How to Visit Songshan Cultural and Creative Park: What to See and How to Plan Your Time (松山文創）

If you’re planning to visit Taipei and enjoy places that mix history, design, and a relaxed atmosphere, Songshan Cultural and Creative Park is a spot worth adding to your list.

I’ve visited several times over the years, usually for a specific exhibition. But what keeps me going back isn’t just the exhibitions. It’s the space itself. Compared to other similar creative parks in Taipei, this one is more spacious with lots of green areas, which makes it more comfortable to spend time in.

It’s also right next to Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall and the Xinyi shopping district, so it’s perfect to fit into your itinerary without going out of your way.

Quick Take: Is Songshan Cultural and Creative Park worth visiting?

Yes, especially if you enjoy art/creative exhibitions, design-focused shops, and places where you can slow down and walk around.

In my case, I usually check what exhibitions are on before I go and plan my visit around that. After seeing the exhibition, I’ll stay and walk around the park, browse the design shops, or check out any pop-up markets that happen to be there.

When my son was younger, this was also a great place to spend time outdoors. The open space, trees, and garden areas made it perfect for him to run around and play.

If your schedule is tight and you are only looking for major sightseeing spots, this may not be a top priority. But if you want a more relaxed and local-feeling experience, this is a great addition to your Taipei itinerary.

Who This Is Place Best For

This place is a good fit if:

• You enjoy art, design, or creative exhibitions
• You like browsing unique shops and local brands
• You want a place that feels less crowded and more spacious than typical city attractions
• You are traveling with kids and want an open space where they can walk around and play
• You plan to be in the Xinyi Shopping area and want to include more places nearby in your itinerary

How to Plan Your Visit

Before you go, it’s worth checking what’s currently on （check out their Instagram).

If something interests you, that becomes the main reason to visit. After that, you can take your time walking around the park, browsing the design shops, or stopping by any pop-up markets that happen to be there.

In terms of timing, around 2 hours is usually enough for a relaxed visit, unless you are planning to spend more time at a major exhibition.

Because of its location, it can be easily combined with popular nearby spots. You can visit Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall first, then walk over to the park, or do the reverse. If you are already planning to be in the Xinyi Shopping District, it can conveniently fit into your route.

If you are traveling with young kids, the open space and shaded areas make it an ideal stop where they can move around more freely, which can be a nice break from more structured sightseeing.

Getting There

Google Maps: Songshan Cultural and Creative Park

If you are taking the MRT, take the Blue Line and get off at either:

• Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall Station (BL17), then walk about 5 to 7 minutes
• Taipei City Hall Station (BL18), then walk about 8 to 10 minutes

A Brief History Of This Place

Songshan Cultural and Creative Park was originally built in 1937 as a tobacco factory during the Japanese colonial period.

For decades, it operated as a major production site, with over 1,000 workers and facilities that included not just factory buildings, but also dormitories and supporting spaces.

Production eventually stopped in 1998, and the site was later preserved as a historic landmark. After redevelopment, it reopened in 2011 as the cultural park you see today.

As you walk through the area, many of the original structures are still intact. That’s what gives the park its distinct character. You’re not just visiting a modern creative space, but a place that still carries traces of Taipei’s industrial past.

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!