Other Shopping in Taipei

While Ximending offers Taiwan's premier youth shopping experience, Taipei's diverse retail landscape provides specialized shopping districts catering to different interests, budgets, and styles. From luxury international brands to wholesale bargains, traditional crafts to cutting-edge technology, the capital city's shopping options reflect Taiwan's position as Asia's retail hub.

Luxury & High-End Shopping

Taipei 101 Mall represents the pinnacle of luxury retail in Taiwan, housing international flagship stores, premium brands, and exclusive boutiques across five floors. Located in the iconic Taipei 101 skyscraper, the mall provides a sophisticated shopping environment with brands like Louis Vuitton, Hermès, and Cartier alongside high-end Taiwanese designers. The food court on the basement level features both international cuisine and premium Taiwanese specialties, making it a complete luxury experience.

Location & Transport: Accessible via Taipei 101/World Trade Center MRT Station (Red Line), with direct connections from Ximending in 15 minutes. Operating hours: 11:00 AM - 9:30 PM daily, with restaurants open until 10:00 PM. Parking available but expensive (NT$40/hour); public transport recommended.

Xinyi District Shopping: The area surrounding Taipei 101 includes multiple upscale shopping centers including Shin Kong Mitsukoshi A4, A8, A9, and A11 branches, creating Taiwan's largest luxury shopping zone. The district transforms into a vibrant nightlife area after shopping hours, with rooftop bars offering spectacular city views.

Fashion & Wholesale Markets

Wufenpu Wholesale Market (五分埔) serves as Taipei's fashion wholesale headquarters, offering trendy clothing, accessories, and shoes at significantly reduced prices. Originally designed for wholesale trade, many vendors now welcome retail customers, particularly during evening hours when the wholesale buyers depart. The market reflects Taiwan's position as a major garment manufacturing hub.

Shopping Strategy: Visit after 6:00 PM for better retail prices and less crowded conditions. Bargaining is expected and can result in 20-30% discounts. Bring cash (NT$ preferred) as many vendors don't accept cards. Quality varies significantly, so inspect items carefully before purchasing.

Transport & Hours: Take MRT Blue Line to Houshanpi Station (後山埤站), then 5-minute walk. Operating hours: 2:00 PM - 12:00 AM (peak times 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM). From Ximending: 25 minutes via MRT with one transfer at Zhongxiao Fuxing.

Night Market Shopping Experience

Shilin Night Market (士林夜市) combines Taiwan's famous street food culture with extensive shopping opportunities, creating the island's most popular tourist destination. Beyond the renowned food stalls, the market features clothing, accessories, games, and souvenirs in a vibrant atmosphere that captures authentic Taiwanese night market culture.

Shopping Highlights: Taiwanese-designed clothing, traditional crafts, phone accessories, and unique souvenirs unavailable elsewhere. Prices generally lower than Ximending with more room for bargaining. The underground section houses clothing and accessories, while street level focuses on food and entertainment.

Visitor Information: MRT Red Line to Jiantan Station (劍潭站), 2-minute walk. Operating hours: 4:00 PM - 1:00 AM daily. Peak crowds 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM. From Ximending: 20 minutes via MRT with transfer at Taipei Main Station.

Raohe Street Night Market (饒河街夜市) offers a more authentic, less touristy night market experience with excellent shopping for traditional Taiwanese products. The linear layout makes navigation easier than Shilin, while maintaining the genuine local atmosphere that defines Taiwan's night market culture.

Unique Products: Traditional Chinese medicine, herbal teas, handmade leather goods, and vintage Taiwanese items. Food stalls feature classic dishes like pepper buns and medicinal herb soup. Less crowded than Shilin but equally authentic.

Access: MRT Green Line to Songshan Station (松山站), 3-minute walk. Operating hours: 5:00 PM - 12:00 AM. From Ximending: 30 minutes via MRT with transfer.

Technology & Electronics

Guanghua Digital Plaza (光華數位新天地) functions as Taiwan's technology shopping headquarters, offering everything from cutting-edge electronics to vintage computing equipment. The six-story complex houses hundreds of vendors specializing in computers, smartphones, gaming equipment, and electronic accessories at competitive prices.

Shopping Advantages: Prices typically 15-25% lower than international markets, with latest technology often available months before global release. Expert technical advice available, and most vendors speak basic English. Warranty and after-sales service provided for major purchases.

Location Details: Near Zhongzheng Memorial Hall, accessible via MRT Green or Red Lines to Zhongzheng Memorial Hall Station, 8-minute walk. Operating hours: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM daily. From Ximending: 10 minutes via MRT Green Line direct.

Underground & Station Shopping

Taipei Main Station Underground Mall creates an extensive subterranean shopping network connecting multiple MRT lines with hundreds of shops, restaurants, and services. The climate-controlled environment provides comfortable year-round shopping, particularly valuable during Taiwan's hot summers and rainy seasons.

Shopping Categories: Fashion boutiques, bookstores, cosmetics, electronics, and food courts spanning multiple underground levels. Particularly strong in affordable fashion, accessories, and beauty products. Many shops offer duty-free shopping for international visitors.

Strategic Location: Direct connection to Ximending via MRT (2 minutes), making it convenient for comparison shopping. Open 6:00 AM - 12:00 AM to accommodate commuter schedules. Map available at information desks due to complex layout.

Specialized Shopping Districts

Dihua Street (迪化街) preserves Taipei's traditional commercial heritage, specializing in Chinese medicine, traditional fabrics, tea, and dried goods. The historic street provides insight into Taiwan's trading history while offering unique products unavailable in modern shopping centers.

Cultural Shopping: Traditional Chinese herbs, premium teas, handmade textiles, and cultural artifacts. Particularly busy during Chinese New Year period when families purchase traditional foods and decorations. Many shops have operated for multiple generations.

Gongguan Area near National Taiwan University offers youthful, budget-conscious shopping with independent boutiques, vintage stores, and student-oriented businesses. The area reflects Taiwan's creative youth culture with unique fashion finds and artistic products.

Shopping Strategy & Transportation

Optimal Shopping Route: Start with luxury shopping at Taipei 101 (morning), explore technology at Guanghua (afternoon), experience wholesale fashion at Wufenpu (early evening), and conclude with night market culture at Shilin or Raohe (night). This progression maximizes variety while following natural daily rhythms.

Payment Methods: Most major shopping areas accept international credit cards and Taiwan's EasyCard system. Night markets and wholesale areas prefer cash (NT$). Mobile payments (Line Pay, JKoPay) increasingly accepted in modern shopping centers.

Transport Efficiency: All locations easily accessible from Ximending via MRT within 30 minutes. Purchase day passes for unlimited MRT travel when visiting multiple areas. Taipei's extensive MRT network eliminates the need for taxis or private transportation.

Taipei's diverse shopping landscape reflects Taiwan's unique cultural position, blending traditional Asian commerce with modern retail innovation. Each district offers distinct experiences that complement Ximending's youth-focused energy, providing comprehensive shopping opportunities that satisfy every interest, budget, and cultural curiosity.

 

Attractions near Ximending

Located in the western portion of the city, near the river separating Taipei from New Taipei, the Ximending distraction is ideally located for access to historic and important landmarks and sightseeing destinations.  Here are just some suggestions of attractions you may wish to visit as a part of your trip to the district. Or if staying in a hotel in Ximending then these will be your easy-access sights.