[2025 Taipei Shopping Mall] Travel Guide for eslite spectrum (Songyan Store) (Updated Jul)

Actually, the Korean owner started in Australia, then opened a branch in New York which became a hit and was hailed as a must-visit for specialty coffee in New York. The black and white minimalist decor is simple, and while the coffee didn't attract me, the croissants left a deep impression. Besides the Breeze Nanshan branch, a second branch has recently opened in Songshan. Hurry and experience being a New Yorker 💕 🥐 Blueberry Yogurt Croissant: The sweet and sour taste pairs perfectly with the crispy exterior and soft interior of the croissant. This is my personal favorite flavor 😋 🥐 Tiramisu Croissant: Mascarpone cream sprinkled with cocoa powder, and it comes with a coffee dropper to add flavor as you like. But it's quite messy to eat 😂 ☕️ Flat White Coffee: You can choose between light-medium roast or medium-dark roast. I opted for the light-medium roast, which was rich and smooth, perfect with the dessert. 📍 1F, No. 12, Lane 83, Section 1, Keelung Road, Xinyi District, Taipei City (Eslite Songyan)

#summervacay *"Where literature meets lifestyle in cool comfort"* #### 🌞 **Why Eslite in Summer?** ✅ **24-hour book heaven** (Songyan store) for night owls ✅ **Summer-limited exhibitions** and reading nooks ✅ **Taiwanese designer AC** (affordable and creative) ✅ **Indoor/outdoor options** at harborfront locations --- ### **🗓️ 1-Day Itinerary (Taipei Options)** #### **🌅 Morning: Beat the Heat Edition** **10:00 AM - Eslite Xinyi (Flagship)** - **B1 Design Gallery**: Summer pop-ups (2024: Paper Art Exhibition) - **2F Book Tower**: Cool off in the manga/art book section - **4F Music**: Listen to summer playlists in demo booths **12:00 PM - Lunch at Eslite Café** - Try the **oolong tea pasta** (summer special) - Book + meal combo discounts #### **❄️ Afternoon: Creative Cool-Down** **2:00 PM - Eslite Songyan (24h)** - **3F Stationery Lab**: DIY summer travel journals - **B2 Vinyl Room**: Limited summer edition LPs - **Rooftop Garden**: Evening breeze spot **4:00 PM - Eslite Nanxi (Ximending)** - **Taiwanese Designer Zone**: Linen summer wear - **Anime Corner**: Summer convention previews #### **🌃 Evening: Harbor Breeze Option** **6:00 PM - Eslite Spectrum Taichung (if traveling south)** - **Harbor views + sunset reading** - **Mitsui Outlet shopping combo** --- ### **📌 Summer Pro Tips** - **Night Owls**: Songyan's **3AM jazz book sessions** (Fri/Sat) - **Discounts**: Show student ID for 10% off books - **Cool Finds**: - USB neck fans (designer collabs) - "Summer in Taipei" limited zine - **Hidden Perk**: Free **iced oolong tastings** at tea sections (weekends) **"The Xinyi branch's poetry corridor stays a perfect 22°C - follow the blue cooling tiles to find it."**

As a student specializing in publishing, visiting Taiwan naturally means checking out the leading chain bookstore in the country—Eslite! As a company that has been operating for years, their growth into what they are today is certainly commendable. However, I must admit that I was somewhat disappointed with the Songyan store. I had seen online that the store spans several floors, so I assumed it would be a massive book city. But later, I discovered that the bookstore is located on the top floor. While there are plenty of books, it still fell short of my expectations. The store seems ill-equipped to handle weekend crowds. Although it has diversified its offerings, the space feels overly cluttered with too many elements. The department store floors downstairs are packed with dense shop counters, making the entire area feel cramped. The bookstore, relegated to the upper floor, has to fit all book categories into a relatively small space, which makes browsing less enjoyable. They provide shopping carts at the entrance, but given the narrow aisles, I wonder how many people would actually use them to carry their selected books. That said, it’s not entirely bad. I later learned that its positioning is more akin to a department store, focusing on cultural and creative products. However, since Eslite started as a bookstore and I’m currently studying the art of selling books, I naturally pay more attention to the bookstore’s layout and planning, and my expectations are higher than the average visitor. Beyond attracting foot traffic, arranging shopping routes and ensuring a pleasant shopping experience are crucial. I feel there’s room for improvement in these areas to help their business thrive even further.

