Stories of Solace from Taipei Street Corners

I've always wanted to publish a book about Taipei, combining illustrations and text. After three years of effort, that dream has come true. I was born in Taipei City. Because my father was a businessman, we moved frequently, living on Hangzhou South Road, Chaozhou Street, Baoqing Street, Zhinan Road, and Muxin Road. I was a child of the city streets. I attended elementary and middle school outside my district, taking the bus every day across half of Taipei—from Songshan District, through Zhongshan District, to Zhongzheng District. In sunshine and rain, through spring, summer, autumn, and winter, I watched the cityscape evolve. I witnessed the construction of the Formosa Plastics Building on Dunhua North Road (1971). Today, that building has been demolished and redeveloped. After graduating from university (1984), I served 1.5 years in the military in Renwu, Kaohsiung—the first time I ever left Taipei. After discharge, I joined Economic Daily as a reporter, based at 555 Zhongxiao East Road, Section 4, Taipei. In 1989, I went to Washington, D.C. to pursue a master's degree—my second time leaving Taipei. Since then, I’ve stayed in Taipei, getting married, having children, building a life and career. I believe Taipei is the premier city in the Chinese-speaking world—where ancient and modern coexist, where noise and quiet find balance. Taipei is a basin surrounded by rivers like Jingmei Creek, Keelung River, and Tamsui River, with beautiful hills such as Yangming Mountain and Neihu Hills. It has historical sites, bustling streets, a comprehensive MRT and bus network, thriving commerce and job opportunities, diverse cuisines, and warm, courteous people. The essence of Taipei is unparalleled. Every joy, sorrow, and emotional cycle of life finds resonance and release here. Young love along the winding Yangjin Highway; solace in the warm baths of Beitou Hot Spring Road after workplace setbacks; afternoon sunlight and coffee in Dihua Street; family-style dishes and Lunar New Year goods at Nánmén Market; lotus blossoms in the Botanical Garden; kapok trees along Roosevelt Road; the artsy crowd and stylish youth of Chìfēng Street; the symmetrical, timeless classical architecture of National Taiwan University Hospital on Zhongshan South Road. To prepare this book, I walked nearly every street in Taipei, selecting 70 scenes that represent the city’s soul. On weekends, I drew each scene by hand, pairing them with personal stories—of work, love, and business, of effort and perseverance. Life is like a river, gently flowing through this city. Heartbreak after deep love, fate after full commitment—all rational and emotional journeys pour out along each stretch of the stream. Even as youth fades, the scenery remains. Taipei still embraces our daily lives with infinite charm and tenderness. Let us express gratitude to this remarkable city. Note: Excerpted from 'Stories of Solace from Taipei Street Corners.' Pre-orders begin July 27, official release on July 30. Available at major bookstores including Books.com.tw, Eslite, and Kingstone.