On this day last year, Mike, Andi, and I were in Taiwan for our first overseas trip as a family. On our first day in Taiwan, we strolled around Huashan 1914 Creative Park, located in the Zhongzheng District of Taipei.
Taipei has an abundance of parks but I chose to go to this one because everything about it – its design, its features, and even its history – seemed pretty interesting. One cool fact about Huashan 1914 Creative Park is that it actually used to be a winery during the Japanese rule! It was formerly a factory that produced sake and ginseng and bred moth orchids in the year 1914 and then was later on transformed into a multi-purpose park where visitors can get a glimpse of the rich and colorful arts and culture of Taiwan.
At 19,800 sqm, the park is HUGE! Coming from Manila where good and clean public parks are rare, it was just so refreshing to visit Huashan 1914 Creative Park and enjoy the nice and wide open spaces. We went on a weekend, so naturally, it was teeming with visitors. However, even if there were a lot of people, it didn’t feel so congested because there was a lot of space to move around in.
It’s a great spot to hang out in for families with kids, just like ours. There was also a large playground there that, unfortunately, we did not get to visit. Maybe next time!
Aside from families, it’s also a good hangout spot for friends and couples. (In fact, I saw some couples who looked like they were on a date!) It’s a pet-friendly place, too. There were a lot of people walking their dogs when we went. Andi was so giddy to see all the cute pups running around!
Here’s something cool for all the coffee enthusiasts: coffee on wheels! (Or coffee on bikes? I have no idea what they’re called!) Basically, instead of a stall or cart that sells coffee on the go, they’re peddled on bikes around the park. How fun!
We could have spent hours just walking around or lounging around the grassy area of the park, but we decided to check out the section of the park which serves as an art complex. Located just a few steps from the greenery, this section is something that artists (and hipsters) will surely appreciate.
This creative hub was bustling with energy as it houses cafes and restaurants, museums, theaters, art exhibits, and shops selling unique and quirky items. We were also entertained by live musicians and street performers! If you’re looking for a hip and happening place where there’s a lot to see, hear, and do, you must add Huashan 1914 Creative Park in your itinerary.
One of the things I was really looking forward to was seeing the famous ‘Upside Down Houses’ in the park. This is what it used to look like:
Photo Credit: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Huashan_Upside_Down_House_in_Huashan_1914_Creative_Park_20160430.jpg
However, when we visited last year, the look of the houses totally changed as they were covered in green leaves. Personally, I prefer the old look more because I love colorful things and I feel like the old look had more character.
We didn’t really spend too much time in the park because we had to head back to Ximending because we made reservations for dinner. If ever we are fortunate enough to go back to Taiwan, I would love to go back to Huashan 1914 Creative Park! If ever we do get the opportunity to visit again, we’ll go there earlier during the day so we can just laze around and take our time in exploring this lively park.
Huashan 1914 Creative Park
Address: No. 1, Section 1, Bade Rd, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, Taiwan 100
Phone: +886 2 2358 1914
Business Hours: Open 24 hours
Entrance Fee: Free
How to get there:
1. Closest MRT: Zhongxiao Xinsheng MRT
2. Walk to Huashan Park
