Travel back to a charming bygone era – 5 “hipster retro photo” spots across Taiwan!

▲ Taipei's Kiirun-An Literary Forest (Photo / Sourced from)Kiirun-An Literary ForestFan Page)

Travel Centre / Comprehensive Report

There are century-old Japanese-style buildings scattered across northern, central, and southern Taiwan, and even Qing Dynasty structures over 200 years old have been well preserved. Some have been converted into restaurants, while others have become multifunctional art and cultural spaces, all breathing new life into these historic buildings.ETtoday EBC News has handpicked the most beloved photo spots among Taiwan’s hipsters. On a holiday afternoon, soak in this artistic atmosphere and recharge your mind, body, and soul!

▲ The Kiirun-An Literary Forest offers retro, hipster-worthy photos both inside and out. (Photo / Provided by a netizen, please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.)sweeee9u(Photo provided by a netizen, please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.)

1. Taipei – Kiirun-An Literary Forest
The park’s classic old buildings exude a strong Japanese vibe, surrounded by lush greenery that resembles scenes from historical period dramas—like stepping through time into the past. This long-standing cultural heritage site has existed since the Japanese colonial period. Amid dramatic changes over the years, a renovation project was launched in 1927 to expand its operations and garden landscape. It transformed from an originally Japanese restaurant into a literary-themed arts space, hosting various exhibitions and lectures on a regular basis.

Address: No. 107, Tong’an St., Zhongzheng District, Taipei City

▲ Many dormitories on Qingtian Street have been converted into Japanese-style teahouses (Photo / Sourced from Qingtian Teahouse’s Fan Page)Qingtian Teahouse Fan Page)

2. Taipei – Qingtian Street Japanese-Style Dormitory Complex
Located along the lanes of Qingtian Street, 33 wooden Japanese-style houses stand side by side. During the Japanese occupation, this area served as the Third Class Dormitory for Senior Officials, housing many professors and Japanese officials. After the retrocession, it became staff housing for National Taiwan University. To preserve the historical charm of the era, the Qingtian Street community initiated the “Revive Qingtian Historical District” campaign, bringing this forgotten history back to life. Today, Qingtian Street is highly popular among hipsters, with its tree-lined streets offering a serene, almost utopian vibe.

Address: Qingtian St., Da’an District, Taipei City

▲ Taichung Daohe Six Arts Cultural Hall. (Photo / Reporter Chen Ruizhong)

3. Taichung – Daohe Six Arts Cultural Hall
The “Daohe Six Arts Cultural Hall” includes main venues such as Weihe Hall, Xinhang Hall, Chuangxi Hall, and the Under-the-Tree Theater. Continuing the essence of the martial arts training ground, the cultural hall is mainly built with traditional Japanese wooden architecture, preserving the authentic historical structure. It holds deep educational significance and emanates a tranquil yet vibrant atmosphere, making it a popular spot in Taichung for leisure and photography. You might even spot children practicing kendo!

Address: No. 33, Lin Sen Rd., Taichung City

▲ Tainan’s Narikoyasan. (Photo / Provided by Narikoyasan.)

4. Tainan – Narikoyasan
Opened in September 2016, “Narikoyasan” was once part of the Tainan Prefectural Agricultural Experiment Station dormitories during the Japanese colonial era. Built upon the original paired wooden structure, it creates a cultural and creative ambiance, combined with experiences of Japanese customs such as tea ceremonies and yukata dressing, giving visitors the illusion of being in Japan without leaving the country. Aside from admiring the classic Japanese architecture, guests can also shop for cultural and creative goods, enjoy light meals, and experience tea ceremonies up close in the specially designed tea room. It’s a multifunctional relaxation space.

Address: No. 18, Lane 21, Fudong St., East District, Tainan City

▲ Kaohsiung Fengyi Academy. (Photo / Provided by a netizen, please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.)l_c.t5. Kaohsiung – Fengyi Academy

5. Kaohsiung Fengyi Academy
“The Fengyi Academy” is the oldest and largest existing academy in Taiwan, with a history of over 200 years since its establishment during the Qing Dynasty. It once served as an examination hall for the imperial civil service exams in the Qing era, and was later used as a hospital, silkworm farm, and dormitory during the Japanese colonial period. In 2014, it was officially opened to the public. In addition to exhibition areas introducing the academy’s operations, the imperial examinations, and the history of Fengshan, it also features four group sculptures depicting Magistrate Cao Jin of Fengshan visiting, martial arts training for the military examinations, lectures in the classroom, and the Fengshan cattle market. Notably, visitors can try on blue official robes to instantly transform into Qing Dynasty figures and enjoy a fun period-themed experience.

Address: No. 62, Fengming Street, Fongshan District, Kaohsiung City