Zhongshan District: 12 Activities & Things to Do in Taipei

The Zhongshan District is most widely known for its vast assortment of cheap eats street food, and because of this, the area appeals to the younger generation of professionals in the area who flock to its vibrant streets after work hours. However, Zhongshan isn’t all about satisfying hunger; it’s where the social activity happens for the locals to come together and unwind and celebrate the good life in Taiwan’s capital.

Beyond its famed street food scene, Zhongshan boasts a multifaceted appeal. Historically, the district holds significance as one of Taipei’s older urban areas, evidenced by its mix of traditional architecture and modern developments. While the younger generation gravitates towards the lively night markets and snack stalls, the area also offers a blend of boutique shops, independent designer stores, and art galleries, attracting a more diverse crowd during the daytime. The presence of the Shin Kong Mitsukoshi department store complex in nearby Nanjing West Road further solidifies Zhongshan’s position as a key commercial area, offering a contrast to the more casual street-level shopping experiences.

Apart from fulfilling your appetite, there are many other great attractions to explore. Zhongshan also has a plenty of historical landmarks and important museums, such as Miniatures Museum of Taiwan and National Revolutionary Martyrs’ Shrine—the latter of which is an impressive site that commemorates the Republic of China’s fallen soldiers. For those with a plan to shop til you drop, Miramar Shopping Mall is there to welcome you with many high-end stores, the state-of-the-art cinema, and an array of fine-dining restaurants.

Families with the little ones can also enjoy Taipei Zoo where adorable furry friends like pandas are awaiting your visit. You and the whole crew can get some steps in with a relaxing stroll in the city’s lush greenery like Yangmingshan National Park.

Just listing what you can do in this trendy district of Taipei has got us excited already, so let’s not hesitate and start planning out a memorable trip in Zhongshan now! Check out our guide of 12 best things to here and you’ll thank us later.

Things to do in Zhongshan District | Taipei

While visiting the Zhongshan District, you can check out culturally rich attractions such as Miniatures Museum of Taiwan, Taipei Fine Arts Museum, and Miramar Ferris Wheel and be back in time to decide where you are going to venture out to for dinner. Aside from wandering in and out of all the fine restaurants this city has to offer, here are some interesting adventures you can have while visiting Zhongshan District.

1. Delve into Local Cuisine at Shuancheng Street Night Market

Popular among locals and tourists alike, the Shauncheng Street Night Market is a hot night spot where you will find a plethora of food and a wide assortment of unique gifts to take home with you. Unlike some of the other night markets in the city, Shauncheng Street Night Market is a place where many residents go to get their dinner, so you will get the opportunity to really immerse yourself in the food culture of the neighborhood.

Shauncheng Street Night Market is where you can go to find authentic Taiwanese, Korean, Japanese, Chinese, and even European food. The offerings are affordable and the flavors are ridiculously good. You can order a big meal to eat at the bar or sample different foods as you stroll through visiting all of the vendors. This place is close to “The Combat Zone” which is full of bars and night clubs, and is popular among young tourists.

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2. Stroll Through the Shrunken Exhibits at Miniatures Museum of Taiwan

An unusual museum that features the curated finds of owners Lin Wen-jen and Lin Chin-mei, Miniatures Museum of Taiwan is home to tiny exhibits from all over the world. The museum is located at 10491, Taiwan, Taipei City, Zhongshan District, Section 1, Jianguo North Road, 96 and is open until 6 pm each night.

In this fun and eclectic museum, you will find small scale models of places like Buckingham Palace, Rose Mansion, The English Castle, and other iconic destinations from all over the world. The museum also showcases exhibits of everyday items like TVs, classic cars, working electronics, and furniture that were constructed on a micro scale. Miniatures Museum of Taiwan will draw you in and won’t let go and is appropriate for visitors of all ages.

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3. Pay Your Respects at the National Revolutionary Martyrs’ Shrine

In dedication to the military soldiers who lost their lives during the Republic of China’s War, the National Revolutionary Martyrs’ Shrine is a magnificent display of fine architecture that invites visitors to step inside, learn about history, and relax for a while. Each day, you can head out to the courtyard at the top of the hour and watch the changing of the guard ceremony. The shrine is located at No. 139, Beian Road, Zhongshan District and has a main building as well as several small building that each contain some interesting artifacts.

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4. Discover Fine Art at Taipei Fine Arts Museum

Discover your new favorite artist when you visit the Taipei Fine Arts Museum located at No. 181號, Section 3, Zhongshan N Rd, Zhongshan District. It is home to Taipei’s largest contemporary art collection and is open all year round for tourists to enjoy.

