Ximending is a youth shopping district in Taipei City that is home to various shops, bars, movie theaters, and more. Read on to learn whether it’s worth adding to your itinerary.
I’ve visited Ximending at least 20 times and want to help you determine whether it’s worth visiting. Hence, I compiled a list of recommendations and information.
Table of Contents
Important Information for Visitors
| Is It Worth Visiting? | Yes |
| Average Time Spent | 3 hrs |
| Entry Fee | Free |
| Ximending Hours | 24 hours; store hours vary |
| Best Time to Visit | Any |
| Address | No. 9, Lane 50, Hanzhong St, Wanhua District, Taipei City, 108 |
| Website | Ximen.com |
| City Located | Taipei City |
| Free Wi-Fi | iTaiwan or Taipei Free |
| Chinese Name | 西門町 |
| Luggage Storage | Ximen MRT Station, Lalalocker, your hotel |
| Recommended Currency Exchange | Bank of Taiwan or ATMs |
What Is Taipei’s Ximending Youth District?
Ximending (西門町), Shi-men Ting, or Ximen, is located within Taipei’s Wanhua District and serves as the city’s young people’s shopping district. Many also call this area the “Shibuya” or “Harajuku” of Taipei.
Both of these nicknames stem from youth districts in Tokyo, Japan.
It’s a source of subcultures, clothing, Taiwanese and Japanese culture, street food, pubs, clubs, and various activities.
The Ximending Pedestrian Area doesn’t draw crowds until the evening, when everyone gets off work and out of class.
While Taipei doesn’t have much crime, I recommend securing your belongings. That way, you could deter potential pickpockets. Since you’ll find yourself moving through crowds, thieves have a perfect opportunity to snatch someone’s belongings.
Related Guides
I can’t cover everything in this guide. Otherwise, it would be the length of a book.
Check out these separate guides for more information:
19 Experiences You Won’t Want to Miss
Explore all my recommendations and see what you’ll want to add to your Taipei itinerary.
1. Get a Drink at The Red House Theater
| Is it Worth Visiting? | Yes |
| Address | No. 10, Chengdu Rd, Wanhua District, Taipei City, Taiwan 108 |
| Hours | Mon – Fri: 11 AM – 8 PM |
| Sat: 11 AM – 10 PM | |
| Sun: 11 AM – 9:30 PM |
The Red House historic theater (西門紅樓) used to serve as a theater that hosted operas, among other functions. Nowadays, it’s an area used to promote the Cultural and Creativity Industry. Many locals will sell handcrafted goods here.
It’s typically where I go when visiting the theater these days. As I’ve reduced the amount that I drink.
Outside the theater are various gay bars. If you want to experience Taiwan’s LGBT+ culture, the Red House is where you want to go. They’re affordable drinks that are made well.
They’re actually my favorite bar (or would I say series of bars?) behind Revolver.
2. Nishi Hongan-ji Temple: Rare Site of a Former Japanese Temple
| Is it Worth Visiting? | Yes |
| Average Time Spent | 20 min |
| Address | No. 174號, Section 1, Zhonghua Rd, Wanhua District, Taipei City, Taiwan 108 |
| Hours | 24 / 7 |
| Price | Free entry |
| Chinese Name | 西本願寺 |
There isn’t much to see here, but if you’re interested in seeing relics from when the Japanese Empire took over Taiwan, Nishi Honganji Square is a great place to visit.
It has a large recast Buddhist bell, the only remnant from the temple named The Taiwanese Branch of Jodo Shinshu Honganji School that the government burned down in 1970.
Other than a seating area and a lot of well-groomed grass, you’ll find a building restored as a traditional tea house. I haven’t been there yet. But when I do, I’ll update this guide.
Also, check out the literature (in English) lining the walls that’ll tell you about Formosa’s (Taiwan) history.
3. Watch Street Performers
No matter where you go throughout the Ximen area, you’ll find crowds circling performers presenting various stunts. Sometimes, I’ve seen The Joker breakdancing, and others being people who painted themselves silver and acted like robots.
