Ten Drum Cultural Village

Ten Drum Cultural Village is a unique art space in Tainan that has breathed new life into an old sugar refinery built during the Japanese colonial period. Today, it is Asia's first international art park dedicated to the art of drumming. Abandoned warehouses and industrial halls have been transformed into a creative venue where industrial history meets the modern culture of Taiwan. The complex covers an area of about 7.5 hectares and includes 22 historic warehouse buildings.

The heart of the village is the breathtaking performances by the world-famous, Grammy-nominated Ten Drum Art Percussion Group. Their shows, combining powerful rhythms and theatrical elements, take place in a unique theater built on the site of former sugar cane crushing machinery. In addition to the spectacular performances, visitors can participate in interactive workshops and learn the basics of traditional drumming.

The Cultural Village offers entertainment for all tastes. You can walk along the Skywalk, which circles a hundred-year-old banyan tree, or visit a museum dedicated to the history of drums. For thrill-seekers, there are more extreme attractions, such as a giant slide passing through a former chimney and high-altitude swings. In the evening, when the lights come on, the old factory turns into a fairy-tale, almost magical place.

To plan your visit, check the performance schedule, or obtain more information, you can contact the cultural village administration. The most reliable way to get up-to-date details is to visit the official website or use the provided contact information.

The main reason people come here is, of course, the drums. Visitors can expect unforgettable performances by the world-renowned Ten Drum Art Percussion Group, whose shows blend powerful rhythms, theatrical skill, and acrobatics. These Grammy-nominated performances take place in a specially equipped theater on the site of an old sugar press. But the best part is that you can not only listen but also play: free workshops are held for everyone interested, where you can learn the basics of drumming and feel like a part of this ancient art.

For those seeking thrills, the Ten Drum Cultural Village offers a range of extreme activities integrated into the industrial landscape. You can take a dizzying ride down a giant slide that passes through a former chimney, test yourself on a climbing wall, or soar over the grounds on a zipline. The high-altitude swings and free-fall attraction are particularly popular, adding adrenaline to the cultural program.

Beyond music and extreme sports, the village offers plenty of activities for a relaxing break and strolls. Guests can walk along the picturesque Skywalk, which winds around a century-old tree, or take a small train through the park grounds. Inside the 22 former warehouses, there are now exhibition halls telling the story of sugar production and the craft of drum making, as well as cozy cafes and even a bookstore. After dark, the park is transformed by illumination, creating an almost magical atmosphere perfect for evening walks and photography.

Getting to the Ten Drum Cultural Village from the center of Tainan is quite simple, especially by public transport. The most convenient way is to use the local railway. You need to take a train heading to Bao'an Station. The trip from Tainan Main Station takes only about 7 minutes. From Bao'an Station, you can walk to the cultural village entrance in about 15 minutes. If you don't want to walk, you can take the Red 3 bus from the bus stop near the station, which will take you directly to the site.

If you arrive in the city by High-Speed Rail (HSR), your route will be slightly different. From HSR Tainan Station, you can either take a taxi, which will get you to the village in about 15 minutes, or transfer to the Shalun local train station, which is connected to the HSR station. From there, take a train to the aforementioned Bao'an Station and then walk. Of course, a taxi is the fastest and most direct way to reach the attraction from anywhere in the city, though it is more expensive compared to public transport.

Although the Ten Drum Cultural Village itself is a relatively modern project, its history is inextricably linked to the industrial past of Tainan. The art space is located on the grounds of a former sugar refinery built during the era of Japanese rule. The transformation of abandoned industrial buildings into a center for art and culture is a remarkable achievement in itself, demonstrating how Taiwan preserves its heritage by giving it a new life.

The history of Tainan itself, where the village is located, dates back to the 17th century. It was founded in 1624 by Dutch colonists who built a port and Fort Zeelandia (now Anping Fort) here. After the Dutch were expelled in 1661, the city briefly became the capital of an independent state and then, from 1684, the administrative center of Taiwan under the Chinese Qing Empire. This period marked the beginning of mass migration from the mainland, which largely shaped the unique cultural character of the modern city.

The history of the entire island of Taiwan is even more ancient, dating back tens of thousands of years. During the Age of Discovery, Portuguese explorers, enchanted by its beauty, named it Formosa, meaning "beautiful island." In the 17th century, the southern part of the island was colonized by the Dutch, while a Spanish settlement briefly existed in the north. The Europeans were followed by waves of immigrants from mainland China, who brought their traditions and customs, enriching the local culture.

To fully enjoy everything that the Ten Drum Cultural Village in Tainan has to offer, it is worth setting aside from half a day to a full day. This unique park on the site of a former sugar refinery in Taiwan is so multifaceted that a short visit may not be enough. It combines spectacular performances, extreme rides, historical exhibits, and simply beautiful places for walks, so the time needed for a visit depends heavily on your interests.

If your main goal is to see the famous show by the Ten Drum Art Percussion Group, you will need about 2-3 hours. The performance itself lasts about an hour, and it is worth allocating extra time to walk around the grounds and soak in its industrial atmosphere. However, if you want to experience other activities, such as the giant slide, zipline, or swings, plan to spend more time here, especially in the afternoon when there may be queues for the attractions. You will also need a few hours for a relaxed tour of the museum, photo sessions in the creative spaces, and a stroll along the skywalk.

Thus, a couple of hours is enough for a quick look and to see the show. But to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of this amazing place without rushing, participate in a drumming workshop, try several attractions, and enjoy the evening illumination that turns the factory into a magical space, it is highly recommended to set aside at least 4-6 hours or even a full day.

The Ten Drum Cultural Village is open to visitors year-round and operates daily, including evening hours when the spectacular illumination is turned on. According to the current schedule, the opening hours are as follows: from Monday to Friday, the park is open from 10:00 to 20:20, and on Saturday and Sunday from 09:30 to 20:20. Keep in mind that some attractions may have their own schedules and might be unavailable during the morning or evening hours.

While tickets can be purchased on-site, it is highly recommended to check the schedule of the main drum shows, which usually take place at 11:00 and 15:00, and plan your visit accordingly. To avoid queues and potentially save money, tickets can be booked online via specialized platforms. Since opening hours and performance schedules are subject to change, it is always best to check the latest information on the official Ten Drum Cultural Village website before your trip.

Visiting the Ten Drum Cultural Village is just the beginning of your introduction to the multifaceted city of Tainan. To make your journey truly unforgettable, it is worth taking the time to explore the surroundings. In the immediate vicinity of this unique art park, there are many other interesting sites, from magnificent museums to vibrant night markets, each revealing the character and history of Taiwan in its own way.

Exploring nearby attractions will allow you to dive deeper into the atmosphere of this amazing region. You can create a rich itinerary by easily combining cultural visits, shopping, and gastronomic discoveries. Below is a list of places near the Cultural Village that may interest you.