Taichung is a city that’s full of surprises. From its stunning natural scenery to its thriving food scene, there’s always something interesting to discover in this central Taiwanese metropolis. One of Taichung’s most unique attractions is the Painted Animation Lane (動漫彩繪巷), situated in the West District. This alleyway has been transformed into a vibrant outdoor art gallery, featuring a collection of colourful murals and street art inspired mainly by Japanese anime.
A History of Transformation
Prior to its transformation, Painted Animation Lane was an unremarkable alley with very little pedestrian traffic. Then, the proprietor of a motorcycle shop located at the entrance of the lane decided to start adorning the walls with artwork, as he did not want them to remain bare.
Being a passionate anime enthusiast, he began painting characters from anime and cartoons. As the artwork gained attention and more people started visiting the lane, other neighbours also invited the shop owner to embellish their homes’ and/or shops’ walls. Some people said the proprietor’s family members also participated in the painting project.
Today, the lane is a great example of how a neighourhood can revitalise a space that was once overlooked and underused, by turning it into a vibrant and lively art destination.
Walking down the Painted Animation Lane
Which characters do you recognise? 😉
Final Thoughts
Painted Animation Lane is a one-of-a-kind outdoor art gallery that displays the ingenuity and proficiency of a regular local artist. Taichung is a city that is full of life and has a diverse artistic community. Regardless of whether you are fond of anime or not, I believe that exploring this kind of attraction is an excellent way to get a taste of the city’s unique character. If you visit Taichung, I strongly encourage you to make a stop at this lane!