Where should you go to relax during the holidays? Taiwan’s top 10 most popular online cultural and creative spots will help you unwind

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

Where should you go for a holiday? You want a place with beautiful scenery for photos, but also somewhere to stroll and shop—then you definitely can’t miss these ten spots. Recently,DailyviewDailyview compiled a list of Taiwan’s top 10 popular cultural and creative locations. These places not only feature distinctive scenery but also host cultural and creative shops. Come to these spots to fill your holiday afternoons with joy.

▲ Kaohsiung Pier-2 Art Center (Photo / Reproduced from the Pier-2 Art Center fan page, file photo)

1. Kaohsiung Pier-2 Art Center
Kaohsiung Pier-2 Art Center gained attention after the city government’s fireworks display in 2000. Later, through the efforts of artists and cultural creators, it was transformed into a space full of cultural atmosphere. Divided into three main areas, the center repurposed old warehouses that once stored fishmeal and sugar into exhibition venues. It regularly hosts artistic and cultural events, breaking free from the rigid use of traditional warehouses and connecting art with the world, opening up a new dialogue for the new generation. The area also features bike paths and pedestrian walkways, complemented by cultural and creative products, making it a relaxing spot for the mind.

▲ Songshan Cultural and Creative Park (Photo / Reproduced from the Songshan Cultural and Creative Park website, file photo)

2. Songshan Cultural and Creative Park
Songshan Cultural and Creative Park was rebuilt from the former Songshan Tobacco Factory. The planning focus of this park is not on commerce but on how to harness innovative energy, give culture more dimensions, and provide a platform for people to showcase creativity. Thus, Songshan Cultural and Creative Park came into being, making full use of the historic site to give the old tobacco factory a new life and offer a space for cultural and creative industries to thrive. In addition to various cultural and artistic events, many important occasions such as press conferences, film shoots, and award ceremonies also choose this venue. This highlights the cultural status of Songshan Cultural and Creative Park in Taipei, making it a great choice for people to relax.

▲ Huashan 1914 Creative Park (Photo / Reporter Chen Mingren, file photo)

3. Huashan 1914 Creative ParkHuashan 1914 Creative Park was expanded and rebuilt from a brewery constructed during the Japanese colonial period. Through the advocacy of artists, it has been developed into one of Taiwan’s emerging cultural and creative parks. The park frequently hosts literary and artistic events, and many cafes have set up shop here, allowing visitors to enjoy a cup of coffee amid the artistic atmosphere to relieve daily stress. At night, the park lights up, creating an ambiance that makes it a favorite spot for couples to take evening strolls.

▲ Taichung Rainbow Village (Photo / Reproduced from the Facebook fan page of Rainbow Village - Grandpa Huang Yung-Fu, file photo)

4. Taichung Rainbow Village
In August 2008, nearly 80-year-old Mr. Huang Yung-Fu picked up a paintbrush and colorfully painted the entire village, bringing it back to life. The Rainbow Village is about a 50-meter-long alleyway, with walls painted with various human figures, birds, and water buffalos, while the ground is covered with rainbows, flowers, and words of blessing. Grandpa Rainbow paints whatever comes to mind, resulting in highly diverse works. His bright and colorful style attracts many visitors. Although it once faced the threat of demolition, thanks to the efforts of the public and cultural groups, the village was preserved and renamed Taichung Rainbow Art Park, allowing Grandpa Rainbow’s paintings to continue to be seen.

▲ Tainan Blue Print Cultural and Creative Park (Photo / Reporter Huang Shih-Yuan, file photo)

5. Tainan Blue Print Cultural and Creative Park
The Tainan Blue Print, located on Hai’an Road in Tainan, is the work of artist Liu Kuo-Chang from 12 years ago. The blue wall symbolizes both the past and the future, but unfortunately, the landowner reclaimed the property, and in 2014 it was painted over. However, thanks to the efforts of the Tainan City Government, in 2015 the Blue Print reappeared in a brand-new form. Using 3D techniques, Liu Kuo-Chang’s Blue Print was given new life, and the Tainan Blue Print Cultural and Creative Park was created, reviving the memories of Tainan residents and allowing culture to continue to be passed on.

▲ Yilan Literature Museum (Photo / Reproduced from the Yilan County Cultural Affairs Bureau website, file photo)

6. Yilan Literature Museum
The Yilan County Government, recognizing the importance of literature to culture, transformed the “Former Principal’s Residence of the Agricultural School” into the Yilan Literature Museum. The design of the museum aims to preserve Yilan’s traditional culture. Once inside, visitors can experience the former glory of Yilan literature. The museum also provides a space for local literary groups and writers from around the country to hold literary events or nurture new creations within this historical building, helping to continue Yilan’s cultural and creative energy.

▲ 44 South Village (Photo / Intern Reporter Huang Wan-Ting, file photo)

7. 44 South Village
44 South Village is the first military dependents' village established in Taiwan and the first one to be preserved. Amid the high-rises of Xinyi District, 44 South Village is a small oasis of tranquility. The village also houses a military dependents’ village museum where visitors can learn about the development of dependents' village culture. The preservation of various old buildings makes this a must-visit spot for photography enthusiasts. If you want to slow down your pace of life, 44 South Village is a great place to explore.

▲ Taichung Cultural and Creative Park (Photo / Reproduced from Wikipedia)

8. Taichung Cultural and Creative Park
Originally the fifth distillery of the Taiwan Monopoly Bureau, the Taichung Cultural and Creative Park is built on the site of the old Taichung Distillery, covering 5.6 hectares, and is the most well-preserved of the five existing major distilleries in Taiwan. The park features simple architectural designs that create a relaxed and comfortable vibe, along with many cultural and artistic activities. The tree-lined grounds are perfect for a stroll. The Taichung Cultural and Creative Park is definitely one of the must-visit spots for Taichung residents looking to relax during the holidays.

▲ Daohe Six Arts Cultural Center (Photo / Reporter Chen Jui-Zhong, file photo)

9. Daohe Six Arts Cultural Center
The historic building of the Taichung Prison Drill Ground, after years of renovation and in collaboration with Yuanheng Academy, Asian Research Institute, Tongyan Theater Troupe, Daguan Tea Academy, Primitive Bow Workshop, Daohe Kendo Hall, and the Individualized Go Education Institution, aims to develop research and practice of the “New Six Arts Culture.” The Japanese-style architecture exudes an elegant charm, while the outdoor spaces are bright and full of vitality, making it a beloved spot for leisure and photography among residents in central Taiwan.

▲ Hualien Cultural and Creative Park (Photo / Reporter Tsai Wenjun, archival photo)

10. Hualien Cultural and Creative Park
The Hualien Cultural and Creative Industry Park was formerly the Hualien Distillery, covering an area of 3.3 hectares with 26 old factory buildings and warehouses. After the distillery ceased operations, it gradually transformed, developing with culture as its starting point. As a result, many cultural exhibitions and even local specialty performances are held here, drawing increasing attention to the park’s rich cultural scene. Walking through the Japanese-style, fence-free grounds lit up at night feels like strolling through the history of the people of Hualien, leaving an unforgettable impression.