[Taipei] Qidong Poetry Salon Stroll | Exploring the Japanese Dormitory Cluster in Bustling Taipei

Qidong Street Japanese Dormitory, also known as “Qidong Poetry Salon,” is now the “Taiwan Literature Base” under the National Museum of Taiwan Literature. Take the Bannan Line or Xinzhuang Line of the MRT to “Zhongxiao Xinsheng Station,” and after a less than 10-minute walk through the bustling streets of Taipei, you’ll find this cluster of Japanese-era dormitory buildings. Although Qidong Poetry Salon is not large in area, it is the most well-preserved block of Japanese historical buildings in Taipei City. It’s perfect for Taipei residents who don’t want to travel far during the pandemic to spend an afternoon here!

Located on Qidong Street in Taipei, formerly known as “Sanbanqiao Street,” this area historically served as a rice route responsible for transporting rice and other supplies from Taipei City to Keelung. During the Japanese colonial period, a large number of Japanese dormitory buildings were constructed on Qidong Street for officials, known then as the “Kōmachi” official residence cluster. After restoration by the Taipei City Department of Cultural Affairs, Qidong Poetry Salon officially opened to the public in 2020. It is the largest and most well-preserved Japanese dormitory cluster in Taipei City.

The Japanese dormitory buildings within Qidong Poetry Salon are currently used for various purposes. For instance, Dormitory No. 25 serves as a poetry exhibition space, while No. 27 is an open space and the former residence of the “Tiger General” Wang Shuming. Most of the spaces are open to the public, but to maintain cleanliness, visitors must change into indoor slippers before entering. Photography enthusiasts are welcome, as long as they avoid using flash and do not disturb other visitors.

Although the currently open area of Qidong Poetry Salon is just a small part of the Qidong Street Japanese Dormitory cluster, the restoration and the blend of Japanese and Western architectural elements are well worth exploring in person. During my visit, the number of tourists was not high, allowing for a pleasant experience. However, due to the many preserved trees, there are quite a few small black mosquitoes. Visitors are advised to wear long sleeves or bring mosquito repellent. Lastly, for those wanting to experience a bit of Japanese atmosphere without leaving Taiwan, this is a great spot for photos to satisfy that pseudo-overseas travel feeling.

QidongPoetrySalon(Taiwan Literature Base) Visitor Information

• Address: No. 27, Section 2, Jinan Road, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City (near MRT Zhongxiao Xinsheng Station)
• Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Closed on Mondays)
• Admission: Free.
• Official Website:Taiwan Literature Base Official Website

『Original Source：https://www.phototravel.tw/taipei-taiwan-litcrature-base/』