Picture books break free from the real world – Yilan Jimmy Liao Park captures fleeting moments of scenery
Last updated 2026-09-25 — Will the male and female protagonists of "Turn Left, Turn Right" — one going left and the other right — miss each other as two parallel lines, or will they eventually meet after circling around? This unforgettable picture book story will be vividly brought to life before your eyes. The very first Jimmy Liao-themed square in Taiwan is set to welcome every traveler at the Yilan Bus Station in June. As part of the “Lan City Star” project, through urban renewal, the former railway dormitory area south of Yilan Railway Station has been transformed into a national highway bus transfer hub. What was once an abandoned vacant lot is now a bright, open recreational space, adding value in tourism, transportation, environmental sustainability, and historic preservation. Its multifunctional design has turned this space into a brand-new highlight of Lan City.
By MOOK Travel & Living Network, Reported by Li Meixiu
Will the male and female protagonists of "Turn Left, Turn Right" — one going left and the other right — miss each other as two parallel lines, or will they eventually meet after circling around? This unforgettable picture book story will be vividly brought to life before your eyes. Taiwan’s very first Jimmy Liao-themed square is set to welcome every traveler at the Yilan Bus Station in June. As part of the “Lan City Star” project, through urban renewal, the former railway dormitory area south of Yilan Railway Station has been transformed into a national highway bus transfer hub. What was once an abandoned vacant lot is now a bright, open recreational space, adding value in tourism, transportation, environmental sustainability, and historic preservation. Its multifunctional design has turned this space into a brand-new highlight of Lan City.
The heartwarming characters from Jimmy Liao's picture books will come alive for every visitor. (Photo provided by Yilan County Government)
The design team at Ink International imagined how people would interact with this space: families and friends reuniting or saying goodbye at the transfer station, travelers waiting quietly for their buses, and locals or tourists relaxing in the park. From these scenes, the theme concept of “Fleeting Moments of Scenery” was born, using art installations to depict frozen moments of stories intertwined between people and the “Jimmy Liao Theme Park and Future Bus Terminal.”
The flying bus from "Starry Starry Night" will burst out of the real world, delivering a delightful visual surprise to visitors. (Photo provided by Yilan County Government)
To reflect the functional aspects of the site and echo the theme of “Fleeting Moments of Scenery,” Ink International selected imagery from three of Jimmy Liao’s picture books — "Starry Starry Night," "The Underground City," and "Turn Left, Turn Right." They wove in concepts of “travel” and “fragments of life’s scenery” into the space. The iconic image of the flying bus from "Starry Starry Night" has been deconstructed and recreated using painting, relief carving, and three-dimensional installations. The bus carries with it the imagination of travel and joy, soaring into the sky. Each window frames a beautiful scene, and the disassembled parts of the bus are mounted on two facing walls, with a three-dimensional flying elk and suitcase in between, blending seamlessly into the Jimmy Liao Theme Park and Future Bus Terminal site as a continuously flowing painting. The trees and houses in the artwork correspond directly with the landscape of the park and terminal. Suitcases scattered among the trees and houses — inspired by "The Underground City" — carry metaphors of “small homes” and “belonging.” Through the interplay of image and physical space, empathy toward travelers is expressed.
“Where there is shadow, there must be light” — the deeply moving Jimmy Liao picture book "Starry Starry Night." (Image provided by Ink International)
Will the male and female protagonists of "Turn Left, Turn Right" — boarding different buses and missing each other, or walking a full loop along the circular path of the Jimmy Liao Theme Park and Future Bus Terminal and meeting again? The storyline of the picture book is embedded into the spatial flow of the site, offering more humanistic imagination to the space. In "Starry Starry Night," the little boy and girl wait together for the school bus, forming a deep bond and connection. Time spent waiting can also be filled with happiness. At the Jimmy Liao Theme Park and Future Bus Terminal, there’s no need to rush or feel bored. Lingering and waiting can be peaceful and enjoyable. Please note that the art installations are for viewing only. Feel free to take photos with them, but do not touch or tap the sculptures to avoid damage.
The future Yilan Bus Terminal will shed its cold, concrete-pillared impression. Travelers will no longer rush in and out. The scenery will become rich and vibrant, time will flow slowly and leisurely, and more smiles will grace people’s faces.
● Read more: First-ever Soap Box Derby invades Taiwan — Creative racers now being recruited
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