See-Join Puppet Theater

The Basics

For a hands-on, family-friendly way to discover Taipei’s puppetry traditions, venture to the See-Join Puppet Theater Restaurant. During showtimes, admire colorful sets and learn about the five main archetypal characters of Taiwanese puppetry—which are male, female, face-painted, elderly, and comic. At other times, take part in hands-on activities. Given its central location and accessible activities, it’s easy to plan an independent excursion to Taipei’s See-Join Puppet Theater Restaurant.

Things to Know Before You Go

• If you wish to take home a distinctive gift or souvenir, the theater has a number of puppets available for sale.

• This family-friendly venue is suited for kids and adults alike.

• In addition to the cultural elements, the venue also offers an array of traditional Taiwanese snacks, plus beverages.

How to Get There

The See-Join Puppet Theater Restaurant is conveniently located in the heart of Taipei. To reach the venue via public transportation, take the Zhonghe-Xinlu Line to Xingtian Temple Station; the area is also served by multiple bus lines. Alternatively, travel by car, by bike, or on foot.

When to Get There

See-Join Puppet Theater Restaurant hosts daily performances from 12-1pm (it’s recommended to arrive at 11:30am) and from 7-8pm (it’s recommended to arrive at 6:30pm). As the venue is very small, it’s strongly recommended to book admission tickets in advance. Note that hours are subject to change, so it’s worth confirming exact timings in advance.

The Puppetry Art Center of Taipei

If you’re interested in learning more about Taiwanese puppetry traditions, pair your visit to the See-Join Puppet Theater Restaurant with a trip to the government-sponsored Puppetry Art Center of Taipei. The cultural hub has exhibitions devoted to different puppetry traditions, from shadow puppets to glove puppets and marionettes.