The complex includes the Wen-chang Temple, a rare example of a temple built by private individuals rather than the government during the Japanese colonial era.
The architectural design of Old Street utilizes a mix of Southern Fujian red-brick motifs and Western-influenced Baroque facades.
The site hosts a unique 'Pillbox' theater building that integrates modern performance technology with traditional aesthetic design.
The center regularly invites master artisans-in-residence to demonstrate techniques that are officially recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage by the Taiwan government.
The layout of the park is inspired by traditional Taiwanese village planning, focusing on the integration of public spaces and commercial activity.
The National Center for Traditional Arts is a 24-hectare park in Yilan County dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Taiwanese folk crafts, performing arts, and history. The site features the restored historic Wenchang Temple and a central street reconstructed in the architectural styles of the Qing Dynasty and early 20th-century Taiwan. Visitors can watch live demonstrations of traditional crafts like woodcarving, glassblowing, and lacquerware. The park hosts regular outdoor theatrical performances and parades inspired by traditional Taiwanese festivals. A large portion of the facility overlooks the Dongshan River, which serves as a central aesthetic element of the grounds. The center operates as an open-air living museum where artisan workshops and historic housing are integrated into the visitor experience. It functions as both an educational hub and a cultural tourism destination.
The central bridge overlooking the Dongshan River with the traditional red-brick buildings in the background.
Wear comfortable walking shoes as the extensive grounds require significant navigation on foot.
Check the daily performance schedule at the visitor center upon arrival to ensure you do not miss the traditional puppet shows or outdoor parades.
Visit the riverside area during the late afternoon to see the traditional boats navigating the Dongshan River.
Do not rush through the artisan workshops, as the craft demonstrations are the core feature of the center.
