Walsin Lihwa Building

Introduction

The Walsin Lihwa Building (華新麗華大樓) is a striking commercial skyscraper in the heart of Taipei’s Xinyi District. Serving as the corporate headquarters for Walsin Lihwa Corporation—a global leader in wire and cable, stainless steel, and renewable energy—the building also stands as a symbol of Taiwan’s industrial advancement and commitment to sustainable urban development. Completed in 2009, this 27-story tower is recognized for its modern design, advanced seismic resilience, and cutting-edge green technologies, earning LEED Gold certification in 2024. Although the building itself is not a traditional tourist attraction with public observation decks or guided tours, visitors can admire its architecture, explore its retail spaces, and enjoy its prime location surrounded by Taipei’s most vibrant business, shopping, and cultural hubs. This guide provides comprehensive visitor information, practical tips, and insights into the building’s significance within Taipei’s urban landscape.

For further details on sustainability and development, consult the Walsin Lihwa Real Estate website and the LinkedIn LEED in North Asia page.

Visiting Information

Public Access & Visiting Hours

The Walsin Lihwa Building operates primarily as a corporate office tower. While its office floors are not open to the general public, visitors can access the lobby and retail areas during standard business hours:

• Lobby & Retail Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Office Floors: Restricted to tenants, employees, and authorized visitors
• Weekends/Public Holidays: Access typically limited; check ahead for special events

Tickets & Entry

There are no tickets or entrance fees required for accessing public areas such as the lobby and ground-floor retail spaces. Entry to office floors is by invitation or prior arrangement only.

Accessibility Features

The building is fully accessible, with ramps, elevators, and barrier-free restrooms in compliance with city regulations, ensuring comfort for visitors with disabilities.

Special Events

Occasional corporate, industry, or cultural events may take place in the building’s conference facilities. These are usually by invitation or require prior registration. For event details, check the official Walsin Lihwa website or contact their visitor services.

Location & Transportation

Address: No. 1, Songzhi Road, Xinyi District, Taipei City, Taiwan 110

• MRT:

  • Taipei City Hall Station (Blue Line) – 5 minutes’ walk
  • Taipei 101/World Trade Center Station (Red Line) – 10 minutes’ walk

• Bus:

  • Multiple city bus routes serve Songzhi Road and nearby Songgao Road

• Taxi:

  • Taxis are widely available with direct drop-off at the building entrance

• Parking:

  • Underground parking is available for visitors, but may be limited during peak hours

• Cycling:

  • Taipei’s YouBike system has stations throughout Xinyi District

Architectural Highlights & Sustainability

Building Design

Standing at 134 meters (440 feet) with 27 above-ground floors and five basement levels, the Walsin Lihwa Building is designed by LCRA Architects. Its steel frame provides high seismic resilience, essential in earthquake-prone Taipei. The exterior’s sleek, modern façade and night-time illumination contribute to the city’s skyline (Wikiwand; Taiwan Skyscraper Center).

Functional Layout

The building hosts:

• Walsin Lihwa Corporation headquarters
• Citibank Taiwan offices
• International offices (e.g., New Zealand Commerce and Industry Office, Canadian Trade Office)
• Ground-level retail and cafes
• Multi-level parking (Wikipedia)

Sustainability Achievements

• LEED O+M Gold Certification (2024): Recognition for sustainable operations and maintenance (LinkedIn LEED in North Asia)
• Energy Efficiency: Double low-emissivity (low-E) glass, ice storage air conditioning, LED lighting, and energy-efficient elevators
• Water Recycling: Rainwater collection and over 90% operational water recycling
• Waste Management: More than 97% non-hazardous waste reused or recycled
• Green Materials: Use of low-carbon cement and recycled materials
• Indoor Air Quality: Advanced air filtration and daylight-maximizing glass

Interactive displays in the lobby highlight the building’s green features and real-time energy/water usage.

Nearby Attractions

The Walsin Lihwa Building’s central Xinyi District location places visitors near many of Taipei’s top sights:

• Taipei 101: Iconic observation deck and luxury shopping (Taiwanderers)
• Xinyi Shopping District: Malls like Shin Kong Mitsukoshi, Breeze Center, and ATT 4 FUN
• Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall: Historical exhibits, performances, and gardens
• Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan): Popular hiking trail with panoramic city views
• Songshan Cultural and Creative Park: Art exhibitions and creative markets
• Huashan 1914 Creative Park: Cultural hub with galleries and events
• Dihua Street/Dadaocheng: Historic architecture, tea shops, and markets
• Ximending: Trendy shopping, street art, and night markets
• Beitou Hot Springs & Wulai: Hot springs and aboriginal culture (short MRT or bus trip)

Visitor Tips & FAQs

Visitor Tips

• Best Visit Times: Weekday mornings or evenings for a quieter lobby experience
• Dining: Enjoy cafes and restaurants on lower floors; nearby malls offer diverse options
• Wi-Fi: Public Wi-Fi is limited; most cafes offer access
• Dress Code: Business casual preferred
• Photography: Allowed in public and exterior spaces, but restricted in offices

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I visit the upper floors or attend tours?
A: Access is restricted; no public tours available.

Q: Is there an observation deck?
A: No, but Taipei 101 offers city views nearby.

Q: Is the building accessible for visitors with disabilities?
A: Yes, the building is fully accessible.

Q: Are there any guided tours or sustainability exhibits?
A: No guided tours, but informational displays are available in the lobby.

Q: How do I get to the building?
A: Take the MRT to Taipei City Hall Station (Blue Line) or Taipei 101/World Trade Center Station (Red Line), then walk.