This isn’t a particular destination, but watching street entertainers do their thing is a good way to kill a few minutes.
4. Visit Tianhou Temple & Pray for Peace
- Address: No. 51號, Chengdu Rd, Wanhua District, Taipei City, Taiwan 10844
With donations from immigrant merchants, builders finished the Tianhou (天后宮), or Ximending Mazu, Temple in 1746, making it one of few major temples from the Qing Dynasty.
This place of worship is meant for prayers to the goddess Mazu. And if you want to pray for safety and peace, she’s the deity who you want to visit. It’s a small temple nestled between regular buildings and apartments, but it’s a temple that you’ll want to cross off your temple exploration list.
5. Explore Shinjuku Plaza
| Is it Worth Visiting? | No |
| Address | 108, Taiwan, Taipei City, Wanhua District, Xining Rd, 72號之1 |
| Hours | 12 – 10:30 PM |
Shinjuku Plaza (西門新宿) used to have a lot more stores. Since COVID-19, this designer haven has lost many of its stores.
But if you’re looking for a place with a modern design to get some clothing shopping done, you’ll want to come to Shinjuku — Plaza. You’ll find various reseller shops selling designer bags, jewelry, shoes, and other clothes. Or, get your nails done at one of the various nail salons.
While empty, when you come to Taiwan, Shinjuku Plaza will have more shops to see.
6. Admire Graffiti (Highly Recommended)
While going through Ximending, you’ll notice some graffiti. However, you’ll find good graffiti once you near American Street or around Cinema Street, alongside the movie theaters, skateboard shops, bars, and restaurants.
American Street may sound cool, but as an American, the street itself doesn’t have an “American” vibe. It’s just a bunch of clothing stores. There aren’t enough shops or references to bald eagles, American football, guns, and apple pie.
When I first heard of this street, I hoped it would be stereotypical. But no…
Anyway.
I love this area’s graffiti art, though.
The artists seamlessly blended the designs with the surrounding environments. Moreover, these pieces’ colors pop, making them fascinating to watch while eating. And it’s an excellent place to escape the chaos of Ximending.
Artists based most of these designs on pop-culture references.
Shinjuku in Japan has a giant Godzilla head. However, Ximending has a Godzilla made of bricks, spray cans, a car exhaust, wires, and other miscellaneous items.
7. Stroll Through Bopiliao Historic Block’s 18th Century Architecture
- Is it Worth Visiting?: Only if you’re a history buff.
The Bopiliao Historical Block (剝皮寮歷史街區) was one of the most prosperous areas in Taipei during the late Qing Dynasty. Various merchants set up shops in this area, which was also a major area for trading coal.
During Japan’s occupation, the government repurposed this area for better efficiency, slowly removing its meaning.
During the early 2000s, the Taipei City Government restored this Bopiliao, transforming it into a historical site. As you walk through this spot, you’ll find red brick archways, stone terrazzo flooring, and cement walls that’ll bring you back to the architecture used by various colonialists.
For instance, you’ll find architecture influenced by modern Western, Chinese Qing Dynasty, and Japanese architecture.
Bopiliao isn’t in the Ximen area. But it’s close to Longshan Temple, which is about an 11-minute walk from Ximending.
8. Escape the Heat (or Rain) in Eslite Spectrum
| Is it Worth Visiting? | Yes |
| Address | No. 52, Emei St, Wanhua District, Taipei City, Taiwan 108 |
| Hours | 11:30 AM – 10 PM |
My wife and I usually come here to escape the rain because they have plenty to do in an air-conditioned area. Moreover, I love the lime juice they serve on the top floor. The café on the top floor also has pretty good coffee.
The last time I went to that café (many years ago), they also had cocktails.
Taiwan’s massive book chain, Eslite, has a gigantic book store mixed with a shopping mall within Ximending.
