[TAIWAN] TAIPEI - Discovering Retro Charm in Dadaocheng Area

08:00 Travel Bunny 0 Comments


If you have some time to spare in Taipei, Dadaocheng offers the perfect blend of soulful heritage and modern chill. On my last day in Taiwan, I spent the afternoon exploring the historic wharf, Dihua Street and Taiwan New Cultural Movement Memorial Museum in this area.

1) Dadaocheng Wharf Plaza 大稻埕碼頭廣場

Dadaocheng Wharf Plaza is the ultimate spot to wind down while overlooking the Tamsui River. The best time to visit is during sunset. This is when the colorful shipping containers come to life, serving everything from pizza and tacos to craft beer and bubble tea. I just dropped by for some photos as I have other plans for the evening.

2) Dihua Old Street 迪化老街

A short walk away lies Dihua Street, the oldest street in Taipei. The street is famous for its narrow shopfronts and ornate Baroque-style facades.

While it remains the city's hub for traditional Chinese medicine and textiles, Dihua has evolved into a "hipster paradise" filled with hidden teahouses, indie boutiques, and craft workshops. Walking down this street is a sensory experience; the air is a heady mix of dried scallops, medicinal herbs, and freshly roasted coffee.

Do stop by the Dadaocheng Visitor Center if you have time. On the second floor, you can rent a cheongsam (qipao) or vintage suit for free! The center is designed like a massive multi-story "set" with beautifully curated retro rooms, like a 1920s pharmacy and a traditional tea parlor, which are perfect for a photoshoot.

Note: You must book the experience online in advance to snag a spot!

3) Taiwan New Cultural Movement Memorial Museum 臺灣新文化運動紀念館

Housed in the former Taipei North Police Station (built in 1933), this building is a stunning example of colonial architecture, featuring a unique semi-circular facade. Every year, the museum hosts a series of forums, special exhibitions, and outdoor events to celebrate its anniversary.

On the ground floor, you’ll find a preserved water cell and detention room—a sobering reminder of the building's past during the colonial era.

During my visit last October, I caught the special exhibition titled "All Sugar Co. Ltd." It traced Taiwan’s history as a "Sugar Kingdom" during the Japanese Colonial Period. It wasn't just about industry; it also covered the labor struggles and the famous Erlin Incident (a landmark peasant protest).

The museum is surprisingly family-friendly! My boys participated in a quiz about the Erlin Incident and were rewarded with free stickers for their efforts. It’s a great way to make complex history accessible for younger travelers.

Taiwan New Cultural Movement Memorial Museum 臺灣新文化運動紀念館
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 09:30 – 17:30 (Closed Mondays).
Admission: Free.

4) Chiang Wei-shui Memorial Square 蔣渭水紀念公园

Passed by Chiang Wei-shui Memorial Park in Dadaocheng. This is Datong District’s largest neighborhood park. He was a democracy activist and cultural visionary whose well-known feats, notably the founding of Da-an Hospital, Taiwan Cultural Society and The Taiwan Minpao (i.e. People’s News) wholesale headquarters, were mostly documented in Dadaocheng. 

You can easily spend a day in Dadaocheng area. It is the perfect place to discover the retro charm of Taipei.

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