Are you interested in small unique handicrafts by local artists? Treasure Hill started out as an illegal settlement founded by military veterans in the 1940's, but was turned into an art village in 2011 by the Taipei City Government. Today it's a picturesque place with art exhibitions and stores in narrow alleyways, with a beautiful view of the river. 

The Treasure Hill Art Village is located in the busy district of Gongguan, but is its own world separated from the night markets and stores. Take the Green Line from Zhongshan Station in the direction of Xindian. Ride for seven stops and get off at Gongguan Station and choose exit number 1. Take a right turn and follow the main road until the big round about. Turn right and then another right turn when the road splits into two paths. Walk past a basketball court and a temple and the art village is right behind them. Treasure Hill is open Tuesday throughout Sunday, from 11am to 10pm. Feel free to check out their website for the latest exhibitions (available in English as well): http://www.artistvillage.org/

Not so many stores and workshops were open when we were there, but it was very cozy to just walk around there. It wasn’t very artsy for a art village, maybe because we couldn’t see so many of the workshops, but it’s still worth visiting because of the pleasant atmosphere. It’s small escape from the busy city life. Even if it were not really any art exhibitions, the village had an artistic feeling to it anyway, and it had several good photo shooting spots for you to make your own art. 

If you are there a hot day like we were, we would recommend the ice cream in one of the souvenir shops. The passion fruit was very good sorbet ice popsicle with a rich refreshing flavour. For a small excursion - the Treasure Hill Art Village is perfect!