Specialized Markets
Ximending became the famous theater street in Taipei in the 1930s. It continued to prosper after the defeat of Japan. In 1999, the area was redeveloped as a pedestrian zone and today, it is a popular shopping spot for young people (accessible from Ximen Station).
Guang Hua Digital Plaza is a technological and electronics market located between the Daan and Zhongzheng Districts (north of Zhongxiao Xinsheng Station). The NOVA Electronics Mall (across from Taipei Main Station) is another multi-floor shopping center focused on electronics and gadgets. A few blocks west of Taipei Main Station on Hankou Street is the highest density of photography shops in Taiwan, selling anything camera-related.
On weekends, the Taipei Jianguo Jade and Flower Markets open for business underneath the elevated Jianguo Road and stretch for over a kilometer. The Jade Market starts just south of Zhongxiao East Road and is one of the largest jade markets in all of Asia. Just south of the Flower Market is the Jianguo Artist Market, with vendors selling traditional Chinese handicrafts.
Wufenpu is an area in the Songshan District known as a wholesale hub for clothes retailers and is Taipei's largest wholesale clothing market. Yuanling Street in Zhongzheng District is a market for shoes, including shops selling handmade shoes. Aiguo East Road is home to over 20 bridal shops. Along Xinyi Road Sec. 3 and 4 a few kilometers from Taipei Zhongzheng Sports Center is a cluster of shops specializing in outdoor sporting goods (mostly hiking). On Minquan East Road is a row of shops selling fish and aquarium supplies.
Chongqing South Road is home to over 40 bookstores from old-time bookstores to large-scale ones. Xichang Street near Longshan Temple is lined with many herb shops. Also around Longshan Temple on Xiyuan Road is a collection of shops specializing in Buddhist items. Another area around Longshan Temple has many pet stores specializing in birds.
Taoyuan Street is a well-known street lined with beef noodle soup shops, a Taiwanese favorite. The Sihping St. Shopping Area is lined with many cafes and was historically the home to Taipei's tea trade.
During New Year's celebrations, the Dihua Street Market (in Datong District) attracts shoppers looking for Chinese medicine, traditional foods, herbs, temple icons and incense, cloths, and wooden handicrafts.
Read more about this topic: Shopping In Taipei
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