The Songshan Cultural and Creative Park is an multifunctional park and art district in the Xinyi District of Taipei. The park was initially constructed in 1937 as a tobacco factory, but the factory stopped producing cigarettes in 1998 as the demand of tobacco decreased. In 2001, the Taipei City Government decided to convert the factory into Taipei’s 99th historic cite and converted it into a park. “Songshan Cultural and Creative Park” officially opened to the public on November 15th, 2011. Today, its goal is to become the cultural hub for creativity and artistry in Taipei.
Admission to the park is free, and (quite ironically, considering its history) the entire park is smoke free.
4 THINGS TO DO IN SONGSHAN CULTURAL AND CREATIVE PARK
1. Explore The Historical Tobacco Factory
The park consists of 5 warehouses, numbered from 1 through 5. You can follow the signs to see where the cigarettes were being rolled, packaged, and shipped out for delivery. When the factory was in operation, it was also home to its employees and provided accommodation and food services, as well as education opportunities and nursery services. Today, those spaces have been modernized while retaining their original purposes, inviting guests to explore Taiwan’s history and culture during the Japanese occupation era.
2. Check Out The Ecology Pond
During the renovations of the factory, a large lotus pond was installed for fire extinguishing, ventilation and hydrosphere purposes. This pond was revamped as an ecology pond where visitors can experience the sounds of frogs and insects, while simultaneously learning about local species native to northern Taiwan.
3. Browse The Local Shops
Scattered among the warehouses, there are many small artisan shops within Songshan Cultural and Creative Park. The goal of the park is to foster artistry and creativity, so most of the items that are sold are hand crafted and made by local Taiwanese artists. If you’re looking to grab some local souvenirs, Songshan Cultural and Creative Park is the place!
4. Discover The Taiwan Design Centre
The Taiwan Design Centre/Museum was founded in 2003, with the goal to help Taiwan increase national competitiveness, by investing in creative design. The TDC helps Taiwanese designers to develop their ideas, strengthen their market share, and add market value and global competitiveness to their products. This exhibition space is open to the public and showcases modern designs by local Taiwanese artists!
HOW TO GET THERE
- Take the MRT Blue Line to Taipei City Hall Station.
- Go out from Exit 1, cross Keelung Road and continue to walk about 400 metres.
- Once you’ve reached Lane 553, Zhongxiao East Road, Section 4, turn right. There is a sign indicating the entrance to the park.