Exploring the Ximending Night Market, Taipei’s Bustling Shopping District!

When you’re in Taipei, the number one place you should go to when you want to splurge on clothes, cosmetics, and souvenirs is definitely the Ximending Night Market. This bustling shopping district is THE mecca for trends and youths, think of it like Taiwan’s version of Japan’s Harajuku or Thailand’s Siam Square.

Join me as we explore the bright neon sights, and the overwhelming sounds of the Ximending Night Market here in Taipei, Taiwan!

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Taipei City’s Ximending Shopping District

There is lots to see and do in Ximending, if you are a foodie like me, then you’ll want to try out Taiwanese Mala Hotpot which is a huge thing in the Ximending area, more about that at the end of this blog post if you are interested.

But what you should know is that the Ximending Night Market (officially the “Ximending Pedestrian Zone”) is mainly for shopping. So if you are looking for clothes, shoes, and especially cosmetics, then you’ll want to come here. Although there is a lack of luxury brands like Gucci, Louis Vuitton, etc… If you want to purchase some luxury goods, then I recommend the best place in Taiwan would be at the Taipei 101 building.

For the foodies among us, I highly recommend you check out the underrated Ningxia Night Market, with over 180 stalls and the highest concentration of Michelin recommendations in a street food night market in Taiwan.

Ximending, the LGBTQ+ Capital of Taiwan

ximending rainbow six — *To be honest, I didn’t even realize that this was referring to the LGBTQ+ community…*

Also I want to point out that Ximending is also known to be a safe place for LGBTQ+ members. I know some of us have strong views regarding this topic but I find it important to mention.

If you are turned off by that, let me just say that it’s not in your face, meaning that you’ll notice things like the the famous Rainbow Six crossing right in front of the exit/entrance of Ximending Metro Station and the various gay bars and LGBTQ friendly establishments.

It’s normal, because I didn’t even notice it when I was walking around there.

Best Hotels in Ximending Taiwan.

Though I would recommend you stay near the Taipei Main Station (for easy access to public transport), if you’d like, there are some hotels in Ximending that provide a comfortable traveling experience. Here are some of my recommendations for hotels in Ximending, plus an additional one located near the Taipei Main Station.

Tomorrow Hotel - Located right in the Ximending Night Market, best in the area, this one is in high demand due to its popularity and convenience so be sure to book fast.
Hotel PaPa Whale - Large clean rooms, not directly in Ximending Night Market but well within comfortable walking distance.
Taipei Inn - Budget friendly, clean rooms, and within walking distance from Taipei Main Station. great food scene in the area.

Exploring the Ximending Night Market

I traveled to the Ximending Night Market during the late evening as the pedestrian zone really comes alive around 5:00PM when all the shops are starting to open. Though you can come to Ximending earlier but you’ll find that a lot of shops will be closed.

The Ximending Night Market is not like your typical night market that you’ll see in South East Asia or even the previously mentioned Taipei’s Ningxia Street Food Night Market.

Ximending is more like an open air shopping mall with the streets laid out in a grid like formation with every corner being occupied by either a humble fashion store, or a multistory building with each floor being a different shop or restaurant.

You’ll also notice that Japanese pop culture is very popular here as well. With many shops boasting anime-style caricatures and vibrant cutesy colors.

If you are an anime fan or a looking to buy some anime merchandise, Ximending has an Animate store for you to check out. The store itself is located in a basement of a larger building and is quite small in size.

Japanese Pop Culture is not the only Japanese influence you’ll encounter in the Ximending Night Market, many of you will be happy to know that huge DON DON DONKI (Quijote) store is also present here.

From shoes, to clothing, to cosmetics, the Ximending Night Market appeals to the shopaholics amongst you. If you’re looking for shoes, Check out ABC-Mart which is a Japanese footwear reseller, whenever I am shopping abroad, I always buy my shoes at ABC-Mart because most of the time it’s cheaper.

Aside from fashion, you’ll also find plenty of fun shops like Gachapon and Claw Machine arcades, and stationary shops. In fact, while you’re in Taiwan, I highly recommend checking out those Gachapon/claw machine arcades arcades, they are REALLY popular here. No joke, you can find a 4 story building dedicated solely to claw machines.

ximending night market street performer — *Joker is a street performer on his time off*

While walking through the many streets and alleys of the Ximending Night Market you might encounter a crowd of people gathering around a street performer.

Street performances are a big thing in the Ximending Night Market, these guys usually perform around the main intersections of the market. If you find one, check it out, it’s very entertaining.

I was watching this Joker-looking dude and while his movements and performance was sort of weird and creepy, I can’t deny that it’s pretty fun and entertaining to watch.

Street Food In Ximending Night Market

If you are looking for food in the Ximending Night Market, it’s actually kind of hard to find, at least if you are looking for street food. There aren’t a lot of options for substantial street food as most of the shops here sell snacks or some quick bites.

hot star fried chicken ximending taiwan — *I love fried chicken, this is right up my alley, it’s like the size of my head!*

Of course you could check out the world famous Hot-Star Taiwanese Fried Chicken, which are big juicy pieces of fried chicken dusted with your choice of seasoning.

I checked the google reviews for the Hot Star Ximending branch and a lot of people said that the taste was bland and the chicken was dry. For me that wasn’t the case, the chicken was flavorful and incredibly hot and juicy. I assume that quality varies a lot here, so risk it if you want.

Just be prepared to wait in a long ass line though…

taiwanese snack — *Taiwan’s number 1 souvenir… Alright Taiwan, you getting a bit freaky here*

Aside from small street foods, The larger casual restaurants in the Ximending Night Market tends to be Hot Pot, or anything that serves a group of people.

To be honest, trying to find something substantial to eat in Ximending was a nightmare, all the restaurants were packed full of people and there are huge lines in front of every restaurant.

And don’t get me started on the Mala Hot Pot…

Eating Mala Hot Pot in Ximending Night Market

mala hot pot ximending night market — *My favorite hot pot broth is mala broth :)*

If you want to eat Mala Hot Pot in Ximending (which you should), for the sake of your own sanity, please, please, please BOOK IN ADVANCE.

I swear every single Hot Pot establishment in Ximending do not accept walk ins, only bookings!

You can book in advance at this link here. There are about half a dozen restaurants selling Mala Hot Pot in Ximending Night Market, so if one place is full, stay determined and find another…

I did not know this, don’t make the same mistake as I did by going to 7 different restaurants only to be rejected because we didn’t have a booking. Needless to say, I was very very Hangry.

I finally got a seat but only because the people who booked didn’t show up so the waiter offered us their seat instead.

Details About Ximending Night Market

The Ximending Night Market is a a large pedestrian walking zone in the middle of Taipei City. It’s famous for being the epicenter of trendy and youthful fashion as well as a friendly place for the LGBTQ+ community. During the weekends the Ximending Night Market can be packed full of people

Location: No. 127, Hanzhong St, Wanhua District, Taipei City, Taiwan 108

Opening Hours: 5:00PM - 10:00PM | Mon - Sun

How to get to Ximending Night Market

The easiest way to get to the Ximending Night Market is via the Taipei Metro. Take the green Songshan-Xindian line or the blue Bannan line to Ximen Station, from the take exit 6 and you’ll pop out right at the start of the Ximending Night Market at the famous Rainbow Six crossing.

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Useful Resources for Traveling in Taiwan

Tourism Information - All the information you need when traveling in Taiwan
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EasyCard - Refillable fare cards for use with public transport across Taipei and Kaohsiung