Things to do in Xinyi District – Guide to Taipei’s Popular Tourist Area

The Xinyi District has technically only existed since 1990, yet in that short time, this popular neighborhood has become one of Taipei‘s premier travel destinations. The impressive TAIPEI 101 tower is probably one of the most iconic spots here. Did you know that the skyscraper, once the world’s tallest building, boasts elevators that can whisk you up to the observatory in just 37 seconds? This means, you should go up there to the rooftop and take in the sky-high vistas of the city.

In addition to TAIPEI 101, there’s also Elephant Mountain that offers a chance to witness the city’s sprawling beauty from a tranquil vantage point. For those seeking retail therapy, ATT-4-FUN stands as a beacon of contemporary shopping, a multi-faceted destination where fashion, dining, and entertainment converge. Each floor unfolds a new adventure, catering to every whim and desire.

Yet, Xinyi District is more than just a playground for the modern traveler. The spiritual heart of the area beats strongly at Songshan Fengtian Temple, where the scent of incense mingles with the murmur of prayers. This sacred space offers a glimpse into the deep-rooted traditions that underpin Taipei’s cultural fabric, providing a sense of peace and connection.

Here’s our list of the top things to do in Xinyi to make your trip to Taipei truly phenomenal.

1. TAIPEI 101

TAIPEI 101 is the tallest building in Xinyi District. It’s also the sixth tallest building in Asia and the ninth tallest in the world. Completed in 2004, this impressive bamboo-like skyscraper stands 1,667 feet tall, and as its name suggests, 101 stories high. The TAIPEI 101 Observatory is an outdoor observation deck on the 91st floor. It is open when the weather is right and offers panoramic views of some the district’s most famous points of interest, including Liberty Square, Miramar Ferris Wheel and Tamsui River. If the weather isn’t cooperating, you can enjoy views from indoor observation decks on the 88th and 89th floors.

There’s plenty to do at TAIPEI 101 on top of gazing out at Xinyi District’s landscape. A sleek shopping mall occupies the tower’s first five floors (one is basement level), and you’ll find several upscale stores like Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana, and Gucci. TAIPEI 101’s elevators also are worth a ride: once the fastest in the world (now, they rank third), they zip up 89 floors in only 37 seconds at speeds 37.6 miles (60.6 km) per hour! The tower also boasts a gigantic golden wind damper that stabilizes the structure in the event of an earthquake. Most of TAIPEI 101’s floors are reserved for business, so expect to see a lot of corporate hustle and bustle if you visit during the week.

Getting to TAIPEI 101 by train is easy. Just disembark at Taipei 101/World Trade Center Station!

Check In to Humble House Taipei, Step Out to TAIPEI 101

2. Songshan Fengtian Temple

Songshan Fengtian Temple is commonly known as “The Temple of Heaven” and with good reason – the temple’s deity is the Heavenly Emperor. Set at the base of Tiger Mountain, this Xinyi District delight was built in 1954, but renovations in subsequent years have made it substantially larger.

Expect to see plenty of faithful worshippers on the grounds of Songshan Fengtian Temple. As you observe the temple’s colorful pagodas, carved-out ceiling lanterns, and ornate black and gold dragon carvings, be respectful of their worship. Songshan Fengtian Temple’s elevated base also affords you some of the best views of the Xinyi District landscape. Breathtaking vistas of Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall, Grand Hotel Taipei, and the TWTC International Trade Building can all be enjoyed from the grounds.

Check In to Place X Hotel, Step Out to Songshan Fengtian Temple

3. Elephant Mountain

If you’ve ever seen a photo of TAIPEI 101 standing out among the city, you can almost bet the shot was taken from Elephant Mountain. This popular hiking spot is well known for its network of trails, which guide you toward various observation decks that open to breathtaking viewpoints of Xinyi District.

Measuring 600 feet high, Elephant Mountain is only about a mile away from city-bound icons like TAIPEI 101 and the Xinyi Shopping District, but its jungle-like greenery and natural panoramas make it feel much further away.

Getting to the top of Elephant Mountain is a bit tricky. There are no technology-driven shortcuts to get to the views the mountain offers. You’ll face a steep staircase that takes anywhere between 10 and 20 minutes to climb. Be sure to bring plenty of water and dress appropriately as it tends to get hot and humid in the summer. Elephant Mountain is an extremely popular destination for locals and tourists alike, particularly during sunset. There also are occasional night hikes to the peak, in case you want to see Xinyi District illuminated after sundown.

Take the train to Xiangshan Metro Station for easy access to the base of Elephant Mountain.

Check In to Grand Hyatt Taipei, Step Out to Elephant Mountain

4. Xinyi Shopping District

The sprawling Xinyi Shopping District is the epicenter of Xinyi District. Nicknamed “The Manhattan of Taipei,” the shopping district contains several malls, upscale department stores and upscale retail venues like Eslite Bookstore. TAIPEI 101 and its multi-story mall serves as the district’s anchor.

