While exploring Taipei’s Wanhua District, I stumbled upon the charming 剝皮寮歷史街區 Bopiliao Historical Block, and it felt like stepping back in time! This hidden gem preserves a slice of old Taiwan with its beautifully maintained buildings and atmospheric streets dating back to the late Qing Dynasty and early Japanese colonial era.
Walking along these historic lanes, I was transported to a completely different Taiwan than the modern metropolis just a few blocks away. The architectural details and weathered red brick buildings make this area a photographer’s dream. During my wanderings, I discovered that Bopiliao connects visitors to several significant cultural landmarks in the area – the vibrant Bopiliao Old Street with its traditional shops, the spiritual Lungshan Temple where locals worship, and the ornate Taipei Tianhou Temple.
Bopiliao Historical Block has become quite popular with visitors looking to experience authentic Taipei heritage. It’s easy to see why locals consider it such a vital piece of their cultural identity. Since 2009, this area has really embraced its artistic side too – during my visit, I noticed exhibitions and cultural events happening throughout the historic buildings, adding a contemporary creative energy to this centuries-old district.
How to get to Bopiliao Historical Block
Take the MRT (blue line) and alight at Longshan Temple Station (BL10). From Exit 3, turn right, then right again onto Kangding Road. Walk straight down till you cross the intersection of Guangzhou Street and Kangding Road. The entrance to the Bopiliao Old Street is on the right side of Kangding Road at Lane 173.
Closed on Mondays
Bopiliao Old Street (剝皮寮老街)
The heart of the area is Bopiliao Old Street, which ranks among Taipei’s most ancient thoroughfares. I loved how this pedestrian-only path is lined with beautifully preserved traditional shop houses and historic buildings. What makes it especially interesting is how many of these structures have found new life as museums, art galleries, and charming little restaurants.
As I walked along the pathway, surrounded by those distinctive red brick facades, I genuinely felt like I’d stepped through some kind of time portal into Taipei’s past. It offers such a refreshing contrast to the city’s modern districts.
Movie poster in the olden days
Heritage and Culture Education Center
If you want to learn more about the history of the Bopiliao area, just check out the Heritage and Culture Education Center.
And of course, you can’t leave this old street without taking a few shots. It’s so Instagram-worthy!
From Bopiliao Old Street, we continued with our walking tour towards the Ximending area.
The Red House
Came across the iconic Red House (also known as the Taipei Red House Theater). This historical gem dates back to 1908, and I was fascinated to learn it actually served as Taipei’s very first public market! The octagonal brick structure has such a distinctive look compared to the modern buildings surrounding it.
What makes this place even more interesting is its journey through time – after its market days, the building was transformed into a theater and became quite the entertainment hotspot in Taipei.
Sat 11.00am to 10.00pm
Sun 11.00am to 9.30pm
How to get to The Red House
Take the MRT (blue line) and alight at Ximen Station (BL11). From Exit 1, take a one minute walk to The Red House.
I couldn’t help but be drawn to the distinctive Red House. What a transformation this place has undergone! Today, it stands as a vibrant cultural and creative center that I found absolutely buzzing with artistic energy. Inside, I discovered an eclectic mix of art galleries showcasing local talents, intimate performance spaces hosting everything from indie music to theatrical productions, and unique boutique shops selling handcrafted goods you won’t find anywhere else.
The building’s striking red brick architecture immediately catches your eye against the modern Taipei skyline, and learning about its historical significance added another layer to my appreciation. I spent some time browsing the creative shops and catching part of an impromptu performance – definitely worth a visit if you’re interested in experiencing Taipei’s contemporary cultural scene housed within a beautifully preserved historic landmark.
Spotted this cat in a shop inside the Red House!
Final thoughts
It was fun exploring Taipei on foot and getting to know more about its colourful history. Wanhua District has so many things to see and do. Particularly loved strolling through the Bopiliao Historical Block as we could get a glimpse of old Taipei and imagine how the days were like back in the past. 🙂
Got inspiration from this Taipei Free Walking Tour that I came across on the Bopiliao Historical Block’s website, which covers places like Lungshan Temple, Bopiliao Historic Block, Ximen Red House, Presidential Office, 228 Peace Memorial Park and Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall. Instead of joining the tour, we did it ourselves at our own pace.
If you’re visiting Taipei, definitely have to include these places in your itinerary!
I will share more about the other places in later posts. 😉