Teahouse Ladies: Stories from Taipei's Red Light District (English)

“Rough and scarred on the outside, they are beautiful and precious on the inside.”

Set in Wanhua, Taipei’s historic red-light district, Teahouse Ladies: Stories from Taipei’s Red-Light District delves into the lives of 12 women whose pasts are marked by hardship, temptation, and despair. Born into poverty in the 1950s and 1960s, these women—teahouse hostesses, sex workers, and survivors—carry the weight of unspeakable secrets.

Rose’s dream of becoming a singer was shattered by tragedy, while Joy’s ordinary life unraveled after a disastrous marriage. Jade, sold into prostitution by her parents, cares tirelessly for her disabled grandchildren. Fanny, once ensnared in the sex trade, now finds purpose in serving others.

In the twilight of their lives, the Pearl Family Garden Women’s Center (PFG) becomes a sanctuary for these women. Like precious pearls formed through pain and suffering, they have found salvation through the good news and healing love of Jesus Christ.

The book also shines a light on the efforts and struggles of three PFG workers from the Netherlands, Taiwan and Singapore. In the face of a challenging environment, they confront their own limitations, undergo transformation, and forge a path of hope amidst adversity.

Original text in Chinese by Shine LEE

Translated by TEO Sin Ee

Published by OMF Taiwan and Taiwan Pearl Family Garden Association

Author Lee Win-Shine(李玟萱) is a recipient of the Taipei International Book Exhibition non-fiction prize. With assistance from the Pearl Family Garden Women’s Center, she was able to conduct in-person interviews with these former teahouse ladies, finally giving a voice to the women who survived the poverty of Wanhua, the disdain of society, and even the prejudice of close family and friends.