Take a deep dive into the vibrant energy of Zhongshan District, one of the most diverse and fascinating neighbourhoods in Taipei. This captivating area has rightfully earned its title as one of the “40 coolest neighborhoods in the world” (you can check out the Time Out article from 2023). Zhongshan seamlessly combines the charm of old-world Taipei with the vibrancy of modern life. You can wander past historic temples and discover trendy art galleries tucked away on side streets, and foodies will be in heaven with options ranging from Michelin-starred restaurants offering exquisite tasting menus to the bustling Ningxia Night Market, brimming with Taiwanese specialties and hidden culinary gems.
Beyond its culinary scene, Zhongshan caters to a wide range of budgets and travel styles. Accommodation options range from character-filled boutique hotels hidden down charming alleys to the opulent grandeur of the iconic Grand Hotel. However, for many visitors, the true magic of Zhongshan is in getting lost in those charming alleyways and side streets.
Navigating the district is simple thanks to the efficient Mass Rapid Transport (MRT) system, which provides easy access to the rest of Taipei. However, the heart of Zhongshan’s charm emerges when you abandon the map and embrace the labyrinthine alleyways. You might come across your next favorite cafe with the perfect Instagrammable backdrop, or a hidden bar that guarantees a memorable night (or day – no judgement here!).
Please take note that this article contains links to services and products from which I may receive compensation at no additional cost to you.
Important Information about Travelling
To travel on the Taipei MRT system, you can pay for a ticket in cash at a kiosk or use the Taiwan EasyCard to travel like a local. In addition, you can top up your EasyCard with cash at any convenience store and then use it to pay for convenience store purchases. Below is a link to an EasyCard that you can pick up right at Taoyuan Airport.
EasyCard in Taiwan (TPE Airport Pick-Up)
If you need an EasyCard and a SIM card, you can pick both up at the same time using the link below:
If Unlimited Data is what you need to keep using Maps, Social Media, and coming back here for amazing food recommendations, you can do so without worrying about running out of data. This Unlimited Data SIM Card is all you need.
If you are travelling with a group and do not want to purchase individual data plans, this WiFi package is for you. You can connect up to 5 devices at once, so only one of you needs to bring this with you to have constant internet access while travelling around this beautiful island. Get your 4G WiFi with unlimited data here:
What should I eat in Zhongshan, Taipei?
Zhongshan District is full of delicious food, from inspired Japanese BBQ and ramen restaurants to classic Taiwanese restaurants serving amazing fried rice or oyster omelettes. There’s something for everyone in Zhongshan, Taipei.
Where should I stay in Zhongshan, Taipei?
The Okura Prestige and Regent Hotel are excellent 5-star hotels in Zhongshan, while AMBA is a more affordable but equally brilliant hotel.
What should I see in Zhongshan, Taipei?
The Museum of Contemporary Art, SPOT Taipei Film House, Dadaocheng Cisheng Temple, and the area around DiHua Street are all unmissable attractions in Zhongshan, Taipei.
Do not limit yourself to browsing Zhongshan shopping options at the well-known Zhongshan metro mall. Seek out independent boutiques that showcase local designers, or explore the district’s treasure trove of vintage finds.
Zhongshan District has everything you need and more, waiting to be discovered, savoured, and experienced. So, book your stay at a charming Zhongshan Taipei hotel and immerse yourself in Taipei’s coolest corner. Whether you are a seasoned explorer or a first-time visitor, get ready for an unforgettable adventure filled with Zhongshan Taipei culinary delights, hidden gems, and authentic Taiwanese culture.
Table of Contents
Shopping
If you exit MRT Zhongshan Station at Exit 4, you will see the Shin Kong Mitsuokishi department store and the Eslite Spectrum department store. But instead of going into those large stores to browse the typical department store shops, turn around and walk down the pedestrian area. On weekends, you can find handcrafted items such as candles, cakes, and jewellery. You are also likely to find a great deal on clothing and a delicious cup of coffee. You might even see Beer Belly Brewing parked somewhere, in which case you should definitely get a pint or two of their delicious beer.
If the weather is too hot, the Zhongshan Metro Mall can provide welcome relief. The Eslite bookstore can be found in the air-conditioned underground mall beneath MRT Zhongshan Station. This gives Zhongshan District an edge over other districts in Taipei. Being able to get away from the heat or rain is a significant advantage.
