The Huashan Cultural Park Taipei

Below some pictures of the newly developed, and developing, Huashan Cultural Park in Taipei. These sorts of mixed developments – a bit of art, a few bars and restaurants, independent shops and cafes – work differently in different cities. Peking’s 798 art area was a success I think while Shanghai doesn’t do these things quite so well – 1933 in Hongkou and others didn’t pan out too well while Taikang Road has almost sunk under a welter of copy cat shops and cafes. Perhaps Taipei’s Huashan development can do better. I must admit that when I’ve visited it’s been a bit empty but it isn’t fully developed yet and it was invariably pouring with rain when I’ve visited.

Anyway, here’s the architectural intel – Huashan covers the areas of a former winery and the old Huashan railway station. During Qing Dynasty the area was called Sanbanchiao and then, under Japanese colonial rule, it was renamed in 1922 to “Kabayama Town” after Kabayama Sukenori, the first Japanese Governor General of Taiwan. When the main Taipei Railway Station was renovated in 1940, the Kabayama Freight Depot set up a new station in Kabayama Town, and later it became known as the Huashan Freight Depot (you can still see some of the old tracks that were Taipei Winery’s railway spur line connecting the Huashan Station and Winery areas). In 1987 the Winery closed. It later became a property under the Cultural Affairs Department. Details of how to get to the Hushan Culture Park here.

Herewith a series of photos of the development – apologies for the quality of my pictures; regular readers will know I am a crap photographer and the day these were taking it was pouring with rain.

The main winery building – now shops, offices, cafes etc

the main drag through the centre of the development

side alleys have been turned into nice alcoves by bars, restaurants and galleries

and another nice green space within the development

some parts still to be developed but with early 20th century architecture and early 21st century graffiti

the former freight depot – now a great space for events, exhibitions, installations etc

large inside spaces within the old freight depot

the main entrance to Huashan from the street