Taiwan Storyland, Taipei

It almost sounds like the name of a fantasy-themed amusement park, doesn’t it? Even the entrance, pictured above, invokes mental images of fairies flitting about in an enchanted forest. I fully expected to encounter scenes based on the Monkey King and other figures from Chinese children’s mythos.

But i didn’t. In fact, it became clear at the top of the stairway heading down what was in store for me.

Contrary to the name and external signage, Taiwan Storyland is actually a replica of city life in Taiwan during the 1950s. Every aspect of life has been reproduced to full scale, including shops, homes, children’s toys, and even a open & working tra bing restaurant.

Now I know what you’re probably thinking: this may be interesting from a cultural or historical point-of-view, but all the outside design and hotel lobby promotional material I’ve seen implies that Taiwan Storyland is a place for kids.

Well, it is.

There are plenty of traditional crafts and games for small children to get their hands in to. And while there are the occasional “don’t touch” and “keep off” signs, the majority of things are kid-friendly.

I mentioned the tra bing (shaved ice) diner already, didn’t I? They make a great banana milk, too.

Overall, it’s a great compressed cultural experience for tourists, nostalgic experience for locals, and fun experience for kids. Entry is only NT$200 (~US$6) and it’s conveniently located right across from Taipei Main Station and next to the Shin Kong Mitsigoshi building.

Taiwan Storyland isn’t large or complex enough to occupy an entire day, but one can certainly stay busy for a morning or an afternoon there.

More photos:

Let Google guide you.

View Larger Map