Since we only had plans for an afternoon tour, we decided to take advantage of our free morning and visit Shenji New Village and have lunch at Chun Shui Tang before heading to the pick-up location at Park Lane by CMP.
Shenji New Village (審計新村), situated in the West District of Taichung, has become a popular destination, especially among young people, in recent years. It is a unique and trendy neighbourhood with shops that are decorated in an artistic manner. Each store has its own individual style, making this location a highly sought-after place for photography and social media posts.
The story of Shenji New Village
Shenji New Village was built in 1969 as a housing complex for employees of the auditing office by the Taiwan Provincial Government. After lying unused for many years, the government decided to repurpose it into a hub for cultural innovation and entrepreneurship, attracting a large number of young people to start their own businesses in the area. The buildings, which are over 50 years old, underwent restoration and were given a new lease on life with a blend of vintage charm and modern trends.
The whole area is not large in size, covering only 0.52 hectares, but it is home to a diverse range of businesses that are known for their unique and distinctive character, with a strong sense of community and local charm. This makes it a worthwhile stop to visit each of the stores and discover the individuality of each establishment.
What’s in Shenji New Village?
In addition to cafes, restaurants, and bars, Shenji New Village also features workshops that offer hands-on lessons such as leather crafting and painting, as well as specialty stores that sell artisanal goods unique to the area.
The neighborhood has a thriving arts community and provides ample opportunities for artists, musicians, and writers to showcase their talents. On weekends, the area also hosts eco-markets from time to time, showcasing a variety of organic products and handmade crafts.
Some of the popular businesses in Shenji New Village include:
- Forestmosa 森林島嶼 – a store that sells natural, eco-friendly products like essential oils, bath salts, and hand creams.
- Kòu Jewellery – a shop that specialises in handcrafted, bespoke jewellery.
- Luho Puff 旅禾泡芙之家 – a bakery that specialises in cream puffs, bread buns, cakes, tarts, and other pastries.
- Nenn-Yih Stationery 能藝文具 – a stationery shop that sells writing tools, Japanese & Korean stationery, and creative products.
- Be Two Leather Workshop – where you can take a leather crafting course and make a custom cardholder, key pouch, or wallet.
- Protest Studio 抗議 設計工作室 – a design studio that can help design your logo, wedding invitation card, product packaging, etc.
- Slick Barbershop 俐落男士理髮廳 – a stylish barbershop that offers haircuts and personalized grooming services for men.
Come True Coffee 成真咖啡
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ComeTrueCoffee.201/
Tel: +886 4 2302 6882
Opening hours: 10.00am to 8.30pm Mon-Fri, 9.00am to 9.00pm Sat-Sun
After walking around, we felt a bit peckish and decided to take a quick break at Come True Coffee.
Menu
Image source: Come True Coffee’s FB page
Image source: Come True Coffee’s FB page
Pretty Berry Time – Blueberry & Raspberry Smoothie
I was pleasantly surprised by the presentation of the smoothie, as it was separated into two clear layers of blueberries and raspberries, rather than being blended together. But it was a good thing as we could savour two different flavours in a single glass. The smoothie was delicious, with a balanced blend of yogurt, fresh milk, and the natural sweetness of the berries. Very refreshing!
Mango and Pineapple Souffle Pancake (Season Limited)
Beautiful presentation. Although the souffle pancake had a soft and wobbly texture, it was more like a light sponge cake compared to other souffle pancakes we had tried. Despite this, the dish was still delicious. The various elements complemented each other well, with the sweetness and tanginess of the mango slices and pineapple sauce balancing the richness and creaminess of the ice cream.
Sakura Shrimp with Cod Roe Sauce Pizza
The pizza was a feast for the eyes and the taste buds. The base was made of thin and crispy tortillas, making it light and perfect for snacking. The addition of sakura shrimps and cod roe sauce also elevated the flavour profile of the pizza. Moreish!
Final thoughts
At Shenji New Village, we can enjoy a peaceful and picturesque environment on any given day. This unique area showcases how modern and traditional elements can blend together seamlessly. After taking a stroll and admiring the sights, we can unwind at one of the many cafes or treat ourselves to a delicious dessert before leaving. If you ever visit Taichung, definitely make sure to include a stop at Shenji New Village in your itinerary. It’s definitely worth the visit!
(the operating hours of each business differ)
