I consider Taipei to be my old home. Since I’ve come to know Taipei quite well and have probably visited most of the famous travel attractions, on my last visit to my old hometown I tried to find new "out of the beaten track" places that might be interesting for someone like me who knows a thing or two about the place. It was easier than I thought, managed to find lots of new artist villages and small museums I haven’t heard of before.
An example for a small museum in Taipei which I’m quite sure most people -even locals – have never heard about is the Museum of Drinking Water at the Taipei Water Park. It’s not too far away from the neighborhood where I spent a semester – Gongguan, near the Taiwan National University, and it’s actually part of the general water park attractions in a fairly large and recently reconstructed complex. The complex includes swimming pools, water slide fun, small hiking trails, some flower gardens, and yeah – a museum that shows the history of drinking water in Taipei.
The Taipei Travel government site promotes :
Drink up a bit of Taipei’s past at this museum housed in a historic pumping station. The station is located by the Xindian River off Siyuan Street near one of the city’s water sources. The Baroque-style facility was built in 1908 and some of the original equipment remains on display inside. The station was designated as a national grade-three historic site, and it was reopened as a museum in April 2000. Apart from its educational value, the museum provides a classical backdrop that has been featured in many local TV ads. It is also a favorite site for bridal photographs.
So, aside from the lovely building exterior, what’s to see? lets go in for a series of old pipe photos…
I’ve always thought old and decay make for an especially appealing photography. Did it come across well? 😛
Since it’s a lovely building and quite a pleasant park, it has become a hotspot for bridal photography …
If you’re in need of a map of the complex…
A charming little spot. The entrance fee to the museum includes all other facilities so might as well bring your swim suit and dive in with the hordes of locals. If you do, however, please take note that you’re probably bound to become somewhat of an attraction yourself – I don’t think they get lots of foreigners there.
More on the Taipei Water Park and the Museum of Drinking Water :