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Taipei

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Overview

Shopping The guide was updated: 2024-05-07

Taipei is a shopping extravaganza that caters to every budget. For those who are looking for an authentic Taipei shopping experience and like a bargain, the night markets are the places to head for. At Shilin (Jiantan MRT) you can find everything from clothes to traditional regional foods.

Stop for a bite to eat at one of the roadside food vendors, whose specialities include oyster omelettes. Looking for souvenirs? Explore a plethora of night markets, with artisanal goods competing for attention with stylish clothes and street food.

If it’s a more upmarket shopping experience you’re looking for then head towards the Taipei 101 Shopping centre and the Bellavita Shopping Mall. These stock the usual brand name goods.

Yongle Fabric Market

Yongle Fabric Market

The building's second floor is completely given over to this well-known fabric market, a collection of all manner of colourful textiles on sale at dozens of shops set back-to-back. In the third floor, your newly purchased fabrics can be transformed into complete garments at one of the many tailor shops.

Herb Alley

Herb Alley

The tiny alley of no longer than a few dozen metres contains the wealth of knowledge on traditional medicinal herbs and potions passed down through generations of healers. Shop around and do not miss the medicinal drinks in Xichang St.

Snake Alley

Snake Alley

Huaxi Street, or Snake Alley as it is better known, is located in the Wanhua district and is more a bizarre tourist attraction than a real market. Ophidiophobics beware! Here you will find everything: snake-performances, snake blood drinks and all manner of snake dishes.

Lin Hua Tai Tea Company

Lin Hua Tai Tea Company

The city's oldest tea shop still sells a wide variety of teas, all available for sampling upon request. Prices are indicated per 600 grams. Those who wish to take a tour of the factory may feel free to approach the staff and be shown around.

Ximending District

Ximending District

Perhaps the hippest neighbourhood in Taipei, Ximending (or Shi-men Ting) is a pedestrian-only area that truly comes to life after sundown. Loud music plays and bright shopfront lights flicker, enticing local youths and tourists with their offerings, some beyond wacky: maid cafes, knife massage, curious bubble tea concoctions, KTV booths, and more – all this along with a few very well preserved historic buildings, such as the Red House. It's a great place to experience the dynamic, young side to Taipei.

Taipei 101

Taipei 101

Taipei 101 was ranked officially as the world’s tallest building from 2004 until the opening of the Burj Khalifa in Dubai in 2010. The building stands at a height of 508m/1,667 ft. This Taipei landmark was designed in eight sections, since the Chinese lucky number is just that. The building has 101 floors with some of the fastest elevators in the world, travelling at a speed of almost 61 kilometres per hour. The first 5 floors are occupied by upscale stores and boutiques.

Tonghua Night Market

Tonghua Night Market

Also known as Linjiang Street Night Market, Tonghua Night Market is a not-so-touristy market buzzing with commercial life, packed with street food vendors selling all manner of exotic delights, from dumplings to sushi. Clothing, jewellery, souvenirs and knick knacks are also sold in abundance.

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