A Taipei Reading Tour: Explore Taiwan's Cultural Vibes at 4 Must-Visit Independent Bookstores

Text & Photos / Zhang Xiaowei

Surrounded by New Taipei City, Taipei serves as the political, economic, cultural, tourism, industrial, commercial, and media hub of Taiwan, making it the island’s largest city. The bustling urban life keeps everyone on the move. Now, take a moment to slow down—from Taipei to Tamsui—and immerse yourself in the humanistic charm of Taiwan’s independent bookstores.

▲ Yonglezu offers a wide variety of books and a very comfortable environment.

Yonglezu
On a less hectic afternoon, there’s nothing better than sipping coffee and settling into a cozy armchair at “Yonglezu,” where bright light guides you into the world of books.

▲ A separate space displays books recommended by the Friendly Book Industry Cooperative.

Nestled in the alleys of Taipei’s National Taiwan University area, this independent bookstore takes its name from a historic theater in Dadaocheng—“Yonglezu.” It’s a cultural salon brimming with literary flair. The store mainly earns revenue through secondhand books, new books, and cultural creative products, and often assists nearby student clubs in organizing events.

Business Hours:
Monday–Sunday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Address: No. 6, Lane 21, Alley 283, Section 3, Roosevelt Road, Taipei City
Website: http://eirakuza0730.pixnet.net/blog
Phone: 02-2368-6808

▲ The large counter at the Nomading Travel Bookstore offers a rich selection of meals.

Nomading Travel Bookstore
If you’re a travel enthusiast, you can’t miss this place.

Located in Lane 3, Alley 74, Wenzhou Street, Da’an District, Taipei, the “Nomading Travel Bookstore” feels like stepping into a tranquil world. This travel-themed bookstore houses a collection of global travel information available for borrowing.

▲ Focused on travel books, most are available for borrowing.

On weekends or holidays, the store often hosts sharing sessions with fellow travelers—featuring photographers, bloggers, poets, and others—who come to share their journeys and experiences, taking your heart along for the ride.

Business Hours:
Tuesday–Sunday: 1:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Address: 1F, No. 2, Lane 3, Alley 74, Wenzhou Street, Da’an District, Taipei 106
Website: http://nomading.weebly.com/
Phone: 02-2362-2378

▲ Although small, “Youhe Bookstore” offers a rich variety of books.

Tamsui Youhe Bookstore
Facing the Tamsui River, this “Youhe Bookstore” is home to street cats. Inside, you’ll often find lazy felines napping on bookshelves. If you want the book beneath one, be prepared to offer plenty of sweet talk before it might—somewhat arrogantly—move aside. If a cat interrupts your quiet reading, don’t blame it; this is its home, and you’re the uninvited guest.

▲ A river cat naps on the bookshelf.

▲ Doesn’t look like it wants to leave at all. Alright then, we won’t disturb you.

"Youhe Book" mainly sells new books, along with many cultural and creative products themed around street cats. Not only street cats, but the ever-changing glass poetry displayed in the shop is also a highlight of "Youhe Book." The owner, 686, is a movie enthusiast, and the shop often hosts film screenings and poetry reading events.

Business Hours:
Tuesday - Sunday: 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Address: 2F, No. 26, Lane 5, Zhongzheng Road, Tamsui District, New Taipei City
Website: http://blog.roodo.com/book686
Phone: 02-2625-2459

▲The cute decorations give off a heartwarming vibe.

Xinboli Happy Bookstore
A small bookstore tucked away in the alleys of Tamsui, far from the hustle and bustle—it takes some effort to find it.

▲The decorations are exquisitely crafted, with their chibi-style designs that are hard to resist.

This is a bookstore that smells like sunshine. It mainly stocks spiritual books, along with some happiness-themed stationery and small items. The cute and delicate interior decor fills you with positive energy and a sunny atmosphere at all times.

▲Mostly features spiritual books.

The name “Xinboli” (波力) is derived from “polymeric chains” in chemical terms, symbolizing the gathering of hearts together to lead to happiness.

Business Hours:
Wednesday - Sunday: 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Address: No. 60, Chongjian Street, Tamsui District, New Taipei City
Website: http://newpoly.pixnet.net/blog
Phone: 02-2625-7956