying)

Tourism Center / Comprehensive Report

Located at Yilan Railway Station, Jimmy Liao Square brings the illustrated world of Jimmy Liao’s picture books to life. Recently, however, it was discovered that various artworks in the square have been torn, damaged, and the character figurines show multiple areas of peeling paint. Their grimy, dusty appearance has left Jimmy Liao fans heartbroken, exclaiming, “How could people be so inconsiderate!”

Jimmy Liao, a popular picture book artist, creates stories and characters that deeply touch readers’ hearts. Since its opening at the end of June 2013, Jimmy Liao Square in Yilan, which faithfully recreates the world of his picture books, has attracted over 150,000 visitors on a “pilgrimage.”

But althoughThe artworks in the square are made of reinforced materials, they couldn’t withstand the “everyone-has-to-touch-it” behavior of the public.Many people habitually pull or tug at the sculptures while taking photos, or even use them as seats when tired from walking. When taking pictures with the waiting-character figurines, they can’t resist getting close and posing with actions like putting an arm around their shoulders. Coupled with the fact that it’s an outdoor art square exposed to sun and rain, a visit to Jimmy Liao Square today reveals most of the artworks in a sorry state—peeling paint and broken handles.

%The once-pristine suitcase (as shown in the left photo) has had its exterior paint worn down due to excessive touching (right photo). (Photo / Reporter Chen Ziying; provided by netizen Little Bear)

▲The originally intact red handbag now shows clear signs of breakage if you visit Jimmy Liao Square today. (Photo / Reporter Chen Ziying)

Many “Jimmy Liao fans” have noticed that in the square’s picture book “Turn Left, Turn Right,” the female protagonist’s suitcase handle has lost its paint, other suitcase handles have been pulled off, and the shoulder strap of the red handbag shows obvious signs of damage. Additionally, the emerald-green rabbit-shaped installation art also has some areas where the paint has peeled off.

The Yilan County Government’s Department of Commerce, Industry, and Tourism stated that the damaged installations are all copyrighted, so they need to be repaired by professional craftsmen from Jimmy Liao’s team. However, as the Jimmy Liao team is currently overseas and will only return on the 8th, repairs can only be carried out after their return. The county government also mentioned that previously erecting “Please Do Not Touch” signs was criticized as spoiling the atmosphere, so now they rely on announcements to remind visitors. They also hope the public will show civic responsibility and help preserve the artworks’ original appearance.