Little did I know in this sprawling part of Taipei’s Wanhua District lies a funky and somewhat hippie shopping hub and entertaining paradise.
Ximending is a holy land for young shopaholics and a free spirit where gay-friendly bars, boutique shops, and even a fraction of Japanese culture coexist peacefully.
If you’ve been to Japan’s Shibuya or Harajuku before and can’t wait for another day to come back, Ximending is guaranteed to your new favorite town.
Without further ado, let’s dive into this brief and insightful travel guide to Ximending where I break down my favorite things to do for a day, all the yummiest food spots only the locals know, and two stellar hotels to rest your back in an excellent location.
5 Best Things To Do in Ximending For A Day
Enjoy A Retail Therapy At The Red House
Going strong since 1908 when Kondo Juro, the Red House was designed by a Japanese architect who established the first government-owned public market in Taiwan. Today, the iconic Red House not only serves as a photo-genic spot to feed your Instagram but also a perfect layover to hide out from the rain.
The heritage building houses an incredible range of youth-centric shops with everything from apparel to accessories. The building sits smack dab in the heart of a gay-friendly area of Ximending where you can find lots of LGBTQ-friendly bars.
Hunt On Your Favorite Graffiti Arts On America Street
The street is a short series of different alleys splashed with impromptu graffiti art walls tastefully blended into the surrounding environment.
Creative palettes of colors are carefully combined to create a masterpiece popping out to devour your attention. One of my favorite pieces of art here is the one featuring a white crystal tiger that truly stands out from other walls.
Capture The Peaceful Local Life At Taipei Cinema Park
Keep going to the end of America Street and you’ll find a breezy green oasis capping off the walkway.
Taipei Cinema Park is not downright an Insta-worthy destination but its absolute serenity will have you in awe.
Today, the locals of Ximending flush here on any given sunny day to soak in the peace in the midst of the urban bustle. The recreational ground is a perfect rest stop for you to blend in the authentic life of artists, culture workers, families with kids, and coffee lovers.
Get Drown In The Scent Of Books At Eslite Spectrum Ximen Store
Eslite is a no-stranger in the community of bookaholics in Taiwan. This famous book chain is located on the top floor of a shopping mall where they also serve drinks so you can cool down while you’re dipping your nose into an epic novel.
The books are perfectly categorized into multiple languages such as German, French, English, and Chinese.
Shop For Japanese Bespoke Goodies At DON DON DONKI
DON DON DONKI is undoubtedly the largest Japanese discount chain that opens its first store in this bustling town of Taipei. Here you can find everything from made-to-order meals to Japanese biscuits, snacks, fresh produce, instant noodles, and cosmetics at pinch pennies.
9 Best Ximending Food Spots You Can’t Overlook
Tiantian Limei Restaurant
If I have to choose one food to represent Asia, that would be braised pork rice. Here in Ximending, Tiantian Limei totally games it up with their sweeter base and peppery aftertaste. While other parts of Asia drive the tasting profile of their braised pork towards a more savory note with a rich depth, you won’t see it here.
Make sure to ask for eggs as an add-in to complete that satisfaction with its wholesome flavors. On the side, add some extra oyster omelet. If it’s cold out there, trust me, there’s nothing more fulfilling than this heart-warming staple.
Shanghai LaoTienLu at Ximen Station
Be prepared to have your eyes glued on an epic collection of over 14 varieties of braised foods. Here you’ll find everything from duck wings to duck hearts, chicken necks, tofu skins, mung bean cakes, and many more. They are fully marinated and stewed to perfection before being cooled down immediately to retain the herbal flavors in the meat for further absorption.
線上訂購餐券比現場便宜：上海老天祿滷味優惠券
Lao Shan Dong Handmade Noodles
A classic Taiwanese house-made noodle soup spot has been serving the decadent palates of Michelin fans for years. Hidden behind a shabby entrance is a humble dining hole serving dumplings, pickled cucumbers, and tasty tofu noodles.
Taipei Shi Yun Taiwanese Fried Chicken
Treat your curious palate with some crunchy and flavorsome chicken fritters. They call Shi Yun the best-fried chicken in Taipei and I can see why. How on earth can they get these thinly sliced chickens juicy on the inside and crunchy on the outside? Each bite is an explosion of flavors that you never get enough of.
And don’t worry if your hungry stomach is yet to be satisfied! Shi Yuan also dishes up heavenly fish cakes, deep-fried squids, French fries, Taiwanese Oden, egg tofu, string bean, and many more. Get ready to be spoiled with choices!
More Best Food Spots In Ximending
Ximen Mango Shaved Ice
Address: No. 17號, Hanzhong St, Wanhua District, Taipei City, Taiwan 108
Origin Tofu Pudding
Address: No. 1號, Section 2, Guiyang St, Wanhua District, Taipei City, Taiwan 108
Sunway Siokudo
Address: No.116, Sec. 2, Guiyang St., Wanhua Dist., Wanhua, Taipei, Taiwan
Ay-Chung Flour-Rice Noodle
Address: No.8-1 Emei Street, Wanhua, Taipei, Taiwan
Mala Hot Pot
Address: 108, Taiwan, Taipei City, Wanhua District, Xining Rd, 157號2f
Where To Stay In Taipei? 2 Best Hotels In Ximending With Stellar Reviews
Meander Taipei Hostel
A short ten-minute walk from Ximen metro station, Meander Taipei Hostel is a great call if you wanna save some bucks on your stay. The trendy hostel is steeped in a curated contemporary style with thoughtful amenities such as reading lights and lockers.
The hostel comprises male and female dorm rooms with shared bathrooms, a kitchen, and a social lounge. On the higher end of the price spectrum, you can choose a Deluxe Double Room or Comfort Triple Room for a pleasant stay in private.
CitizenM Taipei North Gate Hotel
Let your stay be flushed with a luxury feel and high-tech amenities! From self-check-in to wireless control hub where you can swab the lights, curtains, and TV with only a touch on the iPad.
Conclusion
Ximending is a year-round destination. While summer is the hottest time of the year, the temperature stays pleasant most of the time. To make the most out of Ximending, one day is never enough, especially for big foodies who wanna keep up with all the best regional treats in town.
If you’re looking for the best snacks to buy in Ximending (or Taiwan in general), don’t miss out on high-quality nougats, the iconic pineapple cake, and premium Alishan tea that has a light orchid aroma.