The 44 South Village is at the feet of Taipei 101, a strange contrast and a reminder that Taipei is a city where tradition and modern can perfectly blend together.
This village (and many others) was built in the 1950’s for the Nationalist Army’s soldiers. The story of this place is quite interesting and for those who would like to know more about it, you can read Lonely Planet and Taiwan Culture Portal’s articles about it.
This village (and many others) was built in the 1950’s for the Nationalist Army’s soldiers. The story of this place is quite interesting and for those who would like to know more about it, you can read Lonely Planet and Taiwan Culture Portal’s articles about it.
I love old villages and stuff so I had to go there. But I should have read Lonely Planet's post before because I was surprised by the size of this village (quite small... too small).
Only a few grey buildings are still up, some in a good shape and other abandoned. I was disappointed because I expected a bigger place to visit but it was still very interesting to see the difference between this calm and peaceful village compared to the modern and busy neighbor it’s built in. We toured the place in a few seconds and after looking for a door, we could finally enter one of the small buildings.
Only a few grey buildings are still up, some in a good shape and other abandoned. I was disappointed because I expected a bigger place to visit but it was still very interesting to see the difference between this calm and peaceful village compared to the modern and busy neighbor it’s built in. We toured the place in a few seconds and after looking for a door, we could finally enter one of the small buildings.
Inside is a shop selling tea, jam and other vintage stuff. You can find old notebooks there, cooking things, french products (I don’t know why), dry fruits. It was really cool to look around.
A cafe is situated in the back. Their pastries looked AMAZING but I was too full to try some.
A cafe is situated in the back. Their pastries looked AMAZING but I was too full to try some.
Okay, so would I advise you guys to visit Village 44 ? If you love history or if you are visiting Taipei 101 yes, you should go. It’s just five minutes walk from the tower and going there feels like going YEARS back. I love this feeling. If not... then in my opinion, it’s not worth it. This village is way too small, unfortunately. Address : Between Zhuangjing street and Songqin street Station : Taipei 101 exit 2 (red line) Direction : Go straight when you exit the subway. Take the first turn to the left and walk until you see the Xinyi Assembly Hall. This marks the entrance of 44 South Village. |
Pix provided by Taiwan Culture Portal and Lazy Viruses.