Toward the top floor, you’ll find the actual bookstore and a drink shop to escape the heat. As for the books, you won’t just find books written in Chinese but also German, French, and English books.
If you want somewhere to binge manga, also do that here.
You can also stroll through the other floors, which have shops like Yankee Candles, clothing stores, and shops selling other trinkets.
I don’t recommend buying any souvenirs from here aside from books or postcards.
9. Travel to the North Gate
- Is it Worth Visiting?: No if you’re busy; otherwise, yes
- Address: Section 1, Zhongxiao W Rd, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, Taiwan 100
During the Qing Dynasty, builders finished the Taipei City Walls, which were massive walls that enclosed the city.
When Japan’s colonialists took Taiwan in 1895, they destroyed the West Gate, which would have been in Ximending, along with the rest of the walls.
However, when the Republic of China (Taiwan) took over, builders rebuilt the South (Xiaonanmen) and East (Dongmen) gates. Unfortunately, the North Gate (Beimen) was the only gate to retain its original appearance.
To reach this gate, you can take the Taipei MRT to Beimen Station, walk 11 minutes, or ride a YouBike for a few minutes.
There isn’t much to do in this area. However, a fair number of stone slabs will describe Taiwan’s history. Also, if you’re in Taiwan during the Lantern Festival, Beimen will host a 3D laser light show every 20 minutes at night.
The last time I went was around 3 years ago. Thus, I don’t know whether they still do this.
10. Ximen’s Taipei Cinema Street
While you can see a movie anywhere, Ximen’s Cinema Street houses more than 20 movie theaters, giving you a chance to see what movie theaters are like in other countries.
Tickets usually cost between NT$200 and 300, which isn’t too bad, especially compared to the States. However, food inside movie theaters is still expensive and fattening.
11. Try One of the Hundreds of Taiwan’s Claw Machines
Taiwan has more than 200,000 claw machine arcades, and Ximending hosts a lot of them [1].
I’ve noticed that most blocks have carved-out buildings with flashy machines filled with authentic and counterfeit toys, trinkets, instant noodle packets, and laundry detergent.
Yes, you can find interesting items you could otherwise buy at a supermarket for a lot cheaper. But from what I’ve learned, it’s all about the “thrill” with claw machines.
You’ll need to pay NT$10 ($0.35) for an attempt at these addicting money-sucking machines.
If you choose and buy an EasyCard, you don’t have to exchange banknotes for change. Most gashapon machines will allow you to pay with your smart card.
12. Take a Picture at a Korean Photo Booth Studios
The remains of former businesses in Ximending transformed into Korean photo booth studios. These studios host many photo booths with access to props such as hats, eyewear, and other “cute(sy)” accessories.
I don’t know whether the staff sanitizes this stuff. Consider spritzing it with sanitizer.
And I don’t recommend any particular stand. I’ve noticed these appear out of nowhere recently. You’ll see them everywhere.
13: Sing at PARTYWORLD Karaoke
| Address | No. 55, Section 1, Zhonghua Rd, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, 100 |
| Hours | 24/7 |
| Price | NT$440 – 2,680/hr. |
PARTYWORLD is a karaoke television (KTV) place where folks can rent rooms and choose between Japanese, Mandarin, and English-language songs. Many room rentals also include unlimited finger foods and non-alcoholic drinks.
The amount paid depends on the number of people in your party and the time you rent. Different price points based on the number of people are as follows:
- 1 – 6
- 7 – 10
- 11 – 12
- 13 – 15
- 16 – 18
Let’s check out a couple examples. Rent on Monday at 2 AM for 16 people. You’ll pay NT$2,144 an hour. Rent on a Monday at 7 AM and pay NT$440 an hour for a group of 5 people.
14: Get Some Ink at Ximending Tattoo Street
- Address: Lane 50, Hanzhong St, Wanhua District, Taipei City, 108
- Hours Most Stores Open: 11 AM
Tattoo Street has various tattoo and piercing shops. And that’s it. From what I understand, this street isn’t home to any famous tattoo artists.