#taipeiattractions Eslite Spectrum at Songshan is a delightful blend of lifestyle, art, and shopping. The store layout invites you to wander — from minimalist jewelry counters to interactive exhibitions featuring fuzzy textures and plant-inspired installations. There was even a handmade market happening inside the industrial-style hall. I found tiny ceramic pieces, pressed flower accessories, and local tea gifts. Honestly, it felt like stumbling into an art fair inside a bookstore!

#taipeiattractions If you think Eslite is just a bookstore, think again. The Songyan branch is a full-blown creative playground. I walked in for a quick look and ended up spending over two hours exploring handmade crafts, indie brands, and an exhibition filled with yarn-like sculptures and green clouds! The space is filled with vibrant textures and colors. From the fluffy green floor cushions to the art installations hanging from the ceiling, it feels more like a modern gallery than a shopping space. Perfect for creative souls or anyone looking for visual inspiration.

The long-awaited journey-Taipei 🗓️Itinerary: Stay at Taipei Ximen Citizen Hotel Day 1: Wannian Commercial Building Restaurant: Meiguanyuan Day 2: Ah Zong Noodles Attractions: Nguyen Museum, Sanchuang Life Park, Taipei Jimmy Bus, Taipei 101, Breeze Nanshan Food: Zhongyi Spare Ribs, Tenren Tea, Jiguang Fragrant Chicken, Ximending Night Market Day 3: Tiantianli Food Court Attractions: Ximen Red House, Eslite Wanhua Store, Eslite Life Ximen, Eslite Songshan Cultural Park, Taipei Underground Mall Food and Wild: Ximending Night Market, Yizhimai Ice Cream Shop Day 4: Taipei Underground Mall

When traveling to Taipei, Songshan Cultural and Creative Park is a must-visit treasure trove, combining art, creativity, and nature. Every photo you take here will be stunning! This guide will take you on an immersive experience of the charm of Songshan Cultural and Creative Park. Transportation Guide: Convenient access to the world of art Take the MRT to Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall Station, exit at Exit 5, and walk for a while to reach Songshan Cultural and Creative Park. The transportation is super convenient, making it easy to start your artistic journey. Baroque Garden: A dreamlike fairy tale world Upon entering the park, the Baroque-style garden in the middle is a delightful surprise. Stepping into the garden feels like walking into a European fairy tale. The garden is adorned with exquisite Baroque architectural elements, vintage fountains, and carved fences, exuding romance and elegance in every detail. The garden is filled with blooming flowers, including roses, tulips, and lavender, competing for attention with their fragrance. Imagine opening your bedroom window to such a picturesque view—what a blissful feeling. The sunlight filters through the flowers, creating a play of light and shadow, making every photo a social media sensation. Creative Main Building: Explore the world of cultural and creative treasures The main building in the center of the park is a hub of creativity. It houses a variety of creative shops filled with unique cultural and creative products. From cute figurines and exquisite notebooks to stylish accessories, each item is irresistible. Moreover, the main building frequently hosts various art exhibitions, offering a visual feast of avant-garde contemporary art and traditional cultural displays. Take your time to explore, and you might find a treasure you love. I found a roll of interesting cultural and creative tape with no-smoking signs on it—unique and fun. A tour around the building takes about half an hour, and you'll leave with a sense of fulfillment. Green Oxygen Bar: Enjoy the refreshing gift of nature As you walk deeper into the park, you'll be surrounded by lush greenery. Tall trees provide shade, and sunlight filters through the leaves, creating patches of light. Various green plants grow freely, full of vitality and energy. Strolling through the park, the fresh air fills your lungs, and every breath is infused with the scent of nature, as if all your fatigue is swept away. Here, you can find a bench to sit on, quietly enjoy the tranquility and beauty, and feel the healing power of nature. 24-hour Eslite Bookstore: Encounter a warm corner filled with the scent of books When you're tired from walking, take a break at the 24-hour Eslite Bookstore. As you enter the bookstore, the rich aroma of books greets you. The shelves are filled with a wide variety of books, from literary classics and popular novels to niche art albums. Find a book you like, find a corner to sit in, and immerse yourself in the world of words. I spent half an hour reading "The Second Woman" here and also browsed the second-hand book section, hoping to find a rare gem. Songshan Cultural and Creative Park offers both artistic inspiration and relaxation in nature. Whether you're an art enthusiast or a regular visitor, you'll find your own joy here. Don't miss this treasure trove when you visit Taipei!