From Tobacco Factory to Creative Hub: Discover Songshan Cultural and Creative Park (松山文創）

In the heart of Taipei, Songshan Cultural and Creative Park is where history meets creativity.

Once a tobacco factory, this 6.6-hectare (16.3 acres) park has transformed into a vibrant space filled with art, design, and unique shops.

If you’re visiting Taipei and looking for a destination that’s both inspiring and full of character, this is the perfect place to explore. Plus, the nearby Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall is just a short walk away, so be sure to include both in your itinerary!

Getting There

The MRT (Mass Rapid Transit, Taipei’s subway system) is well-developed, with trains arriving frequently. It’s a very convenient way to get around the city.

Take the MRT Blue Line (Bannan Line):

You can stop at either Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Station (BL17), or Taipei City Hall Station (BL18).

• If you get off at MRT Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall Station (BL17): Take Exit 5 to Guangfu S. Rd. Walk north 100 meters, then turn right onto Songyan Avenue. This walk takes approximately 7 minutes.

• If you get off at MRT Taipei City Hall Station (BL18): Take Exit 1 (with stairs) or Exit 2 (with escalators) at Zhongxiao E. Rd. Walk west and turn right to Lane 553, Section 4, Zhongxiao E. Rd. You will find the SCCP on your left. This walk is about 9 minutes.

Here is the link to the MRT map.

A Brief History of Songshan Cultural And Creative Park (SCCP)

Songshan Cultural and Creative Park has a long history that dates back to 1937 when it was first built as a tobacco factory.

The tobacco factory operated for over 50 years. It once employed more than 1,200 workers and included a workplace and a living space. In 1998, the operation ended because of city planning changes and less demand for tobacco.

In 2001, the Taipei City Government designated the site as a historic landmark and transformed it into a park featuring preserved architecture and historical structures.

After years of redevelopment, the site was transformed and reopened in 2011 as Songshan Cultural and Creative Park (SCCP), a vibrant space for exhibitions, performances, and design events.

Highlights Of Your Visit

Based on my personal experience visiting this place multiple times over the years, here are some highlights:

• Historical architecture
• Art and design exhibitions
• Boutique shops and creative goods
• The Baroque Garden
• The 24-hour Songyan Eslite Spectrum Bookstore (松菸誠品）

Historical Architecture

When you enter Songshan Cultural and Creative Park, the first thing you’ll notice is the beautiful old buildings.

The buildings, which once served as the tobacco factory, warehouses, an inspection room, a boiler room, and dormitories…etc. in the 1930s, have been beautifully restored. They have been transformed into galleries, shops, restaurants, and event spaces.

Walking through these areas gives you a glimpse into Taipei’s industrial past while enjoying its modern creative vibe.

Art And Design Exhibitions

I highly recommend checking their website for information on current exhibitions and events before your visit. While the webpage is only available in Chinese, the photos and flyers provide a good sense of what’s happening at the park.

If you’re interested in attending any exhibitions, you can also find details about the locations and ticket information there.

My most recent visit to Songshan Cultural and Creative Park was to see an immersive Leonardo Da Vinci exhibition, and it was truly unforgettable.

The exhibition brought Da Vinci’s genius to life with stunning visuals, interactive displays, and detailed replicas of his inventions.

The highlight was walking into a huge space surrounded by massive screens displaying Da Vinci’s artwork in motion. His famous paintings and sketches came to life, shifting and moving across the screens in mesmerizing ways.

The combination of music, lights, and animation made it feel like we were stepping into his creations. It was a unique and exciting way to explore his work, blending art, history, and technology.

Boutique Shops And Creative Goods

There are plenty of small shops and booths throughout the park where you can find unique items.

From handmade ceramics to stylish leather goods, these little shops are perfect for picking up a special souvenir.

The Baroque Garden

The Baroque Garden at Songshan Cultural and Creative Park is a peaceful and charming spot to visit.

The garden was designed in 1958 by Lin Yuan-lang, a Taipei Cigarette Factory technical specialist, at the invitation of then-factory director, Chen Lu-tan. The fountain in the garden is a rare three-tier design resembling a champagne tower and was built for moisture-regulating and fire-control purposes.

Eslite Spectrum Songyan

You will notice this tall, modern building as you explore the park – The Eslite Spectrum Songyan Bookstore (松菸誠品).

Eslite is a well-known bookstore brand in Taiwan, with many branches across the country, but this one is unique. It’s the only Eslite bookstore that stays open 24 hours. If you are a book lover, this will be your happy place to immerse yourself.

Beyond books, Eslite Spectrum also features a wide range of lifestyle goods, including stationery, home decor, and locally crafted items. It is a great place to shop for souvenirs or unique gifts.

There is a food court located on the B1 floor. Here, you can find a variety of options ranging from local Taiwanese dishes to international cuisine, making it a great spot to relax and grab a meal during your visit.

Conclusion

Songshan Cultural and Creative Park (SCCP) offers a unique and inspiring experience in the heart of Taipei. Once a tobacco factory, this park has been transformed into a vibrant hub for art, design, and culture.

The highlights of your visit will be:

• Historical architecture
• Art and design exhibitions
• Boutique shops and creative goods
• The Baroque Garden
• The 24-hour Songyan Eslite Spectrum Bookstore (松菸誠品）

If you’re already planning to visit the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, Songshan Cultural and Creative Park is just a short walk away. Be sure to include both places in your itinerary for a full, enjoyable day of exploration!

I hope this article is helpful to you!