Eslite spectrum Tainan begins soft opening
誠品生活台南店開始試營運
| 20,000-square-meter complex marks brand’s largest store in southern Taiwan
TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Eslite spectrum’s newest location in Tainan began its soft opening Wednesday, marking the brand’s largest store in southern Taiwan. The multifunctional complex spans 20,000 square meters across four floors. It includes a towering 10-meter-tall dual-level Eslite bookstore, which is now one of the largest in the region by book volume, according to the company. It is located in the South District, near major Tainan landmarks such as the Port of Anping, the Chimei Museum, and Anping Old Street. The store's opening is scheduled for June 14, followed by a five-week series of open-air film screenings. Designed by architect Hsiao Po-wen (蕭博文), the building blends traditional and modern elements, drawing inspiration from early “siheyuan” courtyard homes and “cheng,” the communal spaces often found in front of temples. The ground floor features red brick flooring and luminous ceilings that echo the lines of traditional eaves and scaffolding, evoking the feel of a historic local market. The store also debuts Eslite’s largest children’s pavilion, offering a curated collection of works by acclaimed picture book authors from around the world. A signature feature of the store is an outdoor grand staircase that connects all four floors. Framed by a reflecting pool and natural light, the structure serves as an architectural focal point and a multifunctional venue for performances, exhibitions, and open-air film screenings. To inaugurate the space, Eslite is presenting Adagio for Taiwan Literature, a large-scale exhibition comprising six themed sections. The installation brings together more than 45 writers and 26 publishers to honor Taiwan’s literary legacy, featuring quotes and reflections from authors including Yeh Shih-tao (葉石濤), Wu Ming-yi (吳明益), Yang Shuang-zi (楊双子), and Chung Chao-cheng (鍾肇政). Additional features include curated reading zones, art exhibitions, creative design boutiques, lifestyle and fashion brands, and themed dining options. Over 1,200 parking spaces are available nearby. Due to high public interest and the upcoming Dragon Boat Festival holiday starting Friday, the Tainan City Bureau of Transportation anticipates large crowds and heavy traffic. The city has completed traffic infrastructure upgrades around the complex and has required the developer to fully implement measures outlined in its traffic impact assessment, according to UDN. According to the bureau, the main entrance and exit of the complex’s parking lot is located on Lane 70, Section 1, Zhonghua West Road. To ensure safety and reduce congestion, the lane has been divided with flexible posts to restrict left turns in and out of the lot. U-turns at the intersection of Lane 70 and Xinjian Road are also prohibited. Drivers are advised to approach the site via Xinxing Road or Xinhe East Road, then turn onto Xinjian Road before entering Lane 70. The public is also encouraged to use the city’s bus system. Six routes serve the area, offering more than 240 daily trips and providing a convenient alternative to driving, the bureau said. |
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| Charlotte Lee, Taiwan News, Staff Writer | |
| 2025-05-28 |