This museum has been around since 1983, and the architecture was the brainchild of famous Taiwanese architect Kao Er-Pan, who wanted to convey a futuristic look. Inside you will find over 5,000 pieces that were carefully curated by Taiwanese artists and artists from all over the world. The objective of the museum is to teach visitors about the past and present of art as well as to inspire new artists of the future. Artistic mediums on display in the gallery include traditional ink drawings, watercolor art, oil paintings, and others.

Annual events held at the museum include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Weed Bouquet Workshop
• Beekeeping Exploration
• Taipei Biennale
• Rescuing an Urban Ecological Island
• Children’s Art Workshops

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5. Eat Your Way Through the City with the Expert Guides at Taipei Eats

It seems that everything in Taipei revolves around food, and you will get your fill on some of the best tastes in the Zhongshan District when you sign up for a food tour with Taipei Eats in Xinyi. With Taipei Eats you can sign up for one of the following food tours:

• Backstreets Tour: Step away from all of the tourist-laden areas with an expert guide and discover the most authentic homegrown food that Taiwan has to offer. You will visit locally-owned family restaurants where the food is real and the cultural education is impressive. This is a four-hour walking tour that is ideal for adults and children.

• Traditional Tour: Travel back in time to the 19th century where you will get to savor the flavors of the past. This is a three-hour tour in which you will get to sample 10 different old style dishes. Tastes offered on this tour include a trip to the bar, a bakery that has been around over 100 years, the best noodle joints in the district, and a refresher featuring fine herbal tea.

• Night Market Tour: Experience the nightlife like you never have before by visiting the best night markets in the district with a food expert by your side. Taiwan has an affliction for street food, and after taking this two-hour tour you will understand why!

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6. Lin An Tai Historical House and Museum

An old relic dating back to the Qing Dynasty of the 17th century, the Lin An Tai Historical House and Museum offers a historical picture of former leadership in the country of Taiwan. This massive property features five annexed living spaces, a large garden square, and plenty of open grassy areas to lounge around at and enjoy the warmth of a sunny day. This vibrantly beautiful property is located at No.5, Binjiang St., Zhongshan District, and is open year round for tourists to explore.

The interior features ornate carvings, large corridors, antique furnishings, and stately living quarters while the exterior impresses guests with natural rock trimmings, perfectly manicured lawns, reflection ponds, and more.

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7. Give Yourself a Good Dose of Retail Therapy at Miramar Shopping Mall

Complete with a fully lit Ferris wheel, tons of boutique and designer label stores, an IMAX theater, and fine dining restaurants, Miramar Shopping Mall is for those who want a healthy dosage of retail therapy, and it is located in the heart of the Zhongshan District. The mall is open from 11am to 10pm daily and the address is No.20, Jingye 3rd. Road, Zhongshan District. While you are there, you can hop aboard the Miramar Ferris Wheel and get a bird’s-eye view of the city. Try it at night so you get the full benefit of the adornment lights, which change according to the weather.

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8. Relax at Dajia Riverside Park

Let your imagination run free as you admire the beautiful colors of the flower gardens at Dajia Riverside Park. It has served as the backdrop of festivals, public events, and countless photographs. Dajia Riverside Park sits along the bank of the Keelung River and provides the perfect respite after a long day.

While at the park, you can stroll through the gardens and admire local flora and fauna, as well as look for interesting insects and butterflies. This nature area is conveniently located near all of the city action, but yet gets you far enough away you can stop and enjoy the moment for a while. The park has walking trails as well as cycling routes so you can get some exercise while enjoying beautiful weather. Look for the fountain while you are there and get lost in the moment.

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9. Seek Out Lions and Tigers and Bears at Taipei Zoo!

Take a walk on the wild side and learn about the beautiful and exotic creatures of the earth when you visit, Taipei Zoo. The zoo is located at No. 30, Section 2, Xinguang Road, which is just outside of the Zhongshan District, but well worth the trip. Taipei Zoo is open year round and is a great activity for the whole family to partake in.

The Taipei Zoo features exhibits of animals from all over the world including North America, Australia, and Africa. As you make your way through the zoo, you will get to wander through different habitats, native to the animals you are looking at to provide a more natural experience. This zoo features a children’s zoo with plenty of hands-on activities and learning experiences, a rainforest area, a African desert area, a temperate climate area, and even an enclosure dedicated to just birds. Indoor exhibits include an insect sanctuary, a Koala house, a reptile house, and an education center.

