Yilan’s “Jimmy Liao Square” reminds travelers to cherish fleeting moments of life

▲Incorporating local characteristics, “Jimmy Liao Square” reminds travelers not to overlook fleeting moments of life. (Photo provided by netizen Angela)

Tourism Center / Taipei Report

The highly anticipated “Jimmy Liao Square” has finally officially opened in Yilan today after generating great excitement across various sectors. Located in the old dormitory area south of Yilan Railway Station, the county government team deliberately preserved historical buildings and old trees, making full use of abandoned spaces. By integrating installation artworks themed around Jimmy Liao’s picture books, the area around the station—once filled with a sense of departure—has been transformed into Taiwan’s first square featuring Jimmy Liao, becoming a new highlight of Yilan.

%The square officially opened on the 8th, with the suitcase from “The Underground” leaping into the real world. (Photo provided by Yilan County Government)

The flying bus from Jimmy Liao’s picture book “Starry Starry Night,” the male and female protagonists from “Turn Left, Turn Right,” and the suitcase from “The Underground” have all come to life.In response to the nearby “Interchange Bus Terminal,” images were selected from the three picture books “Starry Starry Night,” “The Underground,” and “Turn Left, Turn Right” to integrate themes and stories such as “travel” and “fleeting moments of life” with the space.The scene of the flying bus from “Starry Starry Night” has been deconstructed and presented through painting, relief, and three-dimensional installations, allowing the bus to carry the imagination of travel and joyful emotions as it soars into the sky. Each window frames a beautiful landscape. The deconstructed front and rear sections of the bus are embedded into two walls, with a three-dimensional flying elk and suitcase in the middle, blending seamlessly with the Jimmy Liao-themed square and the future interchange station into a constantly flowing painting.


▲The compact Jimmy Liao Square is filled with imagination thanks to these characters that have leapt out of the illustrations. (Photo provided by netizen Angela)

Suitcases scattered among the trees and buildings, inspired by “The Underground,” carry the metaphor of “small houses” and “home.” In the interplay between the imagery and the physical space, empathy toward travelers is expressed. The future Yilan Interchange Station will transform the cold impression of urban concrete pillars, allowing travelers to no longer rush in and out. The scenery will become rich and vibrant, time will flow more slowly and leisurely, and people’s faces will show more smiles.

The male and female protagonists from “Turn Left, Turn Right” each have their own preferred direction. Will they board different buses and miss each other, or will they walk around the circular path of the Jimmy Liao-themed square and future interchange station and meet again? The storyline of the picture book is embedded into the flow of the space, giving the area more humanistic imagination. Waiting time can also be filled with happiness. At the Jimmy Liao-themed square and future interchange station, there’s no need to rush or feel bored—lingering and waiting can be relaxing and enjoyable.

%The square officially opened on the 8th. The Lanyang Dance Troupe performed a newly choreographed dance set based on Jimmy Liao’s picture books. (Photo provided by Yilan County Government)