Tattoos aren’t looked down upon in Taiwan like in Japan. Whether the tattoo artists speak English will depend on the store chosen.
15. Find Action Figures at Wan Nian Building
This building is full of shops that sell action figures, cell phones, software, and clothing. However, this store’s more focused on locals and offers nothing significant. Unless you’re after Japanese figures (e.g., Nendoroids) and won’t visit Japan anytime soon.
It’s where I buy my anime figures.
There’s not much to do here. It’s mainly a place that’ll help you escape the heat.
Many folks like the food on the basement floor, though. They have various traditional Taiwanese restaurants. None of them stand out enough for me to make a specific recommendation.
But it’s a great place to get lunch.
16. Get a Taste of Japan in Don Don Donki (Don Quijote)
- Worth Visiting?: If you’re not going to Don Quijote in Japan anytime soon.
Don Quijote is Japan’s biggest discount store and is commonly found nationwide. Taipei has 3 of them as of 2024: one in Ximending, another by Guanghua Digital Plaza, and a third in Nanggang.
I wrote a separate guide on what I recommend buying. Yes, there are actual items that are worth buying in Taiwan’s Don Quijote.
For some reason, it’s named Don Don Donki here. Don’t be confused when seeing the names.
Anyway:
It has three floors full of discounted electronics, snacks, foods, and other Japanese goods. Though the Don Quijote stores in Japan have a much more comprehensive selection, it’s a great place to explore while in Ximending.
Whether you want discounted Japanese goods or to relax in an air-conditioned building.
If you’re claustrophobic, you won’t like this store. It’s always crowded, and the aisles are narrow.
17. Snap a Photo at Rainbow Six Crossing
The Rainbow Six rainbow painting sits outside Exit 6 of the Ximending MRT station. It symbolizes Taipei’s respect for human rights.
There’s no other history or significance behind this landscape.
It’s usually crowded with people. However, most folks are respectful and don’t stand over the painting. Giving you a chance to take a picture.
18. Cosplay at Costume Street Ximending
Ximending’s Hanzhong Street (漢中街), or Costume Street, is a great place to rent costumes for the day. Whether you’re cosplaying at a convention, dressing up for Halloween, or want to strut around Ximending in an Iron Man costume.
I don’t recommend doing this.
Because Taiwan is hot and humid. You’ll become super hot in the costumes. However, I’ve seen many brave souls cosplay anyway. I salute them.
Most costume rentals cost NT$400 – 1,000. You’ll need to leave your ID or passport with the shop owner as collateral.
19. Balance Your Yin & Yang With a Knife Massage
Knife massages, or dao liao (刀療), are exactly as the title states.
A specialist will use 2 butcher cleavers to massage different parts of your body to direct the flow of chi (energy). This form of Chinese medicine suggests directing your chi’s flow will help promote relaxation and stimulate your body’s circulation.
I’ve heard good things about the Light Program Red House knife massage place in Ximending. Their massages range from NT$1,500 – 1,800.
While it looks like your massage specialist is going to chop you to bits, I have yet to hear of any stories where people were murdered in these places. I haven’t tried this because I know I’d be stressed the entire time.
But it’s something for you to consider if you’re brave.
Ximending Visitor Information Center: Visit to Rest & Find More Information
| Address | No. 45, Hanzhong Street, Wanhua District, Taipei |
| Hours | 1:00–10:00 PM |
| Phone Number | 02-2388-5255 |
Ximending opened a 4-story information center with a police station. The intention of this place is to give tourists an “oasis” to relax and learn more about the surrounding area.
What to do Here
- Locker rental
- Tourist books
- Relax in an air conditioned room
- Restrooms
- x2 free device charging stations
- Each has 1 USB 2.0 port & 1 type B electrical port
- Speak to police
- Basic tools for bicycle repair
- Baby care rooms
- Water dispenser
- English- & Mandarin-speaking staff
Souvenir Shops & What to Buy
Ximending has some souvenirs that are exclusive to this area. I’ll discuss them in the following sections.
