Nestled in Wujie Township, Yilan County, in northern Taiwan, the National Center for Traditional Arts (NCTA) stands as a living museum, showcasing the richness and diversity of Taiwanese folk culture.
Spanning an impressive 24 hectares, the center boasts three halls (Concert Hall, Exhibition Hall, and Theater Hall), three streets (Wenchang Street, Luban Street, and Linshui Street), and three buildings (Wenchang Temple, Guanghsiao Shrine, and Scholar Huang’s Residence). It is a vital hub for preserving and promoting traditional Taiwanese crafts, food, drama, music, dance, toys, and acrobatic performance arts.
Watch the following video for more interesting images of the National Center for Traditional Arts.
History of the National Center for Traditional Arts
The National Center for Traditional Arts was established by the Council for Cultural Affairs (now the Ministry of Culture) in 2003 and opened to the public in 2004. To enhance its operations, the center was partly entrusted to a private operator that same year, with the government continuing to oversee its core functions.
In September 2016, the center temporarily closed for a four-month renovation and transitioned to a new operator. When it reopened in January 2017, it featured several striking new art installations, including a giant pair of Moon Blocks (jiaobei 筊杯), a 65-meter-long Jumping Fish Tunnel, an 8-meter-high Tree of Hope, and the enchanting Misty Forest.
In celebration of the 2024 Lunar New Year and the Year of the Dragon, a new streetscape titled “Flying Dragons Dancing in the Sky” was created along Wenchang Street, adding to the center’s vibrant atmosphere.
The significance of the National Center for Traditional Arts
Deeply rooted in the aesthetics of Taiwanese folk culture, every building and street within the complex reflects the traditional style of a Taiwanese town from the 1940s and 1950s. Visitors are immediately transported back in time, as the old-style red brick houses and narrow alleys evoke the charm and simplicity of a bygone era. From the worship center to the residential neighborhoods, every aspect of the center is meticulously designed to recreate the atmosphere of a Taiwanese folk community.
The architectural design is not just about appearance; it is a deliberate effort to immerse visitors in the cultural significance of the period. Visitors walking through the center encounter various scenes representing the daily life, beliefs, and traditions of Taiwan’s past. This authentic environment serves as both an educational tool and a source of inspiration, highlighting the enduring beauty of Taiwan’s cultural heritage.
The following are some of the highlights of the center.
The Moon Blocks
The art installation of Moon Blocks at the center’s entrance immediately captivates visitors. These striking pieces feature a giant pair of moon blocks, known as jiaobei (筊杯) or divination blocks, traditionally used in Taiwanese temples for seeking guidance. One crescent-shaped wooden block lies flat atop the entrance, while the other stands upright on the ground. Together, they symbolize good fortune and blessings, welcoming visitors with a powerful visual representation of cultural significance and positive energy.
The Flying Dragon in the Sky
The stunning “Flying Dragon in the Sky” streetscape was created in 2014 to celebrate the Year of the Dragon. This impressive installation, stretching 100 meters, hovers between the buildings along Wenchang Street. The dragon’s head proudly rises at the entrance, while its body, composed of 1,088 lanterns, weaves through the street, symbolizing the idea of “Entering the Dragon Gate for Good Luck.”
The Tree of Hope
The Tree of Hope art installation at the center’s waterfront is a powerful symbol of the resilience and spirit of the Taiwanese people. Made of stainless steel, galvanized steel and aluminum wire, the nine-meter-tall sculpture is shaped like a local sweet potato, which resembles the shape of Taiwan.
The Tree of Hope is decorated with 150 wind-blown glass leaves hand-painted by children with rare diseases. It represents the enduring strength of the Taiwanese people, their ability to persevere in the face of adversity, and their determination to overcome challenges again and again, showing the world Taiwan’s unwavering spirit.
The Jumping Fish Tunnel
The art installation of the Jumping Fish Tunnel is an outstanding feature of the center. This 46-meter-long fish-shaped light sculpture blends seamlessly into the waterfront walkway, capturing the graceful movement of a fish swimming through the water. At night, the sculpture transforms as it is illuminated, casting reflections on the water’s surface that create the enchanting illusion of a glowing fish gliding along the river, adding a touch of magic to the park’s evening atmosphere.
The Misty Forest
The Misty Forest is an enchanting attraction inspired by Chinese paintings. Every 30 minutes, delicate mists of water are released, creating a changing landscape that varies with the day’s temperature and humidity. Visitors can enjoy the beauty of the artificial mist and experience its cooling effect and artistic charm, making each visit a unique and refreshing experience, especially in the summer heat.
The drumming performance ‘Meeting a River’
The drumming performance “Meeting a River” at the waterfront theater is a mesmerizing showcase of traditional Taiwanese drumming, vividly capturing the power and rhythm that echo the heartbeat of the island’s culture. Actors create a symbolic river through their drumming, representing the nurturing essence of a mother. As the audience is enveloped in the festival’s drums and gongs, the rhythms resonate deeply, uniting everyone in a shared dream.
The Strawmen’s Afternoon Party
The Strawmen’s Afternoon Party is a captivating event that begins with the Drum Elf leading a lively procession through the center. Starting at Wenchang Temple and moving along Wenchang Boulevard, the rhythmic drumming and energetic dancing create a festive carnival atmosphere.
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