ChiFeng Street
ChiFeng Street is an unmissable area for both shopping and food when in Zhongshan. You can easily access Chifeng Street by exiting MRT Zhongshan Station from Exit 5, turn right, and then take the first right you see – ChiFeng Street. This way you can walk the entire length of ChiFeng Street, taking advantage of some of the best Zhongshan shopping as you do so.
Make sure to visit:
- Xiao Qi 小器生活 公園店
- If beautiful pottery or kitchenware is on your mind, then Xiao Qi is a must. Here you will find beautifully handcrafted kitchenware with a Japanese flair.
- Everydayware & Co
- This hidden shop is one of my favourite places to walk around in the area. You press the button on the street level, get buzzed in, and then go up the stairs to this ultra-exclusive shop. Inside you are faced with beautiful aesthetics, expertly crafted products, and everything is top quality.
- Good Life House 舊目立屋
- Good Life House is one of those special places where you could easily spend a fortune. All of the cups, plates, bowls, and everything they sell here are all very reasonably priced and well worth buying either a momento to commemorate your trip to Taiwan, or to simply upgrade your crockery selection. They regularly have buy one get one free deals and sales throughout the store, so you might even get a surprise when you reach the checkout register. They will package it up for you ready to transport to wherever you need.
Attractions
台北當代藝術館 The Museum of Contemporary Art Taipei
The Museum of Contemporary Art Taipei has some of the most thought-provoking photography and art in the city. And, while it isn’t strictly located in the Zhongshan District itself, it’s practically on the border of the Datong-Zhongshan District, and no more than a 5 minute walk from MRT Zhongshan Station.
This is one of many amazing museums in Taipei, and to help you out, I have selected this National Taiwan Museum, Miniatures Museum of Taiwan, and MOCA Taipei Combo Ticket. This ticket will get you in to 3 of the most culturally significant museums in the capital, and is well worth buying:
National Taiwan Museum, Miniatures Museum of Taiwan, and MOCA Taipei Combo Ticket
Alternatively, if you want even more freedom to explore the museums and include transport in one hand pass, then the Taipei Fun Pass might just be what you’re looking for. With this pass you will get unlimited rides on the Taipei MRT, buses, and Taiwan tourist shuttles. But, more than that, you will get free entry to over 30 popular attractions in Greater Taipei and Keelung!
Taipei Fun Pass in Taiwan (Unlimited)
日星鑄字行 Ri Xing Typing Foundry
In addition to the inspirational art and creations at the Museum of Contemporary Art Taipei, you absolutely have to go and check out the Ri Xing Typing Foundry. Why? It sounds so strange to get a recommendation to go and check out a typing foundry such as this one, but that’s because they really don’t make places like this anymore.
When you arrive outside you’ll probably question whether you’re in the right place or not. Trust me, you are. When you walk in you will be faced with row upon row of tiny metal stamps of every Chinese character, letter, and typing symbol that you could imagine. If you have a Chinese name then you can ask the staff for help in putting the characters together for you. Alternatively, you can just choose the most interesting ones and they will put it together in a stamp for you. Be careful, you might just spend half a day walking around the Ri Xing Typing Foundry.
光點台北 Spot – Taipei Film House
If the Museum of Contemporary Art and Ri Xing Typing Foundry isn’t your thing, then maybe a film is? If you’re in the mood for some cultural cinema, then Spot – Taipei Film House might be just what you need. At Spot – Taipei Film House you’re going to get some of the best independent movies out at that time. Set inside a beautiful stately-home-looking space, Spot – Taipei Film House is probably even cheaper than the Hollywood Blockbusters out at the time, but infinitely more worth it.
Sit in the bar inside or the garden outside with a drink either before or after (or both, of course!) your viewing, and really enjoy the experience for what it is.
Food in Zhongshan
Of course, walking around the streets, taking in the sights and the smells and then following your nose into a space for delicious food is what Zhongshan is all about. Having done that for over 10 years, here are some of my picks of the best food in Zhongshan District, Taipei.
Supranormal Cafe
I am no stranger to Supranormal Cafe. In fact, it’s one of my favourite western-style breakfasts in Taipei. Looking for a delicious croissant, coffee, pain au chocolat, or something bigger like a hearty breakfast of scrambled eggs, beans, mushrooms, hash browns, and a croissant? Supranormal to the rescue!
Taipei Restaurant – Supranormal Bakery Café – 1 of the Best Breakfast/Brunch Spots in Taipei.