You’ll find plenty of cool-looking keychains and magnets portraying Taiwan’s various destinations.
However:
I don’t recommend buying souvenirs from those destinations. Instead, support the locals by buying from stalls selling handmade stuff or vendors in the Red House Theater.
You can find plenty of great trinkets and such while visiting the places they originate.
Recommended Reading: Best Souvenirs to Buy in Taipei
What to Buy in Ximending, Taipei
Here’s what I recommend buying:
| Souvenir | Where to Get it |
|---|---|
| Phallic cakes | You’ll see stores with phallic signage outside. |
| Tailored suits | No. 53號, Section 2, Hankou St, Wanhua District, Taipei City, 10842 |
| Pineapple cake | Buy Chia Te Bakery’s pineapple cakes from any souvenir shop |
| Magnet or keychain | Any souvenir shop |
| Postcards | Handmade goods stands or Eslite |
| Sun cakes | Red Sakura: No. 49, Chengdu Rd, Wanhua District, Taipei City, 108 |
| Taiwan flag or flag pin | Wing Tai Gift Shop (永大禮品行): No. 196, Section 1, Zhonghua Rd, Wanhua District, 108 |
Flags and flag pins
A note about the flag shop. None of the owners speak English. Bring Google Translate and tell them what flag you want. Or whether you want a pin. From there, they’ll ask what size flag.
Don’t get the large flag unless you want something to fill your entire wall. I recommend asking to see all the flag sizes. Each flag will have stickers labeling its dimensions in centimeters.
Also, ensure you use Google Translate or ChatGPT to specify what flags you want. Double-check the flags after the owners hand them to you. I didn’t do this and ended up with an additional French flag, though I just wanted a giant Japanese flag.
“Themed” pineapple cakes
There are also pineapple cakes with Ximending’s mascot on them. I haven’t tried them. However, if you just want something with an anime character, here you go.
Kotobukiya
If you’re not going to Syntrend, I recommend checking out the Kotobukiya partner shop if they’re still open. It’s a great place to find (real) anime figures. Before you do this, note that Syntrend has a Good Smile Company and Kotobukiya shops.
Cell phone cases that don’t suck
If you’re looking for phone cases, I use and recommend Rhinoshield (please sponsor me). They’re a Taiwanese brand, and their cases are MUCH more durable and affordable than those of the Casetify store in Xinyi.
Phallic cakes
And here are the phallic cakes — and now candles and soaps since the time of writing. They’re a good gag gift, but you’ll probably be awkward if the TSA opens your bags for some reason and finds these.
Where to Buy Clothing in Ximending
It depends on what you’re buying clothing for.
Do you want affordable clothes? Shop from NET (Taiwanese brand) or random shops selling discounted clothing. 2nd Street is a second-hand chain that sells discounted clothing for men and women.
I recommend UNIQLO for clothing that protects you from the heat. It’s a Japanese clothing chain that sells AIRism clothing, which is great for wicking sweat. This line always keeps me a bit cooler on hot and humid days.
Though, you’ll have stinky clothing. I recommend carrying fabric spray to combat body odor.
I also recommend buying tailored suits.
It cost me NT$4,222 ($137) for a tailor to custom-make a suit jacket and pants. These also included decent-quality metal buttons. Not all the folks here speak English, though. And they’ll need 1 – 2 weeks to craft your suit.
That timeframe was when I told them I urgently needed the suit for a wedding. This isn’t the best option for a tourist in Taiwan for a week or 2.
Here’s an address for one of the suit shops: No. 53號, Section 2, Hankou St, Wanhua District, Taipei City, 10842
Make your way down this street, and you’ll gradually see more similar shops. Venture into each one and check out what each tailor offers. Compare their pricing, fabric choices, custom buttons, and other additions.