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10. Immerse Yourself in Nature at Yangmingshan National Park

Another natural focal point of the city, Yangmingshan National Park offers miles and miles of scenic byways, hiking trails, wildlife observing opportunities, and some good old fashioned rest and relaxation. During the spring and early summer months, the cherry blossom trees are in full bloom, which adds a whimsical ambiance to the experience, and makes the whole region smell delicately sweet.

The park offers several different trails that can be utilized by people of all fitness levels. Yangmingshan National Park is home to several different hot springs, but exercise extreme caution before deciding to dip in as some of them get very hot. Spend the day exploring the natural side of the city, take some photographs, and don’t forget to bring some food with you. Yangmingshan National Park is located in proximity to the downtown Zhongshan District, and you can get there easily using public transportation.

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11. Find Something Fantastic at MAJI Square

For those who have a profound love of gently used items, homemade items, and things that are just plain fun and quirky, MAJI Square is the place for you. MAJI Square is located at No. 1, Yumen Street, and features architecture and boutique style stores that showcase the unique funky feeling of the hipster side of the city.

MAJI Square is an indoor market that is constructed of metal containers and miscellaneous building pieces. Inside you will find vendors selling fresh food, live plants, gifts, and clothing items. There is a carousel to ride, natural food and beauty product stores, and a tropical themed center court. At night, head outside and dine on some delectable food while taking in the ambiance of the colored lights that cast a relaxing glow on the outdoor patio.

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12. Cruise Around with YOLO Taiwan

For less than $50 (USD) per person, hire your own private driver and take a tour of Zhongshan District on your own terms. With YOLO Taiwan you can decide on where you go or have an expert driver take you around to the most popular sites of the city. Each chartered tour can be reserved for four hours and comes with a stress-free glimpse of the city and complimentary bottled water.

Your driver can pick you up from your hotel room or from the airport, and the tour is scheduled at a time that is convenient for you. Once you are in the car, sit back, and enjoy the ride. Places you can check out include the following:

• Taipei 101
• Miramar Park
• Miramar Ferris Wheel
• Taipei Eye
• XinXing Park
• National Taiwan University
• Longshan Temple
• Guandu Temple

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How to Save Money Visiting the Zhongshan District

The Zhongshan District is popular among young residents of Taipei, thanks to its budget-friendly offerings. It is considered one of the cheapest areas of the city, and is in proximity to the college campuses of Taipei. In order to maximize your travel dollars and get the most out of your trip to this thriving metropolis, take some tips from the young adults who live and thrive there:

1. Take public transportation or walk whenever possible. Taipei has many different bus routes and is easy to navigate on foot, so avoid a rental car and let someone else do the driving.
2. Get your meals at the night market! The night markets in Taiwan are far more popular among locals that any nightclub or bar the city has to offer. Night markets are a much enjoyed pastime by residents of this food addicted culture. The offerings at the night markets are plentiful and you will pay far less for far more than when you dine at an established restaurant.
3. Plan your trip to Taipei during the non-peak seasons of fall and winter when hotels are in less demand and you can save a ton of money. Many travelers can lodge like royals for less than $200 (USD) per night.
4. Take a self-guided sightseeing tour. The Zhongshan District is full of historical landmarks and ornately-designed buildings, which you can admire for free. You do not need to pay for admission if you do not go inside the buildings, but visitors can stroll around the grounds taking in the beauty and capturing some photos along the way.

The Best Time of Year to Visit the Zhongshan District of Taipei

Since Taipei is in the northern region of Taiwan, the climate is a little more radical than in the southern regions of the country. The months of June-September are the hottest and most humid, so it is recommended you avoid traveling to Taipei during this time period if you are sensitive to heat and humidity. This is the time of year when the area is buzzing with tourist activity and the crowded conditions can make for a miserable time if you are already experiencing complications with the heat. Typhoon season is in full swing during the months of June-October and can have a negative impact on your plans if you have outdoor adventures on your itinerary.

The fall and winter months are considered to be the best time to visit Taiwan as the tourism season is largely over by this time of year, and temperatures hover around the comfortable 70ºF (21ºC). You are unlikely to experience any cold temperatures no matter what time of year you travel to Taipei as the region is located in a tropical zone. Pack plenty of T-shirts, shorts, and lightweight clothing items.

During the fall and winter months, you are most likely to find a nice room at the hotel you really want to stay at, and will be able to book it at the most affordable price possible. Hotels in Taipei can be somewhat difficult to snag during the busy spring and summer months.