White Fungus is an arts magazine based in Taichung City, Taiwan. Founded by brothers Ron Hanson and Mark Hanson in Wellington, New Zealand, in 2004, it began as an intended one-off, photocopied political zine.

The publication protested the building of an inner-city bypass through the heart of Wellington’s arts district. The road would see the eviction of artists from their studios and the destruction of heritage buildings. Copies of the first issue of White Fungus were wrapped in Christmas paper and hurled anonymously through the entrances of businesses throughout the city.

The name of the publication comes from a can of “white fungus” the Hansons found in their local Taichung City supermarket in 2003. The can contained a pulped beverage produced in the city’s industrial zone. Each cover of White Fungus is derived from a scan of that can. White fungus is a wild mushroom that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. Today, it is commonly served in soup as a local delicacy. White fungus is believed to be good for immunity, the brain, heart, and skin.

Over time, White Fungus evolved into a widely distributed print magazine with an international readership. The publication features interviews and writing on art, music, history, and politics. It has also served as a platform for a range of activities, including interdisciplinary art events, exhibitions, forums, online publishing, film screenings, and talks. In 2009, White Fungus relocated to Taiwan, where it has since been based.