Taipei Story House

Taipei Story House: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Comprehensive Guide to Taipei Historical Sites

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

The Taipei Story House, nestled in the vibrant Yuanshan district of Taipei, Taiwan, is a striking symbol of the city’s layered history and architectural heritage. Built between 1913 and 1914 during the Japanese colonial era, this Tudor Revival-style mansion was commissioned by Chen Chao-chun, a renowned tea merchant, as a guesthouse for dignitaries and business associates. Today, it offers an immersive experience for visitors, blending Western and Eastern design elements, tranquil gardens, and a dynamic cultural venue that hosts exhibitions, workshops, and traditional tea ceremonies. Its prime location—adjacent to the Taipei Fine Arts Museum and Taipei Expo Park and accessible via Yuanshan MRT Station—makes it a must-see for history enthusiasts, architecture aficionados, and curious travelers.

This guide provides a detailed overview of Taipei Story House’s history, architectural highlights, visiting hours, ticketing, accessibility, onsite experiences, nearby attractions, and practical tips. For the most current details, always refer to official and trusted sources such as the Taipei Story House Official Website, TravelKing, and Guide to Taipei.

View near the Taihoku Meiji Bridge in Taipei

Historical Background

Origins and Significance

Originally known as Yuanshan Mansion (圓山別莊), the Taipei Story House was constructed as a reflection of Taipei’s cosmopolitan spirit in the early 20th century. Its founder, Chen Chao-chun, was instrumental in Taiwan’s flourishing tea trade, and the mansion served as a venue for hosting VIPs from Taiwan and abroad. The house is an architectural rarity in Taiwan, blending Tudor Revival and English cottage styles with Japanese and local design influences.

Architectural Features

Exterior

Tudor Revival Elements: A half-timbered façade, steep gable roofs, hexagonal turret, and wraparound veranda echo English country homes.
Japanese and Local Adaptations: Wide eaves for shade, pagoda-inspired staircase details, and woven branch motifs showcase a harmonious blend of East and West.
Distinctive Details: Elements such as stained glass windows, verdigris bronze roof tiles, and red brickwork add to the mansion’s period charm.

Interior

Original Fireplaces: Two fireplaces with Art Nouveau floral tiles.
Woodwork and Stained Glass: Intricate wood detailing and whimsical stained-glass windows.
Structural Integrity: Brick load-bearing walls and preserved period features.

After decades of varied use and periods of disrepair, the site was designated as a municipal historic site in 1998 and underwent a careful restoration completed in 2003.

Visitor Information

Opening Hours and Admission

Opening Hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00 – 17:30. Closed on Mondays and public holidays.
Ticket Prices:
- Adults: TWD 50
- Students/Groups (over 10): TWD 40
- Groups (over 40): TWD 40 per person
- Free: Children under 6, seniors over 65, visitors with disabilities
Guided Tours: Offered daily at 11:00 and 15:30, available in Mandarin and occasionally English. Tours provide insightful narratives about the house’s architecture and history.

Check the official website for the latest ticket and schedule updates.

Accessibility

Physical Access: The ground floor and garden are wheelchair accessible; accessible restrooms are available. The upper floor may be challenging for those with mobility needs due to the building’s heritage structure.
Facilities: Onsite restrooms, a souvenir shop, and a teahouse. No lockers or baggage storage; pack light.

Getting There

By MRT: Take the Red Line to Yuanshan Station. Use Exit 1 and walk north on Zhongshan North Road for about 5–10 minutes (TravelKing).
By Bus: Numerous bus routes stop at Yuanshan, including 40, 42, 203, 208, and others. Follow local signs to the Story House.
By Car: Limited parking; public transportation is recommended.

Onsite Experience

House & Exhibitions

Explore well-preserved Tudor-style architecture, vintage furnishings, and bilingual exhibitions on Taipei’s social history, tea culture, and the Japanese colonial period.

Teahouse

The Taipei Story Teahouse serves traditional Taiwanese teas and light refreshments in a historic ambiance, making it an ideal spot to relax after touring the mansion.

Events & Programs

The Story House regularly hosts special exhibitions, lectures, workshops, and seasonal festivals. Community engagement and educational programs are central to its mission. Check the events calendar on the official website.

Garden and Surroundings

The mansion is surrounded by a lush garden with over 100 plant species, a pond, curved walkways, and a red-brick dwarf wall echoing the house’s architecture. The garden is especially beautiful in spring and autumn, providing a tranquil retreat within the city.

Nearby Attractions

Taipei Fine Arts Museum: Modern and contemporary art exhibitions adjacent to the Story House.
Taipei Expo Park: Themed gardens, markets, and seasonal events.
Confucius Temple & Dalongdong Baoan Temple: Traditional temples a short walk away.
Shilin Night Market: One MRT stop north, perfect for evening food and shopping (Gamin Traveler).

A half-day itinerary could include Taipei Story House, the Fine Arts Museum, and an evening at Shilin Night Market.

Practical Tips

Language: Exhibits are bilingual. Staff are helpful but may have limited English.
Payment: Tickets are purchased in cash (TWD); some venues accept credit cards, but cash is advised.
Dress: Modest, comfortable attire is recommended.
Photography: Allowed, but flash and tripods may be restricted.
Etiquette: Maintain quiet in exhibition areas; food and drinks are not permitted inside.
Weather: Spring and autumn are ideal for the gardens. Bring an umbrella during rainy months.
Safety: Taipei is one of Asia’s safest cities (Lonely Planet).
Group Visits: Discounts available; pre-book for groups over 10.

Preservation, Community, and Sustainability

Taipei Story House is a flagship site of Taipei’s “Old House Cultural Movement Plan,” which emphasizes adaptive reuse and sustainable management of historic properties. Ongoing maintenance, community events, and educational programs ensure its continued relevance. Visitors are encouraged to respect site rules, avoid touching artifacts, and support preservation efforts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the Taipei Story House visiting hours?
A: Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00 – 17:30; closed Mondays and public holidays.

Q: How much are tickets?
A: TWD 50 for adults; TWD 40 for students and groups; free for children under 6, seniors over 65, and visitors with disabilities.

Q: Is Taipei Story House wheelchair accessible?
A: The ground floor and gardens are accessible; upper levels may not be due to the building’s heritage status.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, free tours at 11:00 and 15:30 daily.

Q: When is the best time to visit?
A: Weekday mornings in spring or autumn for the best weather and fewer crowds.

Q: Can I bring children?
A: Yes, children under 6 enter free and the gardens are child-friendly.

Conclusion & Recommendations

Taipei Story House stands as a testament to Taipei’s unique architectural and cultural journey, blending Tudor and local influences with vibrant community programming. Its accessible location, affordable admission, and proximity to other cultural attractions make it a standout destination for anyone interested in history, architecture, or tea culture. Plan your visit using the details above, and check the official website for updates on events and exhibitions.

For a richer experience, download the Audiala app for audio guides, maps, and curated tours. Share your visit on social media and connect with a growing community of culture lovers.