ABCD . A Better Coffee & Doughnut
Sometimes you just want an excellent doughnut because you're fed up with Krispy Kreme or those abominations served by Mister Doughnut. ABCD . A Better Coffee & Doughnut serve up some innovative and creative doughnut flavours. The maple bacon one is great, as is the cognac chocolate one. Honestly, all of them are great. You should pair it with a coffee for maximum satisfaction.
榕美樹館 - Shaved ice perfection!
榕美樹館 is a restaurant specializing in seasonal shaved ice and tofu pudding specialities. You'll find dishes such as the ones above - on the left is a taro, sweet potato chewy dumpling and grass jelly shaved ice. On the right is a refreshing mango and boba creation that is unmissable.
Taipei Restaurant – 榕美樹館 Excellent Tofu Pudding Right Next to Shuanglian MRT Station
面線町 - Vermicelli noodles
Never have rice noodles looked quite so fancy as these from 面線町 in Zhongshan. Above the Zhongshan Mall and right next to the Chifeng Street area, this is some of the best street food you're likely to get in the area.
Zhongshan Taipei food at its simple essence. You'll get a bowl of thick noodle soup, and on top you'll get some fried tempura and squid. The flavours of the ocean sing through with freshness and simplicity.
貪吃狗甜點 Greedy Beagle
Of all the things to do in Zhongshan District, going to Greedy Beagle for an airy choux pastry puff filled with cream is exactly what you have been missing in your life so far. They do an eclair-like pastry that is top quality, but I would encourage you to go for the big chox pastry puff from the pic above. Nothing but deliciously light and airy goodness here.
Cookie 886
If you have gotten a delicious coffee from Coffee Dumbo, then these all-butter cookies from Cookie 886 are the perfect accompaniment. Yes, you could buy a tin and take it home to share with friends and family. Or, you could crack it open right there and then to enjoy everything good about Zhongshan District's delicious snacks! The original flavour is fantastic, but their chocolate flavour is great, too. I would recommend you go for the mixed box - 經典綜合 jīng diǎn zòng hé.
赤丸 Dango Mochi Sticks
I eat these on a daily basis when I am in Japan. I can't get enough of that sweet and salty glaze and that chewy mochi. The original Dango here are 5-to-a-stick and are perfectly roasted to order. They are dipped in that sticky soy glaze and then unapologetically inhaled. Other flavours here include matcha, red bean, and seaweed. The matcha one pictured above was really good, with sweetness coming through to counteract the bitter matcha paste.
Pai Pai Cannoli
I found cannoli somewhat later in my life, and this makes me a little sad each day... There's not much better than a crunchy cannoli done with lots of pistachio cream (at least that's my favourite flavour combo so far). These ones from Pai Pai Cannoli are really good. They don't taste at all oily, they are suitably crunchy yet still fragrant, and they are generously filled with whatever filling you so desire from the menu. Pai Pai Cannoli even does gelato-filled cannoli, too! Go get some of that balsamic vinegar glaze drizzled over your gelato and stuffed into a cannoli — bellissimo!
Taipei dessert – Pai Pai Cannoli – A great snack around Zhongshan.
圓環邊蚵仔煎 Yuen Huan Pien Oyster Egg Omelette
Bib Gourmand recommended oyster omelette done to a high standard. This Ningxia Night Market speciality is something to behold. If you like fresh oysters, eggs, and generally delicious food, then Yuen Huan Pien Oyster Egg Omelette is exactly what you need in your life. Lots of oysters are packed into each fluffy omelette and presented with that essential sticky sour sweet sauce that has made this dish so popular. This is probably the best oyster omelette in the city - a bold claim!
Ningxia Night Market – Ningxia Oyster Omelet is the Best in Taipei!
If you want more structure to your night market evening, then you should consider this Taipei Night Market Michelin Food Tour in Ningxia Night Market. Your tour guide will introduce you to the best food that Ningxia has to offer, so you don't need to worry about what might be good, or what could be there just for the tourists. Go with the ultimate assurance of having a great experience.
Taipei Night Market Michelin Food Tour in Ningxia Night Market
If a tour guide isn't your thing but you want assurance of quality food, then this NingXia Night Market Street Food pass could be what you're looking for. This pass will allow you to order a set meal of food at one of the many stalls in the Ningxia night market with the ultimate confidence of knowing that you're going to get good food.
