Eslite unveils map of stylish historical buildings in Taipei

誠品（Eslite）推出台北風格老屋地圖

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Eslite has launched a new bilingual tourist map, “Stylish Historical Buildings,” showcasing some of the most distinctive and culturally rich sites in Taipei’s Zhongshan and Dadaocheng districts.

The map features locations that are often overlooked, such as the Zhiwen Bookbinding Rouge Espace (志文裝訂行•赤空間). Built in the 1930s, the Western-style townhouse on Chifeng Street is distinguished by century-old vase columns and Taiwanese-style window grilles. It remains occupied by master bookbinder Yeh Chin-chuan (葉金全), with his original tools such as a movable type cabinet, book press, and glue station still preserved, per CNA.

Eslite said a visit to the site offers a glimpse into the golden age of Taiwan’s print and publishing industry.

The illustrated map, created by UK artist Tom Parker, draws on research by “Old House Face,” a group dedicated over the past decade to documenting Taipei’s stylish old houses.

According to Eslite, Zhongshan District was recently named one of the world’s 40 coolest neighborhoods by British travel magazine Time Out.

Among the highlights is AKA Cafe, a red-brick townhouse built in 1933 on Dihua Street. Architect Neo Chu (朱苡俊), founder of the AKA Group, restored the residence and opened it as a reservation-only venue offering afternoon tea, bar service, and private events.

In Dadaocheng, the Yeh Jin Fa Rice Story Museum is housed in a rice mill designated a Taipei Historic Building in 2016. Featured in The New York Times Travel section, it is now managed by fifth-generation descendant Tom Yeh (葉晏廷), who aims to preserve the family legacy while engaging the local community through educational programs and elder services.

The map is available online and in print at the Museum of Contemporary Art, Taipei; Taipei Main Station; Taipei 101/World Trade Center Station; Ximen Station; and the Airport MRT A1 Visitor Center.