The only retro-painted village in Taiwan — a must-visit IG photo spot

By MOOK Scenic Spots / Reported and compiled by Chen Wenlin
 
Nowadays, there are more and more painted villages in Taiwan, with each place becoming a popular spot for photos. Now, the “Meirenli Painted Village” in Shalu, Taichung, breaks away from the cartoon and comic star themes common to other painted villages and instead adopts a retro theme inspired by 1950s Taiwan. With funding secured from the municipal government, it has created mural paintings full of old-world charm throughout the village lanes. These include a cheongsam tailor shop, the Black Cat Hotel, and rickshaws, as well as scenes that recreate the Taiwan of fifty years ago. It’s like stepping into a time tunnel, and its nostalgic, retro style has made it a unique hot spot for photos.

Unlike typical painted villages, Meirenli depicts scenes of old Taiwan. Along the way, you’ll find a once-common variety store, an old-fashioned public telephone, and can even spot schoolchildren playing hide-and-seek hidden in the walls. There’s also a remarkably lifelike Xiaoshiguang Noodle Shop, as well as a pharmacy and a movie theater. Though it lacks famous anime characters, its rich flavor of old-time Taiwan is equally captivating.