The numerous malls within Xinyi Shopping District provide eclectic shopping experiences. ATT-4-FUN attracts budget-friendly shoppers and young people, while upscale shoppers flock to Shin Kong Mitsokushi Xinyi Place. Xinyi Shopping District also features a wide range of food options, from fine dining to humble ramen shops and food courts inside malls.

The district itself stretches between Xinyi Road and Zhongxiao Road and can be accessed by train via the Taipei 101/World Trade Center Station.

Essential Xinyi Shopping District shopping centers

• TAIPEI 101
• ATT-4-FUN
• Neo19
• Eslite Bookstore
• Breeze Song Gao
• Shin Kong Mitsokushi Xinyi Place

Check In to Humble House Taipei, Step Out to Xinyi Shopping District

5. Sun-Yat-Sen Memorial Hall

Part cultural center, part exhibition hall, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall arguably rivals TAIPEI 101 as Xinyi District’s most impressive man-made structure. Built in 1972 to commemorate the 100th birthday of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, the 7.3-acre property anchors an open space of roughly 28 anchors in the middle of Zhongshan Park. Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall is designed in the style of a Chinese palace and its dramatic yellow-gold roof particularly pops on a bright, sunny day. It’s one of the most versatile spaces in Xinyi District. It is home to a dramatic changing of the guard ceremony that happens at the top of every hour between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM. It also hosts concerts and academic lectures throughout the year. The hall’s four exhibition rooms typically feature rotating art showcases. Check the hall’s schedule of events prior to visiting. One thing you don’t have to check is the contents of your wallet: admission to Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall is free.

The grounds surrounding Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall are a popular place for people to visit. Because it is in Zhongshan Park you can expect to see locals flying kites or roller skating. The park is worth exploring as well, as it is home to a sprawling garden festooned with a colorful display of flowers. Their presence is a perfect aesthetic complement to the adjacent Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall.

The Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall Metro Station is a short walk from Zhongshan Park.

Check In to HUADA HOTEL, Step Out to Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall

6. Taipei World Trade Center

Located just across the street, Taipei World Trade Center complex literally sits in the shadow of TAIPEI 101. Yet it stands out on its own because it’s home to several essential things to do in Xinyi District. It’s home to four exhibition halls that are constantly bustling with numerous events, from car shows to business conventions. Spending a few hours here gives you a great sense of Xinyi District’s national importance.

Visiting Taipei World Trade Center also provides you with a handy excuse to check out Grand Hyatt Taipei. Even if you’re staying in another hotel, it’s worth stopping by to take in its ornate gold-tinged lobby, anchored by an exquisite marble fountain. Fans of the paranormal, take note – Grand Hyatt Taipei has a reputation for being the most haunted hotel in Xinyi District.

Taipei World Trade Center directly connects to Taipei 101/World Trade Center Station. The subterranean multi-level station features several outstanding public art pieces that are worth taking the time to see if you take the train to arrive at the building.

Check In to CHECK inn Taipei Xinyi, Step Out to Taipei World Trade Center

7. Xinyi Public Assembly Hall

Xinyi Public Assembly Hall provides travelers with an important glimpse of Xinyi District’s past, before it was a vital economic hub. Also known as Four-four South Village, the buildings that primarily make up this venue were originally low-rise homes where Taiwanese veterans and their families lived. Xinyi Public Assembly Hall is only a couple blocks away from the ultra-modern skyscraper TAIPEI 101, a geographic feature that enhances the hall’s feeling of authenticity.

Xinyi Public Assembly Hall features permanent exhibitions detailing the area’s military past. There is also a daily onsite marketplace where you can get food and locally-made arts and crafts.

Because it’s within walking distance of TAIPEI 101, Xinyi Public Assembly Hall can be accessed by taking the train to Taipei 101 World Trade Center Station.

Check In to Home Hotel, Step Out to Xinyi Public Assembly Hall

8. Din Tai Fung 101

The waiting times to get into Din Tai Fung 101 are legendary. But there’s a reason why so many people are willing to wait two to three hours to eat at this popular dumpling house within TAIPEI 101. The elegant xaio long bao (aka soup dumplings) are some of the most sumptuous bites of food you’ll ever put in your mouth. They offer dim sum as well, but the soup dumplings are the undisputed showstopper.

If you wish to travel slightly outside of Xinyi District, you can go to the original Din Tai Fung location in Da’an District, which opened its doors in 1972. However, the subterranean location in TAIPEI 101 offers a few extra perks, such as accepting credit cards, the original location doesn’t. You also can sign up for pre-meal foot massages at the TAIPEI 101 location while you wait. Allow yourself plenty of time to stand in line; the queue starts forming well before the restaurant’s 11:00 AM opening. The kitchen closes at 9:30 PM Sunday through Thursday and at 10:00 PM on Friday and Saturday; you should factor this in while you determine the best time for you to brave the wait.

Check In to Pacific Business Hotel, Step Out to Din Tai Fung 101