History of Songshan Cultural and Creative Park
The Songshan Cultural and Creative Park opened in 2013 and features the warehouses and administration buildings of Taiwan’s first modern tobacco factory. The park is adjacent to the Eslite Spectrum Shopping Mall.
The Songshan Cultural and Creative Park is now considered the “creative hub” of Taipei. Its purpose is to provide art and exhibition space for those wishing to showcase artistic and creative ideas. These could be arts shows, exhibits, and even music concerts. It hopes to become a creative stage with an international focus in Taipei.
The grounds of the park have quite a bit of history. Originallly bulit by the Japanese in 1937 as an “industrial village” for tobacco production, the park is laid out with courtyards and larger open spaces so workers would feel more comfortable. These have been retained in the current version. There is now a ED-pond and tree lined area (The Nursery Room) for sitting outside and enjoying the area. There is even a Baroque Garden designed to host banquets and fashion parties.
The factory manufactured, packaged, and stored cigarettes. The bolier room with smokestack and warehouse structures still stand and are used for exhibitions. At one time, cigarette brands like Long Life and New Paradise were made at this site. The factory produced over 2 billion cigarettes annually at one point.
What to do at Songshan Creative and Cultural Park
Upon arriving in the park, there are several maps to point you where to go. The grounds are suitable for walking around and taking in the ambiance. There are several shops like the famous Liuligongfang blown glass as well as several restaurants. At each of the buildings, visitors can see a list of what exhibitions and shows are open for the day and where they are located.
The Eslite Spectrum Mall is connected to the park. So, visitors can move easily back and forth between both venues.
The exhibitions are free for the most part. There are all types of themes and always something new to learn.
Getting to the Songshan Cultural and Creative Park
There are several entrances to the park and 2 ways to get there via the MRT:
1) Take the MRT Blue Line to the Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall station. Take Exit 5 and walk 550m to Yan Chang Road.
2) Take the MRT Blue Line to the Taipei City Hall station. Take Exit 1 or Exit 2 and walk about 400 meters to Lane 553, Zhongxiao East Road, Section 4.
There is plenty of signage to direct visitors.
HOURS: 8:00am-10:00pm daily. (9-6 for indoor spaces)
WEBSITE: www.songshanculturalpark.org
