Huashan 1914: Taipei’s Must-See Creative Park

Huashan 1914 Creative Park: Where History and Modern Culture Meet

A review of a visit to Huashan 1914 Creative Park in Taiwan

Huashan 1914 Creative Park
Although it is now a popular destination for tourists, this site is also a reminder of Taiwan’s history under Japanese rule.
It may be difficult for many Koreans to understand why a place associated with colonial rule would be preserved as a tourist attraction. In Korea, buildings linked to Japanese colonial rule, such as the former Government-General building in Seoul, were demolished as symbols of national pride rather than repurposed as cultural landmarks.

Founded in 1914 during the Japanese colonial period as the Fangshan Imperial Brewery, this was Taiwan’s largest brewery, producing sake and fruit wines.
As the photo shows, the site features the distinctive architecture typical of Japanese industrial buildings.
When the factory relocated in 1987, the complex was abandoned and fell into ruin. A turning point came in 1997, when an artists’ collective occupied the site and began staging performances, setting it on the path toward becoming a cultural and arts venue.
The Taiwanese government later embraced the idea and transformed the site into the mixed-use cultural complex it is today through an urban regeneration project.
It is a decision that may be difficult for Koreans to understand.
Still, Taiwan has its own reasons for preserving the site, and those choices deserve to be respected on their own terms.

Highlights by Area

Creative Stores
The old factory buildings have retained their original framework while the interiors have been renovated to accommodate Taiwanese independent designer brands, handmade leather goods, independent bookstores and more.
Wooderful Life is especially popular with families thanks to its music-box-making workshops and wooden playground.

Exhibition Halls

The expansive warehouse spaces host a steady stream of exhibitions throughout the year.
The programme ranges from pop-up stores featuring Japanese anime characters to contemporary art and photography exhibitions. Before visiting, it is worth checking the official website for details of current paid and free exhibitions.

Any idea what this queue is for?
I was travelling too, so I did not know the details, but it seemed to be for a limited-time character exhibition.
Visitors were lining up in such numbers to see the character merchandise and exhibition models on display.

SPOT Huashan

Housed in a converted brewery warehouse, this cinema focuses on art-house and independent films rather than mainstream blockbusters.
Its distinctly old-fashioned atmosphere makes it something of a pilgrimage site for film lovers.

At weekends, the park comes alive with buskers and flea markets.
Young locals relaxing on the lawns capture the easy-going, energetic lifestyle of Taipei.

Top Photo Spots

Ivy-covered red-brick walls: Just inside the entrance, ivy blankets an entire red-brick building, making it one of Huashan 1914’s signature sights.
Visit in the afternoon, when the light is at its best, for vintage-looking photographs.

The giant chimney: This towering chimney, a remnant of the old brewery, perhaps best expresses the site’s industrial identity.

Factory windows and steel structures: With its early industrial aesthetic, the complex’s old window frames and metal staircases make excellent settings for portrait and street photography.

Food and Relaxation: Recommended Cafés and Restaurants

FabCafe: A café with a distinctive concept and digital fabrication tools such as laser cutters, FabCafe is a great place to find creative inspiration over a fresh cup of coffee.
Alleycat’s Pizza: Known for its wood-fired pizzas, this restaurant makes for a relaxed, atmospheric meal with a beer, thanks to its interior that highlights the rough textures of the old building.
Suggested itinerary: Combine your visit with Syntrend, an electronics shopping centre about a 10-minute walk away, and experience both Taiwan’s traditional character and cutting-edge IT culture in a single day.

Essential Tips Before Visiting Huashan 1914

Getting there: From Exit 1 of Shandao Temple MRT Station, walk straight ahead and the park will soon come into view.
Opening hours: The outdoor areas are open 24 hours, but most shops open at 11 a.m. If you arrive too early, you may find only closed buildings, so plan accordingly.
Tip: Exhibitions and pop-up stores can draw long queues, so visiting on a weekday morning is highly recommended rather than going at the weekend.

Huashan 1914: A Leading Hub of Taipei’s Youth Culture

My brief walk around Huashan 1914 Creative Park left me intrigued. As a Korean visitor, I found it both unfamiliar and fascinating.
If you are not sure where to go on a trip to Taiwan, I highly recommend starting here.
That’s all from Lux.

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