A Perfect Odd Space: Tsai Ming-liang Creates a 1970s Coffee Theater

Text by Lai Yan-ju

Step into the 4th floor of Taipei’s second-class historic site “Zhongshan Hall,” and you’ll be greeted by the distinctive voices of 1960s singers such as Bai Guang and Yao Li. A row of arched wooden windows lets in natural light, illuminating the long, narrow space filled with rows of red velvet sofas and vintage mosaic tiles—creating a uniquely clean and bright atmosphere. This is the “Tsai Ming-liang Café Corridor,” run by director Tsai Ming-liang.


▲ Stepping into the “Café Corridor” feels like entering a time tunnel. (Photo / Courtesy ofFanily)

At first glance, you might be amazed at how Tsai Ming-liang has made such brilliant use of this irregularly shaped space. Setting the temporal tone of the “Café Corridor” between the 1970s and 1990s, Tsai brought in antique chairs and old memorabilia he had collected over the years. With his compelling aesthetic sensibility, he crafted an ambiance that feels comforting and steeped in nostalgia. The director, who often sketches during layovers at airports, also generously shares his own artwork—its tranquility is remarkably in sync with Tsai’s cinematic style.


                           ▲ The shop features various antique chairs collected by Tsai Ming-liang. (Photo / Courtesy ofFanily)

The gently flowing, soothing atmosphere of the “Café Corridor” often attracts many writers to come here to work, sometimes staying all day. When he’s in Taiwan, Tsai himself likes to hang out at the café; his favorite spot is the outdoor terrace, where he can spend entire afternoons either reading or, as he puts it, “simply watching the sky.”


▲ Tsai Ming-liang’s favorite outdoor space, perfect for sky-gazing. (Photo / Courtesy ofFanily)

Tsai Ming-liang always commits fully to whatever he does. As he often says, “Zhongshan Hall gave us the opportunity to run this place, so we have to do it well.” He personally oversaw the decoration, furnishing, and designed a private menu. He also meticulously created a mini cinema that seats just 18 people, called the “18 Theater,” and an open-air straw-mat cinema. Whether making films or running a café, for Tsai Ming-liang, there’s nothing more important than doing things to the best of his ability.


▲ Experience beautiful moments and spaces with Tsai Ming-liang. (Photo / Courtesy ofFanily)

【Café Corridor】
Phone: 02-23312727
Address: 4F, No. 98, Yanping South Road, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City 100