Taiwan’s Storyland at Taipei

Taiwan’s Storyland (台灣故事館, táiwān gùshìguǎn) is a weird combination of a museum, a theme park and restaurant-market, and yet – although probably aimed at the local Taiwanese I thought it was terrific fun. Since everytime I’m in Taipei I stay in a hotel not too far away from Taipei Main Station and the Mitsukoshi building, I’ve seen Taiwan’s Storyland a few times and wondered what it was about. The other week I finally had some time to visit and have a look.

I haven’t been around Taiwan during the 60s and 70s, but the local Taiwanese touring there assured me this place did a pretty good job with building that old Taiwan atmosphere, with small alleys filled with cool little Taiwanese shops showing what is was like back then.

It’s quite big, with lots of small shops and theme rooms. Enough to last you an hour or two. Want a quick tour? here we go.

A tea shop…

Ice shop…

Shoe shop…

School uniform shop…

Barbershop…

A local police station…

Where criminals were taken in…

(I had no idea I’m 195cm tall. For those who wondered, my name is not related to medicine in any way, but the keen photographer thought it would be more authentic if I hold something up :) )

A classroom…

Toys shop…

I had fun with some old Taiwanese games…

The little details were everywhere. This next one I especially liked. I challenge you to read the Chinese on the green mailing box …

A bit overpriced by local standards (200-280NT$), but definitely worth the visit. I suggest a local Taiwanese friend, or atleast making friends with the friendly local visitors to get the more nostalgic feel of things.

(Sandy and Liao have a bit more, if you want a second opinion from an expat and a local)