Friday, November 28, 2014

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.

Bo Pi Liao (Wan Hua / Monga District)
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
Bo Pi Liao (Wan Hua / Monga District)

Bo Pi Liao (Wan Hua / Monga District)

Bo Pi Liao (Wan Hua / Monga District)

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


Bo Pi Liao (Wan Hua / Monga District)

Bo Pi Liao (Wan Hua / Monga District)

Bo Pi Liao (Wan Hua / Monga District)

Bo Pi Liao (Wan Hua / Monga District)

Bo Pi Liao (Wan Hua / Monga District)

Bo Pi Liao (Wan Hua / Monga District)

Bo Pi Liao (Wan Hua / Monga District)

Bo Pi Liao (Wan Hua / Monga District)

Bo Pi Liao (Wan Hua / Monga District)

Twilight's Hometown - A Movie

Bo Pi Liao (Wan Hua / Monga District)

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!

Bo Pi Liao (Wan Hua / Monga District)

Bo Pi Liao (Wan Hua / Monga District)

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

Bo Pi Liao (Wan Hua / Monga District)

Bo Pi Liao (Wan Hua / Monga District)

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).

Bo Pi Liao (Wan Hua / Monga District)

Bo Pi Liao (Wan Hua / Monga District)

Bo Pi Liao (Wan Hua / Monga District)

Bo Pi Liao (Wan Hua / Monga District)

I haven't played Mahjong in a long time!

Bo Pi Liao (Wan Hua / Monga District)

I wonder how to play this. Looks fun!

Bo Pi Liao (Wan Hua / Monga District)

Bo Pi Liao (Wan Hua / Monga District)

Probably not part of the film set

Bo Pi Liao (Wan Hua / Monga District)
"Loyalty"

Bo Pi Liao (Wan Hua / Monga District)

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

Bo Pi Liao (Wan Hua / Monga District)

Bo Pi Liao (Wan Hua / Monga District)

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

Related Posts:
Taiwan Day 1 - Taipei, Day 1:
Taiwan Day 8 - Taipei, Day 2:
Taiwan Day 9 - Taipei, Day 3:

2 comments:

  1. 剝皮寮似乎有很多故事,可惜上次在臺北時沒有機會去看看,下次一定記著去。多謝分享!

    ReplyDelete
  2. 不客气 是我的荣幸 I only visited Bo Pi Liao on my second trip too! So there's always next time for you!

    ReplyDelete

Featured

My Japan Itinerary (December 2012 and June 2016)

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...