Our 332nd entry in our digital diary is our first time trip to Taipei’s famous shopping street, Ximending.

Ximending became Taipei’s first-ever pedestrian shopping district in 1999. Since then, it’s evolved into Taiwan’s largest car-free zone, vibrant with bustling street performances, quirky studios, and pop-up events on weekends and holidays.

The name “Ximending” traces back to the Japanese era, meaning the area (“-ding”) outside the West Gate (“Xi Men”) of the old Taipei city walls. It was modeled after vibrant entertainment districts like Tokyo’s Asakusa.

In the 1930s–1950s, Ximending was the epicenter of Taipei’s theater scene, packed with cinemas and playhouses, over ten theaters once lined Wuchang Street alone. Even today, it hosts more than 20 theaters, often showcasing indie films, music, and pop-up concerts.

Originally built in 1908 as a public market by architect Kondo Juro, the Red House became a cinema post-WWII. Its octagonal architecture, influenced by Meiji-era Japanese and Western styles, makes it a standout landmark. After restoration in the 2000s, it now serves as an arts and creative hub, hosting LGBTQ+ events, live performances, and artisan markets.

Wander through its alleyways and you’ll find vibrant murals and graffiti galleries, especially around the Graffiti Wall near Cinema Park. This scene emerged in the early 2000s, turning Ximending into a living, photogenic open-air art gallery.

The area surrounding the Red House is recognized as a central LGBTQ+ friendly zone in Taipei. Rainbow flags, colorful shops, and bars fill this space, which frequently features in Taiwan’s Pride celebrations.

Likewise often compared to Tokyo’s Harajuku, Ximending is a fashion-forward, youth-centric destination, home to maid cafés, anime boutiques, collectible toy shops (like Pop Mart), and themed convenience stores. It blends pop culture with street energy.

From iconic Ay‑Chung flour‑rice noodles to giant fried chicken cutlets, Ximending is a food-lover’s paradise, featuring crowd-pleasing street eats and late-night bites in a lively, neon-lit environment. We ended our Ximending walking tour with a very yummy ice cream treat. 🙂