Stroll through Taipei’s Art and Cultural Center & Experience a Unique Literary Atmosphere

▲Songshan Cultural and Creative Park at Guofu Memorial Hall Station is one of the art and culture highlights along the Bannan MRT Line. (Photo / Huang Shih-yuan)

Reported and photographed by Intern Reporter Huang Wanting / Taipei

Although Taipei is a bustling commercial metropolis, along the Bannan Line of the MRT,spots like the Sishisan South Village at Shifu Station, Songshan Cultural and Creative Park at Guoguan Station, and Huashan 1914 Creative Park at Xinxing Stationshine as three vibrant cultural highlights, illuminating and infusing the city’s artistic vibe into the fast-paced urban life. If you crave even more culture, after night falls, you can also go tothe 24-hour Eslite Dunhua Branchto unwind from a day of hustle, read a good book, and feel as if you've escaped the noise and wandered off to a distant land.

The weathered walls of “Sishisan South Village” tell its historical legacy, as if narrating the rarely seen stories of military dependents' villages in this bustling city, forming a striking yet intriguing contrast with the towering buildings just a few streets away. The ecological environment of “Songshan Cultural and Creative Park” offers busy urbanites a space to breathe, and its irregular art and culture exhibitions resonate deeply with many young arts enthusiasts. The tranquil “Huashan 1914 Creative Park” at night feels particularly serene beside the noisy streets, with its orange-hued lights blending with moonlight, creating a soft yet comforting unique atmosphere.

The military dependents' village community “Sishisan South Village” in Xinyi District

Xinyi District is a hub for numerous luxury boutiques, but within this commercial center surrounded by office buildings lies a small community exuding strong military village charm — “Sishisan South Village.” Hidden in unassuming alleys are traditional houses brimming with old-time vibes, forming a sharp contrast with nearby upscale neighborhoods. For busy urban dwellers, it serves as a relaxing retreat.


▲The small community “Sishisan South Village” radiates a rich military dependents' village atmosphere.

The weathered walls showcase a long history and cultural heritage, but stepping inside the houses reveals modern, art-filled spaces mostly selling handmade crafts and lifestyle goods. Notably, the ice cream shop near the entrance sells all-natural vintage-style ice cream. Though a bit pricey, you can taste the most original, natural flavors of the ingredients.

At the end of the lane, you’ll find the bustling “Good Cho's Cafe,” an open and popular chill-out cafe loved by artsy youth, with cute decorations on the seats and walls. Office worker Ms. Gao mentioned that although the bagels and drinks here are a bit expensive, the bagels are hearty and made with natural ingredients, and the brown sugar sweet potato latte even has bits of fresh sweet potato. The leisurely ambiance feels like stepping into another world.

The ecological park at Guoguan Station — “Songshan Cultural and Creative Park”

Near Exit 1 of Shifu MRT Station, there’s also a large exhibition and performance venue — “Songshan Cultural and Creative Park.” Walking across the small bridge by the lake into the expansive park, you’ll find it filled with lush greenery and eco-friendly planning. Ducks by the lake often come ashore together to enjoy the rare tranquility of the urban space.


▲“Songshan Cultural and Creative Park” hosts various art and cultural exhibitions irregularly.

The predecessor of “Songshan Cultural and Creative Park” was the “Songshan Tobacco Factory,” built in 1937. At that time, it was known as the “Taiwan Governor-General’s Monopoly Bureau Songshan Tobacco Factory,” Taiwan’s first specialized cigarette manufacturing plant, featuring a “Japanese early modernist” architectural style with simple and elegant forms. It was later renamed the “Taiwan Provincial Tobacco and Liquor Monopoly Bureau Songshan Tobacco Factory.” In 1998, due to urban planning, monopoly system reforms, declining demand, and reduced market competitiveness of cigarettes, the Songshan Tobacco Factory ceased production and was merged with Taipei Tobacco Factory, thus fading into history.

In 2001, the Songshan Tobacco Factory was designated as a municipal historic site and was later transformed into the “Songshan Cultural and Creative Park.” Under the management of the Taipei City Cultural Foundation commissioned by the Taipei City Government, the park regularly holds various art and cultural, creative industry, visual arts, cross-disciplinary performances, and related design events. A massive building called “Taipei Creative Park” stands tall within the park. According to the guards, it may open around August or September this year and will house an Eslite bookstore, shopping mall, and boutique stores.

Additionally, starting July 12, the park will host a special exhibition titled “Robot Kitty Future Park.” Those interested can visit to experience the unique charm brought by the robotic kitty.

%Hot? Recently, other exciting performances have also appeared in this area.