Klook PASS: NingXia Night Market Street Food
登波咖啡 Coffee Dumbo
Coffee Dumbo just oozes with class. They have really marketed this cafe perfectly. It hits the spot between timeless and modern so well. The coffee is good, but the style is even better! Be sure to pair a good coffee with those Cookie 886 cookies just across the road, too!
Leaven Workshop 璞家工作室
This is hands-down one of the best sourdoughs in all of Taipei right here at Leaven Workshop. These guys take their sourdough seriously, with little else on the menu. An open kitchen allows you to observe the whole process and directly interact with the baker - a nice touch to their beautiful bakery. In addition to the sourdough bread itself, you'll find sourdough cinnamon rolls and scones, too. Everything is delicious here, but you cannot walk away without at least one of those sourdough loaves under your arm!
雙連文記花枝羹 Shuanglian Rice Sausage
Sticky rice mixed with peanuts is stuffed into the large intestine of a pig and steamed to delicate perfection. It's sliced up for you and served with a sticky soy sauce. You should probably also get a serving of their spicy chilli sauce, though, as it pairs perfectly with this! Add a bowl of shrimp thick and soul-warming soup to your order, and you should be good to go.
大稻埕慈聖宮 Cisheng Temple Food
It may be just outside of the Zhongshan area, but sitting underneath the sprawling tree next to Cisheng Temple with a whole host of delicious food vendors to choose from, you'll be spoiled for choice. If I can recommend anything, it is this fried rice dish. The egg-fried rice is fried to perfection and served with some pickled daikon radish topped with tiny little fish. The salty freshness comes out of the dish, and this perfect location cannot be missed.
Taipei City – Cisheng Temple 慈聖宮 and Everything Delicious for a Taiwanese Breakfast!
Yongle Market
Ningxia Night Market is located just a few steps from the border of Zhongshan and Datong Districts, as is this traditional Yongle Indoor Market. Yongle Market has everything, from fresh products to wonderful restaurants. One of my favorites is this sushi restaurant located in the heart of the market. The freshly prepared sushi is delicious and fairly priced. Check out the steamed bun shop immediately inside the market, and if you arrive early enough, you can definitely grab some of their sticky greasy rice right away. Yongle Market serves nothing but wonderful food.
Taipei market – YongLe Market 永樂市場- The Best Market You’ve Never Heard of! (迪化街 DiHua street)
If you want to learn more about the area around Cisheng Temple and Yongle Market, you should consider signing up for this Dadaocheng Historical Walking Tour in Taipei. On the tour you will learn all about the history of the area, in addition to the secret finds in the many alleyways scattered all around this charming district.
Dadaocheng Historical Walking Tour in Taipei
Alternatively, you could sign up for this walking tour in the same area, where you will wander the traditional merchant streets of Dadaocheng, visit many well-known old shops, and recall unique memories of this old trading place in Taipei.
In-depth Cultural Walking Tour
Where to stay in Zhongshan
The Okura Prestige Hotel
Luxury living doesn't get much better than the 5-star Okura Prestige Hotel in Zhongshan. This Japanese-style hotel boasts an elegant and stylish design, with architecture inspired by a classic yet luxurious modern style. You'll get pampered from the moment you walk in, and you will feel rested and rejuvenated following your visit. It makes it that bit better to know that you are in the heart of the Zhongshan district shopping area.
The Regent Hotel
Another incredible 5-star hotel here in The Regent Hotel. Located just behind The Okura Prestige in the Zhongshan district, this hotel not only offers great facilities in a wonderful location, but the all-you-can-eat buffet is also pretty good, too!
Taipei Hotel – Regent Hotel Buffet, Great Selection Comes at a Steep Price!
Zhongshan District has many other hotels, too, if opulence is not the top of your priority list. If you'd rather save your money to spend on shopping or food, then you should check out my other post entitled A Traveller’s Guide to Taipei Hotels: 18 Luxury to Affordable Hotels in the City Centre.
A Traveller’s Guide to Taipei Hotels: 18 Luxury to Affordable Hotels in the City Centre
The Bottom Line
Whether you're looking for trendy shops in the Zhongshan Metro Mall, delicious street food at the Ningxia Night Market, or a comfy hotel near Zhongshan Station, Zhongshan District (or Zhongshan Taipei) is a vibrant area that caters to all interests. Explore historical sites, discover hidden cafes in alleys, or indulge in retail therapy at the area's many malls – Zhongshan promises an unforgettable Taipei experience