How to Get There
1. MRT / Subway:
The easiest way to get to the Ximending Pedestrian Area is by taking the Taipei MRT Blue or Green Line to Ximen Station.
2. Uber / taxi:
- I honestly recommend downloading one of these apps to book a taxi:
- Find Taxi (English): Book a taxi ahead of time and know the driver’s ratings (like Uber…)
- 55688 (English): Same as Find Taxi, but with a reward point system.
3. YouBike: There’s a YouBike station 3 minutes away (walking distance) from the night market.
4. Bus:
| Bus Station | Bus Numbers |
| MRT Ximen Station | 9, 12, 49, 202, 205, 206, 212, 218, 223, 231, 234, 242, 246, 249, 250, 252, 253, 260, 262, 263, 265, 302, 204, 207, 310, 527, 601, 604, 624, 628, 651, 652, 660, 667, 701, 702, 703 or 705 |
| Ximen Market stop | 18, 221, 232, 235, 257, 513, 621, 635, 540, 659, 663 or Blue 2 |
| Ximen Elementary School | 62, 229, 231, 234, 242, 264 or 310 Sub line |
I recommend using Moovit or Google Maps to navigate to Ximending from wherever you are. Taiwan’s bus system is nuanced, so don’t trust bloggers or websites (including myself) to help you with bus navigation.
Buses also take a long time to wait, especially in Taipei.
The Bus+ app will also help since it tells you where and when the buses will arrive.
What to Do Once You’re Bored in Ximending
You’ll likely spend your entire day in Ximending. However, if it’s “not your thing,” I have recommendations of other things to do:
| Activity / Place | Walking Distance | To Do |
|---|---|---|
| National Taiwan Museum | 14 min. | Natural history & more |
| Presidential Office Building | 14 min. | President’s office |
| 2 / 28 Peace Park | 14 min. | Various displays |
| Taipei City Mall | 18 min. | Shop |
List of things to do near the Ximending pedestrian area.
Head east to the National Taiwan Museum, the president’s building, and the Peace Park. Head north, and you’ll reach Taipei Main Station (Taipei City Mall). Taking the Taipei MRT there is quicker, but walking is healthier.
So long as the weather’s not burning you alive. Or it’s not raining buckets.
Once you reach Taipei Main Station, you’ll have a transfer station to the Taipei Metro Red Line, the Taiwan Railway Administration (TRA), and High-Speed Rail (HSR) stations. And you’ll have plenty of attractions near there like:
- Ningxia Night Market
- Yongle Market
- Museum of Contemporary Art
Or why not take the Red Line to Taipei 101, Tamsui, or Xianshang (Elephant Mountain)? Continue down the Blue Line, and you’ll reach the technology malls — Syntrend and Guanghua —, the Simple Kaffa flagship location, and Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall.
Simple Kaffa is a third-wave coffee shop opened by the 2016 World Barista champion, Berg Wu. This coffee’s as pricey as Starbucks but tastes MUCH better. And they’re not dessert drinks.
It’ll take you fewer than 20 minutes to reach the above destinations from Ximending. But you must choose your hotspots wisely to build the best itinerary. I’d dedicate a separate day to Taipei 101, Tamsui, and the tech. mall.
Each destination has plenty to do around the area, which could result in a day trip.
History of the Shopping Area
The name of this shopping area came from its location outside Taipei’s west gate. In Mandarin Chinese, 西 (xi) means west. Whereas 門 (men) means gate or door.
Japan transformed a road into a business and entertainment hub when it occupied the island. One of the first buildings they constructed was the Red House Theater, which I’ll mention later in this post.
Over time, Ximending became an infamous theater street and a haven for scalpers. But as eastern Taipei became popular, the crowds began migrating away from the youth district.
In 1999, Taipei’s government created the Ximending Pedestrian Zone. They wanted to assess its popularity to see if it could improve the shopper’s atmosphere.
Fast forward to now.
Ximending passed its test. It remains one of the more popular areas in Taipei City.
Other Photos & Videos of Ximending
