Round up your old schoolmates and relive your youth again at Taiwan’s three most Instagrammed nostalgic military dependents’ villages!

▲A nostalgic corner of Guangfu New Village. (Photo provided by netizen Penny Yu. Please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

The retro trend is not limited to clothing and hairstyles—nowadays, even travel has gone “vintage”! Local governments are actively transforming old, abandoned military dependents' villages, hoping to preserve and restore historical traces into cultural and creative hubs that attract young people, allowing the past and present to coexist harmoniously. These villages have successfully captured the attention of the youth, with vintage furniture and weathered building exteriors becoming popular photo backdrops—perfect for reliving student days with friends through retro photoshoots. ETtoday Travel Cloud has compiled a list of three popular military villages on Instagram. Head to one of these spots for an Instagram-worthy weekend adventure next time!

Taichung: Audit 368 Innovation Village

Taiwan’s emerging cultural and creative tourism spot, “Audit Village,” was officially renamed “Audit 368 Innovation Village” after being taken over by one of the trendiest teams around. The birth of Audit 368 Innovation Village originates from its main thoroughfare—Lane 368, Minsheng Road—which runs through the heart of the original Audit Village. The vision is to create a unique “Audit 368 lifestyle attitude,” and with the arrival of cultural creators, the area now exudes a hipster vibe. The simple yet charming architecture and the relaxed atmosphere of the compound make it a standout destination.

▲Abandoned houses have become popular photo spots. (Photo provided by netizen Lin Yuting. Please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.)

▲The Audit Innovation Village is now home to many cultural and creative shops. (Photo by reporter You…ru)

Taichung: Guangfu New Village

Since being designated as Taichung City’s first cultural landscape by the Taichung City Government Cultural Affairs Bureau in 2012, this once-forgotten old military village has been infused with artistic elements through government support and youth entrepreneurship, transforming it into a new cultural and creative hub. Today, Guangfu New Village consists of a small community of 70 idealistic youth-run shops that blend art, design, and a laid-back lifestyle, while still preserving the original scenery and charm of the military village. Visitors can explore hidden treasures and enjoy activities in the creative shops, or wander the alleys of the military village to uncover remnants of Taiwan’s modern history.

▲ The photo was taken at a popular dessert shop in Kyoto. (Photo provided by Jenny Yu, please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.))

Tainan: 321 Lane Art Village

Hidden near Tainan Railway Station and the Transportation Center, the “321 Lane Art Village”—formerly the quarters of Japanese military officers—is full of delightful surprises, whether on surrounding walls, in the grass, or even on the old trees nearby. A thorough exploration can easily take one or two hours. In addition to cute installations, the area often hosts cultural and creative exhibitions, guided tours, the 321 Small Theater Festival, and spontaneous pop-up markets, breathing new life into the old military village and turning it into a fresh urban stage.

▲The transformed old military village shows a new face. (Photo provided by netizen @anbunuo. Please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.)

▲The red brick walls along the roadside exude a retro charm. (Photo provided by netizen @winter052566. Please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.)