Once home to the military families, Treasure Hill Artist Village has become one of Taipei’s most unique landmarks. A hilltop assemblage of 1960s and 70s shanties, many of them illegally erected, the enclave is now an incubator for Taiwan and international art, hosting residencies and housing studios.

Treasure Hill artist village in Taipei, 9 Jan, 2024. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP
Treasure Hill Artist Village in Taipei, Taiwan, on January 9, 2024. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP

It is not just for artists, though. The intricate alleyways that meander through the haphazard shacks are dotted with sculptures and street art, independent boutiques and artisanal coffee shops, too.

Treasure Hill artist village in Taipei, 9 Jan, 2024. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP
Treasure Hill Artist Village in Taipei, Taiwan, on January 9, 2024. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP
Treasure Hill artist village in Taipei, 9 Jan, 2024. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP
Treasure Hill Artist Village in Taipei, Taiwan, on January 9, 2024. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP
Treasure Hill artist village in Taipei, 9 Jan, 2024. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP
Treasure Hill Artist Village in Taipei, Taiwan, on January 9, 2024. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP
Treasure Hill artist village in Taipei, 9 Jan, 2024. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP
A person explores Treasure Hill Artist Village in Taipei, Taiwan, on January 9, 2024. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP
Treasure Hill artist village in Taipei, 9 Jan, 2024. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP
An installation ay Treasure Hill Artist Village in Taipei, Taiwan, on January 9, 2024. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP
Treasure Hill artist village in Taipei, 9 Jan, 2024. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP
Treasure Hill Artist Village in Taipei, Taiwan, on January 9, 2024. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP
Treasure Hill artist village in Taipei, 9 Jan, 2024. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP
Treasure Hill artist village in Taipei, 9 Jan, 2024. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP
Treasure Hill artist village in Taipei, 9 Jan, 2024. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP
Flags hang at Treasure Hill Artist Village in Taipei, Taiwan, on January 9, 2024. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.
Treasure Hill artist village in Taipei, 9 Jan, 2024. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP
A dog at Treasure Hill Artist Village in Taipei, Taiwan, on January 9, 2024. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.
Treasure Hill artist village in Taipei, 9 Jan, 2024. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP
Treasure Hill Artist Village in Taipei, Taiwan, on January 9, 2024. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP
Treasure Hill artist village in Taipei, 9 Jan, 2024. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP
Art at Treasure Hill Artist Village in Taipei, Taiwan, on January 9, 2024. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP

Treasure Hill Artist Village is about 10 minutes by foot from Gongguan MRT station. It is open between 11 am and 10 pm from Tuesday to Sunday.

Words: Mercedes Hutton

Dateline:

Taipei, Taiwan

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Kyle Lam is a Hong Kong Baptist University graduate who has worked as a photojournalist and reporter since 2013. His work has been published by HK01, the European Pressphoto Agency, Bloomberg and Ming Pao. Lam is the recipient of several prizes from the Hong Kong Press Photographers Association and Human Rights Press Awards.