Taipei, Taiwan: Wan Hua/ Monga - Bo-Pi-Liao Historic Site and Monga Movie Set

When I first learnt about Bo-Pi-Liao, I thought its name took reference from the peeling paint of the buildings. I also had to see the "graffiti" on the walls of this historic site for myself.

Bo-Pi-Liao (剝皮寮), literally means 'Skin-Peeling Hut', but it's not referring to the peeling paint! Whether it refers to peeling the skin of animals or the bark of the Cedar wood, no one can be sure.  What we can be sure of, however, is that it dates back to the Qing Dynasty and its restoration is integral to preserving the history of the Taipei's oldest district, Wanhua or Monga.

Known today as Lane 173 Kanding Road, Bo-Pi-Liao Street in Mangka District is a well-preserved Qing Dynasty Street which used to be a major passage between Mangka District and Geting District in the Japanese Colonial Period. Under new urban planning. Bo-Pi-Liao was displaced by the current Guangzhou Street as the major passage, relegating the old street to a back alley.

Entering the old street, one is transported back into the past. Its history lives on in the landscape, kept alive by local residents' memories. As the old streets are renovated and their culture is restored, community relations improve and the story of Bangka is preserved for all residents of Taipei to know and cherish.

Restoring Bo-Pi-Liao Historic Street took the combined efforts of local residents, preservation groups, and the Taipei City Government. In 2002, Yu-chien Shu Architecture Firm was appointed to plan and oversee the construction, which was carried out in two phases... The deterioration and disrepair of the original buildings along the old street necessitated great care in their restoration...

Besides offering a glimpse of Taipei's storied past, Bo-Pi-Liao Historic Street also symbolizes the city's dedication to the ongoing redevelopment of historic Wanhua District and the restoration of its former glory.

Mayor of Taipei City

The Historic Site comprises of the Western Historic Sites, the Setting for 'Monga' the movie and the Heritage and Culture Centre.

Twilight's Hometown - A Movie

Let me attempt to translate/ decipher this drain cover:

Xiuying's Tea House. Bo-Pi-Liao area's earliest and most famous traditional Tea House is operated by 3 generations of women (stating their names), and named after the 2nd generation owner, Xiuying. Customers were regular patrons above the age of 40 who came for the tea and special pastries. With 8 tables and a warm hospitality, by word of mouth, it because famous far and wide. Regular patrons came at fixed times to drink tea, and talk, making it a bustling and lively social meeting place.

Can't say I didn't try!

My guess is that 纳福  (na-fu) means 'receiving fortune'

More on the Monga Movie Set in Bo-Pi-Liao next!

Monga (艋舺), a Taiwanese gangster film, was based on the Wanhua/ Monga District in the 80s, so it's no surprise that it was shot in this very district, including at Bo-Pi-Liao. The actual film site is now open to visitors (except on Mondays).









I haven't played Mahjong in a long time!



I wonder how to play this. Looks fun!





Probably not part of the film set


"Loyalty"



This place really brings back memories of my childhood, we had a similar telephone!





More pictures are available on my Flickr (simply click any photo).

Related Posts:

My Taiwan Itinerary (December 2011 and June 2013)

Taiwan: Almost 100 Shots of Food. *Burp*

Taipei, Taiwan: 3 Things I Could Do Again and Again and...

Taiwan Day 1 - Taipei, Day 1:

• Taipei Main Station
• Monga District and Hua Xi Street Night Market
• Longshan Temple
• Bo Pi Liao Historic Site, Monga Set
• Ximending

Taiwan Day 8 - Taipei, Day 2:

• Beitou, Danshui

Taiwan Day 9 - Taipei, Day 3:

• National Taiwan Museum