Have fun shopping at popular spots in Taipei! Zhongshan and Ximending areas

Have fun shopping at popular spots in Taipei! Zhongshan and Ximending areas

What do you enjoy doing on an overseas trip? Sightseeing? Eating delicious food? Shopping is probably one of the pleasures too. You might look for souvenirs or buy special items unique to that country. Taiwan is one of those countries where shopping is especially fun. From night markets lined with inexpensive goods, to luxury item shops, and even Taiwan-born brands—there are so many interesting things to check out. In this article, we’ll introduce recommended shopping spots in Taiwan.

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Have fun shopping at popular spots in Taipei! Zhongshan and Ximending areas

1. Huayin Street

A place where you can fully soak in the old-town charm of Taipei—that's Huayin Street. It began as a wholesale district for leather goods, but now it's a bustling shopping area filled with stores selling everything from bags and accessories to shoes and phone accessories. As it originated as a wholesale area, prices are quite affordable, giving it a vibe reminiscent of Tokyo’s Ameyoko.

Huayin Street is truly a traditional shopping street. Even though it’s located just steps away from Taipei Main Station, it hasn’t been overly commercialized and retains an unpolished charm. The items sold are grouped by type along different streets, making it easy to find what you're looking for. There are also a variety of food stalls, so strolling around hunting for hidden gems while enjoying local snacks can be a lot of fun!

2. Ximen Red House (16 workshops)

Right in front of MRT Ximen Station stands The Red House, a historical building over 100 years old. Once used as a movie theater, it now serves as a venue introducing the history of The Red House and includes a shopping spot where you can buy original brands from Taiwan.

The shopping area tucked at the back of The Red House is called “16 Workshops” due to the presence of 16 stores. Here, you'll find unique shops created by Taiwanese designers that are hard to come by elsewhere. Highlights include Self-made Creative Market which offers vintage-style Taiwanese goods, Papa Chen's Soap Workshop inspired by his daughter’s sensitive skin, and Urb. Youcheng which sells unique accessories and clothing with Taiwanese motifs. So many intriguing shops await!

3. Shin Shin Department Store

Located in the heart of Taipei's Zhongshan area, Shin Shin Department Store is the oldest department store in Taiwan, having opened in 1972. With many nearby hotels, it’s an ideal spot for last-minute souvenir shopping or killing time during bad weather.

This department store is a complex facility, featuring a food court, Toys “R” Us, Uniqlo, and even a movie theater. Each floor is packed with popular fashion and shoe brands, and the newly opened “Jasons” supermarket is located on B1F, making it a great place for shopping. You can buy items like dried mango and tea at cheaper prices than at duty-free stores or airports. With family restaurants inside as well, it’s a stress-free spot for families to spend time.

4. Q Square

Located alongside Taipei’s long-distance bus terminal, Q Square is a shopping facility that stretches from B3F to 4F with numerous shops and restaurants. It’s directly connected via B1F to Taipei Main Station and also accessible via an underground walkway from Zhongshan Station—excellent accessibility!

But don’t underestimate this place as just a time-killer while waiting for a bus! Designed by a renowned Taiwanese architect, the building feels like a stylish space station. The stores range from local Taiwanese brands to internationally popular labels, all of them sophisticated. The selection caters not just to women, but men as well. In the basement, you’ll find famous souvenirs from all over Taiwan—super convenient for gift shopping. It’s such a vast and exciting space that you won’t get bored even if you spend an entire day here!

◎ Summary

How did you like the shopping spots in Taipei’s central Zhongshan and Ximending areas? From nostalgic old-town districts to newly opened multi-purpose complexes, you’ll get a true taste of everyday life in Taiwan. Be sure to check out unique original Taiwanese brand goods and clothing too. Just don’t go overboard shopping—watch your suitcase weight on the way back!

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