Lynda's Taiwan-logue

< Visited from 2017 - 2019 >

Songshan Cultural & Creative Park 松山文创园区, or Songyan 松烟 in short, is one of my favourite haunts in Taipei. In case you are wondering why it's called Songyan 松烟, the premises were originally a Japanese tobacco factory - named Songshan Tobacco Plant 松山烟草工厂 - in the 1930s. The city government converted the space into a cultural and retail zone in early 2000s, marrying modern use with the historic site, old structures and architecture. Excellent for a few leisurely hours, I can hardly get tired of this place which keeps my wen qing 文青 soul meaningfully engaged.   

Particularly enjoyable on solo trips, or with a friend who enjoys such spaces, I strongly recommend AT LEAST three leisurely hours to do the place justice, more if you are there for exhibitions and/or dine-in. Make time for the outdoorish areas of the park, including a Baroque-style garden and an ecology pond. The neighbourhood right next to Songyan 松烟 has some rather interesting shops and cafes too. 

▨ Accessibility via MRT ▨

For travellers who commute via MRT, take exit 5 at SYS Memorial Hall Station 国父纪念馆站 - before the construction of Taipei Dome 台北大巨蛋 (or also known as 远雄大巨蛋) is completed (slated in 2022), it is an approximate 15-minute stroll round the circumference of the site. 

▼ Talking about Taipei Dome, there has been much controversy surrounding its construction (search online for news about it). Enroute Songyan, it is not surprising to see such banners condemning the project - I don't know what you think, but personally, I think this is a demonstration of genuine democracy. The people who have a view can make their stand in a peaceful and informative manner, whether or not it brings tangible results in the end.   

The controversy aside, am definitely looking forward to the construction site giving way to better connectivity and accessibility in the area. 


▨ Park overview ▨ 
1. Main entrance / Warehouse cluster

Finally arriving at the park... this is one side from which you can enter, lined by a handful of old warehouses-turned-multi use spaces. 

▼ Floorplan taken off the official website

2. Eslite Spectrum - click here for separate blog.
The building has many floors of retail and F&B, office space as well as Eslite Hotel 诚品旅行.

3. Tobacco Factory (lowrise cluster)
Right opposite Eslite Spectrum is a lowrise block - what used to be the Tobacco Factory - separated by a large open area. Taipei Dome is hard to miss in the background.   

Enter this block into another dimension - a walk in to the past. 

Be sure to also walk into the block's central courtyard - a lovely Baroque-style garden. 

Back into shelter, there are permanent and pop-up retail stores, in addition to ticketed and free exhibitions (including school graduating works) and min-expos to occupy your time. Make time to shop at Songyan Gallery 松烟小卖所.  

There is a small cafe with limited beverages, sweets and seats, if you need a break from the walking. 

Look out for the many "artefacts" preserved from the factory's former life. 

The variety of creative and local brands is a draw for me, always curious about and amazed by how innovative brand creators can get as I hardly consider myself creative.      

Songyan Style Gallery 松烟风格店家 is another retail store in this block featuring local brands and creators.  

I was intrigued by this counter advocating and selling homes for bees. The lady manning the counter very patiently explained to me how this has become a trend in and out of Taiwan (though perhaps more common in the western countries), that there are even social media communities for adopters of this concept to play a part in sustainability and avail homes for bees. I am not going to pretend to be an expert but check out the brand and info online if you are interested.

Elsewhere in the same block, mini expos and exhibitions - some ticketed, some free.  

4. Outdoor zone & eco-pond
Exiting the Tobacco Factory block, the rest of the vast premises promises much surprise and lovely corners and angles.  

There are weekend, seasonal and thematic bazaars, another reason to visit! 

▨ Neighbouring estate ▨

Exiting the premises from the other side, and if your feet still work, check out the little neighbourhood with some shops and cafes. 

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Songshan Cultural & Creative Park (Songyan) | 松山文创园区 (松烟)
Address --- No. 133, Guangfu South Road, Xinyi District  信义区光復南路133号
Nearest MRT Station --- Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall 国父纪念馆 (BL17) / blue line, exit 5, followed by a 15-min stroll around the current construction site (once completed, it will be a much shorter walk) 

檢視較大的地圖

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