Taiwan 2011 - Ximending

Ximending is a shopping spot that is best visited at night. I went there during daytime and the place was almost like a ghost town, save for a few open stores and cineplexes...which by the way, seem to be mushrooming all over the place. I guess the Taiwanese love their movies. =)

Otherwise known as the "Harajuku" of Taiwan, Ximending is the favourite hangout for the young, the fashionable, subcultures and Japanese culture. To really experience the night life (as well as the crowds & gay bars that are scattered over the area), however, you've gotta start late.

Abandoned building for sale...yep...the whole building

One of the many cineplexes in Ximending, their
ticket prices are about 10SGD per ticket.

Another cineplex, one that offers an IMAX experience too

This entire street consists of a whole stretch of cineplexes...I
kid you not. Ximending became well-known as 'Theatre Street'
way back in the 1930s and has over 20 theatres today plus 6000
vendors. It's also a popular area for street performances, album
launches and small concerts. 

Not open for business...but they sure have colourful shutters!

Dead town but the cineplexes and some stores were already open
for business

English movies seem to be quite in vogue here...

How to get there:
The most straightforward way is to take the MRT to the Ximen Station on the Taipei Metro line & go out via exit 6. Me, I had actually walked there from Hope Hotel, which is very near to Taipei Main Station. It took me about 15 to 20 minutes of getting lost and asking directions from people but it was kinda fun coz you get to see things that you don't see on guided tours. =D

For instance, I walked past a small restaurant that sold economical rice (the type where you can pick your choice of meat or veggie) in rather large portions. It looked rather delicious if you asked me, hehe...picked up a large cup of bubble tea and fell instantly in love with Taiwan's bubble tea. I will never be able to drink Singapore's version of bubble tea...ever again. =x

Unless they are of the Taiwanese brand like A-gan tea. =D

Advertising with bad English... =x

My first bubble tea in Taiwan~!

The Taiwanese typically go everywhere on motorbikes. Seems like almost everyone owns a set of wheels and most people don't really take cabs...coz they usually take the train or buses, which are pretty convenient.

Since it caters mainly for the young people (and the young at heart), the stores there mainly sell Japanese inspired stuff like anime-themed stationery and soft toys as well as beauty staples like face masks. While comparable to night markets like the Shilin Night Market, shopping could get a tad expensive though so do take note. =)