Ximen, Red House

Right off the Taipei MRT Ximen Station (西門站), despite the crowd of youngsters, luster brilliant neon signs, and carnival atmosphere of the Ximending (西門町), an octagonal historical red building catches my attention. This is the “Red House” (紅樓), a historical culture landmark of Taipei, presenting a unique diversity culture of Taiwan for the past 100 years.

The Red House was finished in 1908 and designed by a Japanese architecture, Kondo Juro, who had the western-styled architect background. The Red House was a fashion and goods market during the Japanese Colonial Era. It became a popular spot for Japanese visitors who regarded it as an important recreational area in Eastern Asia at that time.

After the retrocession, the Nationalist government retreated to Taiwan from Mainland China. The Red House became the most popular theater for Chinese storytelling, operas, and stage play. Since the 60’s, the Red House Movie Theater has been very popular among westernized youngsters with the playing of second-run western films. However, because of the rapid development in the east urban area of Taipei in the 90’s, the west area of Taipei such as Ximending and Red House went into the worst downtime. After a devastating fire that burned down the Cruciform building and South-North Square in 2000, the Red House was rebuilt by the joint effort of the local community and government. Now, I see the Red House and Ximending as the breeding and dream hatch places for the young culturally and creative individuals or industries. Through an understanding of the brief history of the Red House, I think the transformation is impressive and successful.

If you are interested in seeing the changes of the Red House through the historical photos, please click to see the Red House official website (source)

The first and second floors of the Red House now are the art exhibition, restaurants, cafes, shops, and theaters. The interior setting and decoration are reflecting the old time of Taiwan.

The back of the Cruciform building is the well-known Cultural and Creative Development Center- “16 Creative Boutique” (16工房). Strolling through each shop, I was amazed by all the creative and fashionable ideas and products.

It was also interesting to know that the rental fee of the 16 Creative Boutique is actually lower than that of the surrounding stores. In addition, the water, electric, and internet costs are also included. However, in order to become one of the 16 Creative Boutiques, one has to be creative with unique original products. The new products also have to be introduced from time to time. With this strict rule to comply with, this is the place that I can definitely expect the birth of talented young designers, and their new name brands. I can also see new ideas being constantly tapped from the visitors.

During weekends, the outside of the Red House has become the “Creative Bazaar” (創意市集) where at least 40-50 booths are set up for college students, young designers, or young musicians to show their talents and sell their creative products. Take time to visit each booth and talk to the young designers, you would definitely find surprises and feel their energy and enthusiasm!

The south of the Red House, there are well-known gay bars and cafes. The New Year Eve firework celebration attracted gays from all over Taiwan, Japan, Korea, Singapore, and Thailand to congregate. It has become a unique place!

As the sun goes down, the lights are up; Ximending is full of crowds, energy, and shining as lively stars! Come to Ximen to enjoy youngsters fashion and creativities in Taiwan, and also visit the historical Red House that has been successfully transformed!

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