Taiwan’s Leaning Mailboxes: A Testament to Resilience and Perseverance
Taiwan, an island nation known for its stunning landscapes and intricate architecture, draws numerous tourists each year. However, among its famous landmarks, two seemingly ordinary mailboxes stand out. Situated in the Zhongshan District of Taipei, “Little Red” (Xiao Hong) and “Little Green” (Xiao Lu) have captured people’s hearts due to their peculiar appearance – a distinctive tilt.
Photo by depositphotos.com
Taiwan is no stranger to typhoons, as it experiences three or four cyclones annually. In 2015, Typhoon Soudelor severely impacted the island. During the storm, strong winds dislodged a billboard, causing it to strike and bend the mailboxes. Despite the damage, they remained standing.
After the storm, Taipei’s residents discovered the newly tilted mailboxes and were instantly charmed by them. Not only did they look endearing, but they also symbolized resilience and survival. The mailboxes seemed to convey the message, “You can strike us, but we’ll stand tall with a smile.”
The leaning mailboxes quickly gained popularity on social media, drawing people to visit and take creative photos with them, similar to how tourists pose with Italy’s Leaning Tower of Pisa. Recognizing the significance of the mailboxes, authorities installed a plaque recounting their story in Chinese, Japanese, and English instead of repairing them.
The plaque states, “On August 8th, 2015, Typhoon Soudelor struck Taiwan. We were hit in the heads by a signboard as a result and couldn’t help but lean over from the pain…But we persevered: we didn’t fall over after all. We have to take life as it comes…Take a picture with us to remind yourselves that we are all survivors and can persevere no matter what.”
What makes these leaning mailboxes even more special is that they remain functional, with deposited letters receiving a unique stamp featuring the famous Taiwanese tilted mailboxes. For those interested in visiting, they can be found near the intersection of Nanjing East Road and Longjiang Road.
In embracing the tilted mailboxes, Taiwan’s residents have transformed a typhoon’s aftermath into a symbol of resilience and survival, drawing both tourists and locals alike to admire their endearing appearance and inspiring story.
UnusualPlaces Field Notes
- Location
- Tilted Mailboxes, No. 104 Longjiang Road, Zhongshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan
- Coordinates
- 25.0527095, 121.5404049
- Access
- The two tilted mailboxes stand at No. 104 Longjiang Road, Zhongshan District, Taipei. They remain working public mailboxes on a city street; view them from the sidewalk without blocking pedestrians or postal customers. Taipei’s tourism office gives No. 104 as the address; Atlas Obscura’s older listing says No. 100, so use the city listing for navigation.
- Admission
- No admission ticket is listed for this roadside public landmark. Viewing the mailboxes from the sidewalk is free; mailing an item requires postage.
- Time needed
- No official visitor duration is published. This is a brief roadside stop; allow a few minutes to view the mailboxes and keep the sidewalk clear. The mailboxes remain in postal service, so do not obstruct people using them.
- Best season
- Taipei’s official visitor listing recommends the tilted mailboxes all year. Weather and street conditions vary; use the sidewalk and take care around traffic.
- Opening hours
- Taipei Travel lists the outdoor roadside attraction as open 24 hours daily. This describes public viewing access; postal collection times and service are separate.
- Location checked
- 2026-10-15
- Facts checked
- 2026-10-15
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