Discover must-visit shopping and dining spots in Ximending, Taiwan!

Ximending, often referred to as Taiwan's version of Shibuya and Harajuku, is a vibrant hub for youth culture and trends. Step off at MRT Ximending Station, and you'll be greeted by a bustling street lined with fashion boutiques and gourmet eateries. Here’s a guide to Ximending's must-visit tourist spots and dining experiences, perfect for planning your visit.

1. Ximending Sightseeing Spots

Ximending is widely recognized as Taiwan’s hub for youth culture and a trendsetting hotspot. As you step out of Ximen Station, you’ll find yourself surrounded by fashion malls and commercial complexes, with boutiques showcasing the latest styles, alongside a wide selection of cafes and restaurants. By evening, the streets fill with food stalls, creating a lively night market vibe.

You'll also discover numerous spots serving classic Taiwanese street foods, like noodles, shaved ice, and bubble tea, making it the perfect place for a delicious food adventure. Be sure to stop by!

2. Around MRT Ximen Station

The area around MRT Ximen Station is lively, filled with shopping malls, fashion outlets, and a wide range of cafes and restaurants. It's a hotspot for savoring Taiwan’s unique culinary delights.

◆ San Xiong Mei Snowflake Ice (Ximen Main Store)

A must-visit for local youth and students is the "San Xiong Mei Snowflake Ice" shop, where you can indulge in vibrant, fruit-laden shaved ice, topped with fresh mangoes and other fruits. The delightful presentation and taste make it a treat for both the eyes and the taste buds.

◆ Ximending Mango Ice

At "Ximending Mango Ice," one of the shop's most popular treats is a shaved ice dessert topped with a whole Tu Mango, a rare and unique variety of mango. To make it even more tempting for mango enthusiasts, additional slices of mango surround the ice. When you're in Taiwan, there's no better way to enjoy the local flavor than with some authentic, fresh mangoes.

◆Zhou Ji Meat Congee Shop

The shop's signature dishes, congee and braised pork, are extremely popular among locals.

◆ Tiantianli Eatery

If you're craving Taiwan's delicious street food, "Tiantianli Eatery" is a must-visit. Their signature dish is the braised pork rice bowl, topped with a perfectly soft-boiled egg, which is a combination you simply can't miss. The tender meat and creamy egg create an exceptional flavor.

There are also plenty of other fast-food spots near the station, so you'll easily find something that piques your interest.

3. The Red House (Ximen Honglou)

The Ximen Red House, a beautiful red-brick building is now a designated Level 3 historical landmark. This multi-purpose complex features a theater, café, and souvenir shops. After a complete renovation in March 2018, the building's already striking appearance was further enhanced.

Beyond shopping, visitors can explore exhibitions on the rich history of the Ximen Red House, making it an essential destination for anyone looking to immerse themselves in the full Taiwanese experience.

4. Liangshanpo Xiaolong Tangbao, a Delicious Xiao Long Bao Restaurant

Liangshanpo Xiaolong Tangbao is cherished by those in the know, and it has also been highlighted on TV and by popular YouTubers.
Each Xiao Long Bao, though small, has a delightfully chewy texture, filled generously with rich meat and savory broth, making every bite a fulfilling experience. Enhance the taste by pairing it with fresh ginger and a mix of soy sauce and vinegar.
While it may take a bit of time since the Xiao Long Bao is handmade and freshly steamed upon order, the wait is well worth it to savor the steaming hot dumplings.

5. Recommended Café: "Meat Up"

If you're looking for a quick break between sightseeing or an Instagram-worthy café, "Meat Up!" is a great choice. As the name suggests, their main offering is hamburgers, but the variety of drinks is surprisingly extensive.

Sip on fresh fruit juices or yogurt smoothies while snapping photos of the charming, retro-themed interior. The café is adorned with floral art, offering plenty of picture-perfect spots.

With generous portions, some dishes are ideal for sharing, making it a fun spot to enjoy with friends while chatting and sharing plates.

6. Yang Ji Peanut Corn Shaved Ice: A Must-Try Unique Taiwanese Dessert

When visiting Taiwan, it's worth trying a dessert that's unlike anything you've experienced before. If you're up for something unique, "Yang Ji Peanut Corn Shaved Ice" is a fantastic choice. This intriguing treat combines shaved ice with corn.
The dish features sweetened corn, topped with peanuts, taro balls, and rice dumplings. Surprisingly, the popping texture of the corn pairs perfectly with the crunchy texture of the shaved ice.

◆ Yongfu Ice Cream

Another shop to introduce is "Yongfu Ice Cream," where you can enjoy traditional Taiwanese-flavored ice cream.
The shop has over 70 years of history and is famous for its unique flavors like "Taro," "Longan," and "Plum." Each flavor costs just 45 NT for three scoops, making it both affordable and delicious.

7. Souvenir Shop "Carrefour" (Jia Fu Le)

When traveling to Taiwan, shopping and souvenir hunting are essential activities along with sightseeing. While specialty souvenirs are great, affordable ones allow you to buy plenty, making it easier to distribute among friends or enjoy for yourself without worry.

At "Carrefour" a popular supermarket chain found across Taiwan, many branches even have dedicated souvenir sections for tourists. You'll find a wide selection of pineapple cakes, nougats, Taiwanese teas, and more—perfect for gifts to take back to the office.

The Carrefour Guilin branch near Ximen Station is open 24/7, making it the ideal spot for last-minute souvenir shopping.

◎ How to Get There

To reach Ximending, you can take the Bannan Line (MRT) from Taipei Main Station heading towards Dingpu. Ximending is just one stop away. If you're traveling light, you might consider walking as it's not too far and makes for a pleasant sightseeing stroll.

From Taoyuan Airport, the Kuo-Kuang Bus No. 1819 will take you to Taipei Bus Terminal. From there, you can catch a free shuttle to Ximending. If you plan to stay at a hotel in Ximending, taking the bus directly from the airport is a convenient option.

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