Plum Garden is a small museum in Beitou, Taipei, housed in the former summer residence of calligrapher Yu Youren. Built in the late 1930s, the wooden house preserves Japanese-style architecture and has a leafy courtyard beside Beitou Creek. Inside, see calligraphy works and an exhibition on historic architecture; a Cloud Guide System provides a 3D tour. Admission is free, and the visit fits easily into a Beitou walk that also takes in the nearby public hot spring bath.
Yu Youren’s former summer residence
Plum Garden was built in the late 1930s as a summer retreat for Yu Youren, a calligrapher and political figure. The house is now a museum, with exhibits devoted largely to his calligraphy. Its Japanese-style wooden architecture and rooms preserve the character of the historic residence.
The building sits beside Beitou Creek. Its courtyard is shaded by foliage, and the street-side wall has a battlement-like appearance. The site is a compact stop rather than a large garden, so it can fit into a walk around Beitou’s nearby sights.
Calligraphy and historic architecture
Inside, the museum presents Yu Youren’s calligraphy alongside a permanent exhibition about historic architecture. The Cloud Guide System includes a 3D tour of Plum Garden, adding another way to explore the house and its surroundings. Admission is free.
The residence has several rooms to visit. Remove your shoes before going inside, in keeping with the custom observed at the house. Allow roughly an hour for the museum and courtyard.
A stop on a Beitou walk
Plum Garden is close to the public hot spring bath in Xinbeitou. Traditional music demonstrations and performances take place nearby on weekends, so a visit then may coincide with a performance. The Hot Spring Museum, Beitou Library and Thermal Valley are also among the area’s sights.
January is a good time to see the plum trees flowering in the yard, before the cherry blossoms appear. For a quieter visit focused on the house and exhibits, plan your stop around the museum rather than expecting a large garden.
FAQ
Is Plum Garden free to visit?
Yes. Admission to the museum and its permanent exhibition is free.
How long should I spend at Plum Garden?
Allow about an hour to explore the house, exhibits and courtyard.
Do I need to remove my shoes at Plum Garden?
Yes. Take off your shoes before entering the house.
When do the plum trees bloom?
The plum trees bloom in January, before the cherry blossoms.
