A Taiwanese cultural relics café beloved by Japanese is said to be closing down

By MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team, compiled and reported

In recent years, the retro and nostalgic trend has been on the rise, as if sparking an alternative Renaissance across Taiwan. Hidden in the alleys of Taipei, there is a cultural relics café called “Chiu Hui Wen Kuo” that condenses 400 years of Taiwanese cultural history. As soon as you step inside the shop, it feels as though you’ve stepped through a time tunnel back to the bustling days of Taiwan’s past. Highly praised by Japanese travelers, this long-running cultural relics shop will close its doors on October 1, leaving many visitors expressing deep regret.

Chiu Hui Wen Kuo not only houses tens of thousands of old photos of Taiwan but also many out-of-print posters from the Japanese colonial period, including those advertising the export of Taiwanese tea, sugar industry, and beer. Additionally, the collection features a variety of early paintings, such as portraits of Pingpu women. The shop combines a café, allowing both domestic and international visitors to take a leisurely journey through Taiwan’s historical charm.