3 creative parks in Taipei you don't want to miss

One of the things that surprised me the most about Taipei, is how the city deals with old buildings. Instead of demolishing former factories or residential areas, they are given a completely new life as creative parks. These creative hotspots that you also see in other cities in Taiwan finds have grown into places where you discover local designers, visit exhibitions, drink coffee, and get a good impression of the creative side of the city.

Precisely because every creative park in Taipei has its own unique atmosphere, it is fun to visit several during your city trip. From a former tobacco factory to an old military residential area: these are the three creative parks in Taipei you don't want to miss.

 | TIP: Also check out the YLBB shortlist of the best hotels in Taipei here >>

Huashan 1914 Creative Park © Your Little Black Book

1. Songshan Cultural and Creative Park

Of the three creative parks in Taipei, I found Songshan Cultural and Creative Park perhaps the nicest. As soon as you walk onto the grounds, you notice why Taipei is known as a creative design city. The former tobacco factory from 1937 still forms the backdrop, with large industrial halls, old brick buildings, and plenty of greenery in between.

Nowadays, you will find design shops, temporary exhibitions, creative studios, and the Taiwan Design Museum here. Precisely because there is no fixed route, a visit feels very relaxed. Just walk into wherever something catches your eye. One moment you are in a shop full of locally designed interior accessories, the next you discover a temporary exhibition or a pop-up by young Taiwanese designers. I went here on my first day in Taipei, and it is one of the reasons why I knew immediately that this city fits Your Little Black Book so well. 

In need of a coffee break? At Café by U, you can enjoy specialty coffee right amidst the creative hustle and bustle. Seriously: the vibe, the atmosphere, the people; absolutely great!

Songshan Cultural and Creative Park, No. 133號, Guangfu S Rd, Xinren Village, Xinyi District, Taipei City, Taiwan 11072

Songshan Cultural and Creative Park © Your Little Black Book

2. Huashan 1914 Creative Park

Huashan 1914 Creative Park has a completely different energy. While Songshan feels a bit quieter, it is buzzing here almost all the time. The former wine and sake factory from 1914 has grown into a cultural meeting place where something is constantly happening. When I went here it was cloudy, which might make the photos look a bit gloomy, but believe me, this really is such a fun place. 

During a walk, you might simply walk into an exhibition, stumble upon a design market, or hear live music coming from one of the old factory halls. Especially on weekends, you notice that this is not just a place for tourists, but also for locals who meet up here or spend an afternoon.

The characteristic red brick buildings still remind us of the industrial past, while inside there is space for new makers and creative initiatives. Ready for a coffee afterwards? Then walk over to Vinyl Decision, one of my favorite coffee bars in the neighborhood.

Huashan 1914 Creative Park, No. 1號, Section 1, Bade Rd, Meihua Village, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, Taiwan 100

Huashan 1914 Creative Park © Your Little Black Book

3. Four Four South Village

Four Four South Village is perhaps the most local creative park in Taipei. Once a military residential area for the families of the 44th Arsenal, it is now a small-scale place where culture, hospitality, and local entrepreneurs come together.

What makes this location extra special is the view. As you walk between the low historic houses, Taipei 101 towers above the rooftops everywhere. That contrast between old and new makes this one of the nicest places in Taipei to take photos, especially towards the end of the afternoon when the light falls beautifully over the neighborhood.

Also take a moment to pop into Good Cho's. This combination of café, bakery, and lifestyle shop clearly demonstrates just how creative Taipei is. You can grab a bite to eat or a drink there, but also buy local products and design items. It's nice to stop by while you're here to take some great photos. Do keep in mind, however, that if there isn't a special market at Four Four South Village, there is less to do here than at the other creative parks.

Four Four South Village, No. 52號, Songqin St, Jingxin Village, Xinyi District, Taipei City, Taiwan 110

Four Four South Village © Your Little Black Book

Why you don't want to miss these creative parks in Taipei

Do you only have a few days in Taipei? Then I would definitely add these three creative parks in Taipei to your itinerary. Together, they perfectly demonstrate how the city gives old buildings a second life. A former tobacco factory became a design center, a wine factory transformed into a cultural hotspot, and an old military residential area grew into a place where local makers gather.

As far as I'm concerned, this combination of heritage, design, and creativity makes Taipei such an inspiring destination. These places are great to visit during the day as a change of pace from the temples, highlights, and night markets.

Huashan 1914 Creative Park © Your Little Black Book

More travel tips for Taipei and Taiwan

Read more tips from Your Little Black Book about Taipei, I think And Taiwan? I already shared the YLBB list with the best hotels in Taipei and below you will find more tips:

• Check out a really nice itinerary for a tour of Taiwan here.
• Discover the most beautiful hotels throughout Taiwan.
• Check out the YLBB shortlist of boutique hotels in Tainan.

more Taipei tips

Have fun preparing for your trip to Taiwan!

Songshan Cultural and Creative Park © Your Little Black Book

Huashan 1914 Creative Park © Your Little Black Book

Huashan 1914 Creative Park © Your Little Black Book