Pop-up for 180 days only: Top 10 Independent Bookstores in Taipei – Must-Visit Spots for Literary Enthusiasts

By MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team
 
Unlike traditional bookstores, each independent bookstore has its own unique characteristics — differing in interior design, book selection, and business models. They also often carry self-published works by creators, offering many titles you won’t find elsewhere. Their selections tend to be more profound or off the beaten path. Independent bookstores are an irreplaceable romance for literature lovers.

1.Heping Qingniao
Heping Qingniao is a 180-day dreamy fantasy space jointly created by Qingniao Culture and Dayong Construction. Before its opening on May 25, it was positioned as a “bookstore that will disappear,” combining a café, exhibitions, lectures, and even music performances in an arts and culture venue. It has also collaborated with hand-lettering artist “Tonight I Am Handwriting” to create a world of typographic art.

Its book selection centers around a humanistic approach, integrating design aesthetics related to daily life, music, film, art photography, and literary thought. In addition to new book launches, up-and-coming independent authors also hold mini book clubs here, making it a hub for intellectual exchange. When the bookstore disappears after 180 days, what remains is the warmth of human culture.

[Info]
Heping Qingniao
Opening Date: May 25, 2019 (limited to 180 days)
Business Hours: 10:00–20:00
Address: No. 287, Wolong St., Da’an District, Taipei City
 
 

2.HowSample VVG
“HowSample Something VVG something” and “HowSample Thinking VVG thinking” are two stores operated by the CEO of the HowSample Group. Located in the Eastern District, HowSample Something was once named one of the “20 Most Beautiful Bookstores in the World” by the international entertainment website Flavorwire.com. Despite its small size of just 13 ping (about 430 sq ft), it offers a variety of style books as well as vintage goods collected from around the world.

Meanwhile, HowSample Thinking, located in the Huashan 1914 Creative Park, has a restaurant on the first floor and a bookstore on the second. The “Wings of Thought” installation art between the floors inspired the concept of this red-brick building. The second-floor bookstore features books on design, art, photography, cookbooks, floral art, travel, various lifestyle items, fashion clothing, and a custom-designed “Solo Joy” exhibition space. It hosts rotating thematic exhibitions, talks, and various DIY workshops.