A new hub for the literati and artsy crowd! The top 10 hottest independent bookstores in the country have been revealed

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

In recent years, the literati trend has flourished. For many, leisure activities are no longer limited to outdoor excursions—visiting bookstores to browse through books and appreciate their charm has also become a way for people to relax. To meet this demand, bookstores have evolved into more diverse forms. RecentlyDailyviewalso selected Taiwan's top 10 independent bookstores. Whether it’s the atmosphere or the unique selection of books, it’s time for the literati to pack their bags and pay them a visit.

▲ Hweimucuo Salon (Photo / Reposted fromHweimucuo Salon’s official fan page)

1. Hweimucuo Salon
A Japanese-Western style house built in 1940 (a hybrid structure combining traditional Japanese wooden architecture with Western design), transformed in 2011 into an “independent bookstore.” With clear themes focusing on “ecology, gender, and alternative globalization,” it curates diverse art salons and themed book exhibitions. Every corner of the bookstore has its own story, and paired with the lighting inside, the entire space retains a unique charm and distinct character.

▲ Sanyu Bookstore (Photo / Reposted fromSanyu Bookstore’s official fan page)

2. Sanyu Bookstore
In 2013, five young men established a bookstore culture for the people of Kaohsiung, using an old single-story house as their base, filling the last missing piece in Taiwan’s independent bookstore scene. Through themed displays and carefully arranged settings, the store tells one story after another. The shop owner believes that “books are not commodities, and bookstores have the responsibility to convey the care and effort of authors and editors to readers.” The third floor of the bookstore also doubles as a concert venue, adding even more diversity to its style.

▲ Jasmine Used Bookstore (Photo / Reposted fromJasmine Used Bookstore’s official fan page)

3. Jasmine Used Bookstore
Originating from a traditional second-hand book stall, Jasmine Used Bookstore has grown from a tiny three-ping storefront to a chain with six branches across Taiwan and an online platform. It has moved away from the stacked-book atmosphere typical of traditional second-hand bookstores, instead creating a bright, clean, and cozy environment that allows readers to freely explore and choose their own world.

▲ Brilliant Time: Southeast Asia-Themed Bookstore (Photo / Reposted fromBrilliant Time: Southeast Asia-Themed Bookstore’s official fan page)

4. Brilliant Time: Southeast Asia-Themed Bookstore
Zhang Zheng, former editor-in-chief of the now-defunct Four-Front News—a publication that long focused on Taiwan’s new immigrant communities—opened this Southeast Asia-themed bookstore “Brilliant Time” on Myanmar Street in New Taipei City. Books here, whether new or old, are available only for borrowing, not for sale, and readers are allowed to make marks in them. The goal is to allow every reader to share their own warmth and experience diverse cultural impacts through book exchanges.

▲ Huanghuang Used Bookstore. (Photo / Reposted fromHuanghuang Used Bookstore’s official fan page)

5. Huanghuang Used Bookstore
Unlike typical independent bookstores, Huanghuang, located in Taitung, offers youth hostel accommodations and even allows book exchanges for lodging—an especially unique feature. The name “Huanghuang” comes from a stray cat with damaged ears that the owner adopted; although the cat has since passed away, the bookstore maintains a strong atmosphere of care for small animals, making it a must-visit independent bookstore for animal-loving literati.

▲ Little Study (Photo / Reposted fromLittle Study blog)

6. Little Study
Tucked away in the alleys of Yonghe District, New Taipei City, “Little Study” is so hidden that even many locals don’t know of its existence. But as the saying goes, good things come in small packages — the collection at Little Study rivals that of much larger bookstores. “Because of our love for books, we exist.” This is the message Little Study hopes to share. By stepping into this small, intimate bookstore, you’ll discover not just the value of the books themselves, but also the emotional atmosphere the store exudes.

▲ Sunny Farm Rainy Read Cottage (Photo / Reposted fromSunny Farm Rainy Read Cottage’s Facebook page)

7. Sunny Farm Rainy Read Cottage
Known as the most beautiful bookstore east of the Zhuoshui River, Sunny Farm Rainy Read Cottage was created by a couple in their 30s who were inspired by the traditional image of farmers working in the sun and reading in the rain. They found a piece of land with farmland and a courtyard in Taoyuan and built their own literary haven. At Sunny Farm Rainy Read Cottage, you'll find not just a bookstore, but a lifestyle attitude — one that encourages you to enjoy your daily life and rediscover yourself.

▲ Hongya Bookstore (Photo / Reposted fromCrazy Chiayi – Your Guide to Fun in Chiayi)

8. Hongya Bookstore
Dubbed “the most active social movement bookstore south of the Zhuoshui River,” Hongya Bookstore sells everything except bestsellers and textbooks. Its strong resistance to mainstream trends highlights its uniqueness. More than just a bookstore, Hongya Bookstore is a driving force behind many social movements — from opposing dam construction to advocating for local farming. Its deeper mission lies in being a solid backbone for grassroots activism. It’s a vital hub for the island’s social movement scene.

▲ Yongle Theatre Bookstore (Photo / Reposted fromYongle Theatre Bookstore’s Facebook page)

9. Yongle Theatre Bookstore
The name “Yongle Theatre” comes from the once-renowned theater in Dadaocheng, which hosted both traditional opera and modern plays — all lost to time due to war. Inspired by the idea of “knowing flow and accessibility,” the owner aims to preserve knowledge and facilitate the exchange of ideas, preventing culture from disappearing again. Here, visitors can gain fresh insights, making this a popular spot for intellectual youths and artsy types in northern Taiwan.

▲ Detective Bookstore (Photo / Reposted fromTaipei Travel Net, reference photo))

10. Detective Bookstore
Known as the “most suspenseful café,” the Detective Bookstore is tucked away near Zhongshan MRT Station and is the first bookstore in the world dedicated entirely to mystery novels. Owner Tan Rui describes detective and mystery books as symbols of imagination in culture and as a “universal language, just like a smile.” Here, you can sip a drink while diving into a mystery novel, spending a leisurely afternoon steeped in suspense.