The boulevard leads to a public square with an outdoor stage for opera, puppet and musical performances. Over the holidays, related festival activities, such as making sticky-rice dumplings (粽子) during the Dragon Boat Festival are held in this area.
As of mid-December there was only a dim sum restaurant, 7-Eleven and Starbucks as options for food, although a food court was under construction and scheduled to open at the end of the month. There are plenty of patio-style tables to eat pre-packed lunches or takeout, in addition to several green grass areas at the front and back of the park.
Just how commercial the park will become in the future is questionable. The CCA commissioned a six-year contract to Uni-President Ilan Art and Culture Corporation to run 80 percent of the park. Although the contract states that 20 percent of the commercial enterprises can be non-historical it does not stipulate what companies can operate there, nor does it prohibit international franchises from opening. Currently Starbucks and 7-11, both of which are owned by Taiwan's Uni-President corporation, are the only franchise chains. Whether or not we'll see a McDonald's or KFC in the future remains to be seen.
While providing the public with a venue to experience Taiwanese culture first hand, the park also provides future artists with a place to cultivate their talents and passions for traditional arts. Each year, the NCTA board of directors invites several instructors and experts to teach at the on-site education center. During their residency, both teachers and students from Taiwan are provided with dormitory housing. The government subsidizes the programs in an effort to pass along the skills to younger generations.
"In addition to preserving the traditional arts, we need to bring them to life and keep them alive in our museums, theaters and minds, Fang said.
For your information :
What: National Center for Traditional Arts
When: Open daily from 9am to 9pm. Exhibition Hall closes at 5pm.
Cost: NT$80 general admission; seniors and children under 110cm free; parking cost NT$50 for the day
Where: 201, Sec 2, Wubin Rd, Wuchieh township, Yilan county (
Telephone: (03) 9705815
How to Get There:
By Train: Taipei-Ilan line (2 hours) exit at Loutong station (羅東站). Taxi to park (NT$200).
By Car: Taipei-Yilan Highway 9 (2 hours) and connect to Provincial Highway 2 to Wuchieh township or Highway 1 towards Keelung and connect to Provincial Highway 2
Web site: www.ncfta.gov.tw.
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