Busy streets, scrumptious delicacies and picturesque sceneries. As a country, Taiwan is full of vigour and vitality. Contributing to a part of Taiwan’s vibrant and lively streets would be its overflowing creativity. More particularly, their street art culture.
Once vilified by authorities, Taiwan now embraces the subculture of street art while having a few laws keeping the art form in check. Being the main city to visit when visiting Taiwan, Taipei has its share of street art that’s displayed around town. Here are a few locations in Taipei where you can experience their street art culture.
Ximending Shopping District
Famous for its fashion, shopping culture and hangout spots for local youths, Ximending is a must-visit spot for any tourist who visits Taipei. Known as the Harajuku of Taiwan, the location holds up to its name by infusing many subcultures and influences worldwide. However, within the backstreets of the shopping district lies a quieter zone painted with striking street art. The instagrammable graffiti zone invites many Instagrammers, art and subculture enthusiasts, providing a free art gallery.
Disclaimer: Even though there are many graffiti on the walls of the backstreet, they are constantly changing
However, not all artworks in Ximending are necessarily graffitis. There is the magnificent Godzilla which is made up of recycled spray cans stands tall, allowing room for interpretation. Godzilla, otherwise known as Gojira, is not only a symbolism of nuclear destruction, it symbolises the environment and provides deep notions of climate change or mass extinction.
Tip: When you are in Ximending, don’t miss the Ah Zong Mian Sian and Hot Star Chicken Cutlet for a scrumptious snack!
Taipei Cinema Park
Just around the corner, away from the hustle and bustle of Ximending lies the street art of Taipei Cinema Park. Its vision was to transform the previously abandoned old factory building of Taipei Gas Co. into a space filled to the brim with arts and culture. The venue has now become culturally enriching with graffiti art and original music from budding musicians. It is also a popular spot for local skaters and street dancers.
Lane 96, also known as American Street is a project where proposals from graffiti artists were pitched to the landlords and painted for free if the space was provided. Competitions for international graffiti artists were also held by the Department of Cultural Affairs.
Treasure Hill Artists Village
Originally a military dependent village during World War 2, the Treasure Hill Artists Village is a perfect example of modern art intertwining with history. Residents that reside in the village come from different countries that chose to stay in Taiwan after the war.
The village is now filled with cafes, design offices, art galleries and youth hostels to attract visitors to the location. Despite the modernization, residents try to maintain the village’s history by erecting red plaques with brief introductions of their personal past. The old post office that has been operating since the olden ages is also still in operation.
Visitors can see a mixture of live-sized fortune cookies, robot structures, graffiti and sticker art in different corners of the village.
Chengmei Riverside Park Graffiti
Situated along the Keelung River in Taipei, the Chengmei Riverside Park has recently converted into a legal graffiti zone in 2019. It is also one of the largest graffiti locations in Taipei.
Additionally, the riverside park has structures such as “L-O-V-E” that is a hotspot for tourists to take pictures in. It is also situated between the Rainbow bridge and MacArthur 1st bridge, making it a perfect location to take pictures in. Cycling is recommended as a form of transport through the park to cover more ground.
Huashan 1914 Creative Park
If you are looking to appreciate more modern artworks, head over to Huashan 1914 Creative Park. Previously a winery, it now contains many contemporary arts and is known to be a hipster location that is popular to teenagers. There are many cafes, unique museums, graffiti and many art events in the Creative Park.
Huashan 1914 Creative Park is also beautiful at night as warm lights illuminate upon the building providing a romantic and cool ambience.
Songshan Cultural and Creative Park
Positioned as the “creative hub of Taipei”, the Songshan Cultural and Creative Park is one of the largest creative spaces in Taipei! Similarly to the Huashan 1914 Creative Park, Songshan Cultural and Creative Park was originally a Tobacco factory!
The park leans more towards contemporary art and it’s currently a production base for creative businesses and designers. In addition, it is also a venue for performances and exhibitions! A popular romantic destination that is definitely suitable for a date with your significant other!
Disclaimer: There will be a fine between NT$1,200 (US$39) and NT$6,000 (US$194) for individuals who violated the Waste Disposal Act by creating graffiti works in illegal places.
Baring their thoughts on the largest canvas that they could find, street artists are definitely one of the most creative individuals in the world. What do you think about street art? Tell us in the comments below.
