Taipei: “Rainbow Six,” a popular rainbow crossing in Taipei’s Ximending shopping district, has reopened after a month-long renovation, featuring reoriented “TAIPEI” letters that have sparked varied responses from locals and visitors.

According to Focus Taiwan, the crossing, located near Exit 6 of Ximen MRT Station, has been a key photo destination since its installation in 2019, celebrating Taiwan as the first Asian nation to legalize same-sex marriage. The recent renovation, which began on July 8, was in preparation for Taipei’s annual Pride parade in October, as stated by the city’s Department of Information and Tourism. The reorientation allows tourists to capture photos with the bustling Ximending shopping district in the background, rather than the previous view of roads and buildings.

The renovation, which initially left the crossing covered in black, concluded with the return of the vibrant colors and repositioned “TAIPEI” letters. Visitors like Mitzia Perez from New Taipei expressed satisfaction, noting the improved readability and the more fitting backdrop of Ximending, the primary draw for many visitors. Perez, a frequent visitor since moving to Taiwan, praised the new alignment for its clarity and appropriateness.

First-time visitor Matthieu shared that the new backdrop, a pedestrian street with newer-looking buildings, aligns better with the area’s energetic youth culture, as he read in online reviews. Meanwhile, Krystal Smith from Belize appreciated how the new setup captures both the lively crowd and the street ambiance, likening it to the vibrancy of New York.

Conversely, Alex Liang, a local from Taiwan, preferred the previous backdrop featuring The Red House, a historic landmark. Despite his preference, Liang acknowledged that both backdrops effectively represent the Ximen area, each offering a unique perspective on the locale.