Stepping out of Ximen MRT Station, you are standing on layers of Taipei’s history. As one of the city’s earliest commercial districts, Ximending has witnessed more than a century of transformation. From a fashionable destination during the Japanese colonial period to today’s blend of heritage and contemporary culture, the area unfolds like an unfinished city notebook, its pages filled with the daily lives and youthful moments of different generations.

Walking through Ximending today, the presence of history remains palpable. The Ximending Red House, built in 1908, was Taiwan’s first modern market building. Once a starting point for theater and cinema, it has since transformed into a hub for creative exhibitions and independent design. Sitting with a coffee in front of the Red House feels like a quiet conversation with old Taipei.

Further ahead stands Zhongshan Hall, originally constructed as Taipei Public Hall during the Japanese era. It has borne witness to many significant moments in Taiwan’s history and continues to host performances and classical concerts. Its steady architectural language and cultural rhythm preserve a space for calm reflection within the city.

A few blocks away lies the former site of Nishi Honganji Taipei Branch Temple. With remnants such as the bell tower and Shuxin Hall preserved, the area has become a serene historical park, offering insight into the development of Buddhism in Taiwan and Japanese religious architecture.

Nearby, the Bopiliao Historical Block offers another passage through time. Red-brick townhouses, wooden windows, and stone-paved streets preserve the appearance of Taipei from over a century ago. More than a popular photo spot, Bopiliao serves as a vessel for the city’s stories. As you wander through, each window and wall seems to remember the breath of a previous generation.

Yet Ximending is never only nostalgic. It continues to stand at the forefront of cultural experimentation. From street art and vintage clothing stores to independent bookstores, concept shops, and small theaters, the district remains full of energy and surprises. In its alleys, you might discover an unexpected café, or later in the evening, share a fragrant late-night snack with friends.