Which brings me to my post for today, the Ximending Pedestrian Zone in Wanhua district is indeed a must for every first-time Taipei visitor.
The name Ximending is derived from Hsimenting, named after the administrative division of this place, Seimon-cho during the Japanese rule.
Many of us probably don’t know about the history of Taiwan, officially known as the Republic of Taiwan (ROC), except perhaps, which had been on the news lately, that the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and a few countries does not acknowledge its legal status as a country. For all I care about political innuendos and drama, which oftentimes does not really relate to the welfare of the people, Taiwan is a country that has its own functioning legal government.
But did you know that Taiwan was once under Japanese occupation for 50 years between 1895-1945?
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Although the Japanese have long been gone, Japanese influence still has a hand on Taiwanese culture, particularly in Ximending which was once the entertainment area of Taiwan under Japanese rule.
Ximending is the first pedestrian zone in Taiwan, and the biggest as well in the country, frequented by young local teeners and tourists from all ages and races. This area of Taipei is the largest consumer district with shopping encouraged until midnight. One can never go wrong coming here if shopping is in mind. From the newest electronic gadget to the most kitschy souvenir you can find, they have it here. They even have a tattoo street! It is without a doubt a bustling place.
Ximending is also nicknamed as the Harajuku – Shibuya – Shinjuku of Taipei, a haven for the ‘harizu’ (the Japanese culture and mythology enthusiast). Stores sell Japanese fantasy anime and manga products here and it is not a surprise to see entertainment companies promote their new movie, music, product or service here. I saw 2 young pretty girls, very stunning actually, dressed in fantasy anime costume, although I have no idea which Japanese anime or manga mythology character they were portraying.
Here is a quick video I made of the place:
But for tourists like me, all I really cared for was the food, haha. It is everywhere here – local and western fast food chains, restaurants, bar cafes and street food vendors, they are around every corner of the pedestrian zone. Ximending is like an open-air food market, you can literally smell what’s cooking next door. Eating on the go and on the streets is a common affair, but there are also many restaurants here that offer a indoor eating.
If you don’t know yet, Taiwan is a street food country. People come to visit to eat.
I also read that student prostitution is a big concern in Ximending. I guess in any country if I may add? In Tokyo, they have the popular Maid Cafes in Akibahara with very young-looking teenagers dressed in short French maid uniforms, which I believe, well more like a presumption really, already borders prostitution. I may be wrong, but the whole imagery does look very kinky.
Because my hotel is literally around the corner, I had a Ximending overdose on my 4th day in Taipei, haha. I can for sure handle a second visit but not anytime soon though.
It is very easy to get to Ximending. With the metro, get on Banqiao Line (this is the Blue line) to the direction of Dingpu and get off at Ximen Station, then take Exit 6. One of the pedestrian lanes of Ximending can be seen from the station exit.
First things first; some lemon tea with tapioca and jelly drink. Taiwan is the inventor of bubble teas and such, so it is just apt that I start my Ximending stroll with one of these refreshing drinks.
Ximending pedestrian zone gets very busy in the afternoon until late in the evening.
Isn't she a ravishing beauty for an anime or manga character? I believe she is with a group promoting a film, show, music, game or some product.
Ximending is anime and manga land but unlike its Japanese counterparts, you do not see a lot of local young teeners hanging out here wearing fantasy outfits.
The bitter lemon drink is very popular in Taiwan. I have tried it out of curiousity. Let us just say that it was not something I would like to order again =)
This is the tattoo street.
Outdoor cooking in Ximending.
This food stall with a long customer queue is selling crunchy chicken bits. Queues are normal here; people really queue up for their favourite joint or are just curious to taste it.
Posters of fantasy films everywhere on the streets. I am a greenhorn when it comes to this. But I am looking forward to watching 'The Great Wall' starring Matt Damon and directed by Zhang Yimou.
This old man is selling caramelised strawberries and cherry tomatoes =)
Travel Period: January 2017
Destination: Ximending, Wanhua District (Taipei), Taiwan
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Happy Travels! Enjoy Life =)
All pictures were taken by a point and shoot pocket camera or a smartphone.
