Taipei Museum of Drinking Water | 台北自來水博物館

Have you ever wondered about the history of drinking water in Taiwan? Then this museum is for you. I have visited Gongguan many times but just never got around to visiting this museum. This time, right as summer ended, I decided to make my way to the Museum of Drinking Water 台北自來水博物館.

The building was built more than a hundred years ago, during the Japanese era, and was heavily influenced by the Baroque style of architecture used in Europe at the time. It is stunning and I can see why many brides and grooms choose to take their wedding photographs here.

I love the green-framed windows that are so commonly seen in Japanese architecture.

As I entered the museum, there was an introduction of William K. Burton, an Englishman who was invited by the Japanese government to help improve the sanitary conditions as well as improve the water filtration systems of Taiwan (which was at that time a part of the Japanese empire).

On the first floor, you'll see huge pipelines that were actually used at that time to pump the water on display. I was surprised to see how well-maintained everything looked. Even control panels and other machines and tools were on display.

After we toured the museum, we walked around the museum garden. There was a water fountain where children could play, and a display of larger pipelines was out in the open.

During the summer, a Taipei water park located just beside the museum (and is part of the vicinity) is open for kids. It wasn't open as I visited in September.

During the weekends, the museum offers a tour of the water system located underground. Unfortunately, I missed it, though anyone can join. According to the Museum's website, these tours are offered on the weekends and national holidays at 2:30 PM. You'll have to register in person though (no online or telephone registrations allowed).

All in all, it was an interesting trip to find out more about the history of Taiwan's water system. I would recommend it as a half-day trip, especially if you're visiting Gongguan.

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How to get to there: You can take the MRT to Gongguan Station and walk for roughly 10-15 min to get to your destination. 

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