Taipei Travel

TAIPEI #42 (2025 Winter)

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Walking Through History
Exploring Some of Taipei's Top Heritage Sites

TEXT AND PHOTOS　VISION

Significant settlement of Taipei City began in the early 18^th century, and it wasn't established as a provincial capital until 1887. Nevertheless, this relatively young city still holds many historic gems for history buffs. Some of these locations, including the following, provide multilingual onsite guide services or online audio guides.

Songshan Cultural and Creative Park

Originally built in 1937 as the Songshan Tobacco Factory; today serves as a dynamic center for arts, design, and innovation, featuring exhibition halls, performance venues, design shops, and creative studios spread across its beautifully preserved buildings.
🎧English audio guide available

The Red House

Iconic octagonal red-brick entrance building and cruciform main building, built in 1908; Taiwan's first public market; now a vibrant cultural and creative hub.
🎧English audio guide available

Taipei Zhongshan Hall

Historic landmark, built in 1936; now a major cultural center and performance venue, known for its distinct architecture; check out the main lobby and the Taiwan Buffaloes relief created by renown Taiwanese sculptor.
🎧English audio guide available

Presidential Office Building

Majestic building reflecting Tatsuno style fused with Renaissance influences, completed in 1919 as the Office of the Governor-General during the Japanese era; has served as the official working place of the President since 1950..
💁English-speaking guides are available


National Taiwan Museum

Taiwan's oldest museum (1908); located in a magnificent Japanese-era Neoclassical building, along with its branch housed in the Former Kangyo Bank Building across the road; main focus is on Taiwan's culture, history, and natural heritage.
🌐Multilingual tours are available

Taiwan Literature Base

A cultural venue dedicated to promoting Taiwanese literature and literary arts; housed in a historic Japanese-era building that once served as an Air Force command center; now functions as a creative space offering exhibitions, workshops, reading areas, and a charming café. 
🌐Multilingual tours are available

If you prefer to join a tour with guides who can provide in-depth details about each location, simply Google "Taipei Walking Tours" to find a host of paid and free options. These tours allow you to follow along easily without the hassle of navigating the city maze by yourself.



The city government also offers a mobile visitor information service on weekends. Travel guides are deployed along designated routes around Taipei 101; CKS Shilin Residence and Cixian Temple; The Red House; Beimen and Dihua Street; Yongkang Street; and Xinzhongshan Linear Park/Chifeng Street. The guides, proficient in Chinese, English, Japanese, and other languages, can provide you with helpful sightseeing and transportation information.