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Taipei is one of Taiwan's top tourist destinations. Did you know that traveling to Taipei by Taiwan's high-speed rail THSR can save you a considerable amount of money?
For foreigners, traveling to Taiwan always means traveling to Taipei. If you're one of those who believe that going to Taipei means you've seen all of Taiwan, then you're missing out on a lot. Since its inception in 2007, the Taiwan High-Speed Rail (THSR) has made traveling between northern and southern Taiwan more convenient than ever before! Thanks to the THSR, people can now easily travel to major cities on the island in just one or two hours.
A journey around Taiwan by train will showcase the full allure of this nation: if the capital in the north exudes youthfulness and vibrancy, then southern Taiwan surprises you with its rich culture and stunning landscapes.
Where is the Taipei High-Speed Rail Station Located?
You can find Taiwan High-Speed Rail services at Taipei Station, the busiest THSR station among all. Situated conveniently in the Central District, Taipei Station is right in the heart of the capital, surrounded by some of the city's most interesting attractions.
Hop on the THSR train from Taipei to Taichung, or explore Taipei with the Taipei Metro (MRT). Taipei showcases both its dynamic urban center and the unique romance of Taiwan's beautiful suburbs.
Klook Tips: Planning a train trip around Taiwan? Pre-book your Taiwan High-Speed Rail tickets and embark on an epic adventure! Don't forget to check the Taiwan High-Speed Rail schedule here to plan your journey.
Want to learn more about Taiwan High-Speed Rail? Check out Klook's comprehensive guide along with tips for maximizing your experience.
Taiwan High-Speed Rail Routes in Taipei
The first stop on your Taiwan tour: a visit to the capital! Taipei offers numerous attractions and activities for urban enthusiasts. You can easily access beautiful temples, bustling night markets, and quirky art museums with the Taipei Metro (MRT).
With a total of six routes and multiple stops, you'll be taken directly to famous landmarks. If you're coming from outside Taipei, remember to get off at Taipei Station. From there, you can board the Taipei Metro's Green, Red, or Blue lines to reach destinations within the city. Taipei Station serves both THSR and MRT trains, so you won't have to leave this station.
To ride the Taipei Metro, you'll need an EasyCard, allowing you to hop on and off all six lines. Want to learn more about train tickets in Taiwan? Check out the guide from Klook.
Travel & Dining Guide in Taipei with Taiwan High-Speed Rail THSR Card
Explore Taimon Dinh with Taiwan High-Speed Rail THSR
Taimon Dinh is a favorite spot for both domestic and international tourists. Much like Japan's Shibuya, Taimon Dinh offers plenty of entertainment and fashion activities.
A day in Taimon Dinh doesn't just end with crazy shopping: head to the Night Market, where you'll be amazed by fantastic food stalls along the street or outside Taimon Station, selling local Taiwanese dishes like Halal Beef Noodles! K-pop fans may also catch cover performers and dance cover videos of the latest hits right across the station.
If you still have energy, spend the remaining night at a bar, club, or even karaoke room! Taimon Dinh always brings back youthful memories.
Transportation: Take the MRT Blue Line 5 or Green Line 3 to Ximending (西門)
Exciting Travel Suggestions at Ximending
1. Red House Theater
Red House Theater stands as one of Taipei's renowned landmarks. Erected in 1908 during Japan's colonial era, this Western-style edifice is now preserved as a heritage site. Presently, this complex serves as an artistic space hosting concerts and cultural events.
Fun fact: The square behind the Red House Theater boasts Taipei's largest LGBT community. This area hosts a variety of excellent bars welcoming all visitors. To savor delicious dishes, try Chef Hung's Beef Noodles or enjoy drinks while soaking in the open atmosphere in one of Asia's most LGBT-friendly cities!
- Address: 10 Thanh Do Street, Van Hoa District, Taipei, Taiwan
- Opening hours: 11:00 - 20:00 (Tuesday - Friday); 11:00 - 22:00 (Saturday); 11:00 - 21:30 (Sunday)
2. Ximending Pedestrian Street
Ximending Pedestrian Street is always bustling with tourists and young people in Taipei on weekends for a good reason! Fashion stores, eateries, and restaurants pop up everywhere, with performances and exhibitions often taking place on this street. What you should know is: food stalls usually open at night, but that's okay — Taiwanese people often buy snacks late at night. Grab a Taiwanese crepe, our favorite snack, when passing by here!
- Address: Gate 6 of Ximending MRT Station
Signature Dishes at Ximending
1. Ay-Chung Rice Noodles
Ay-Chung Rice Noodles is always crowded, but that only reflects its excellent quality. If you've never tried rice noodles before, Ay-Chung will amaze your imagination with this Asian noodle dish: sink your teeth into a piece and feel the soft noodles slip into your mouth with thick sauce, before chewing on the chewy interior in the bowl.
Klook Tips: This is basically a self-service eatery, and there are no indoor seats, so you have to find somewhere to sit outside or eat on the go!
- Address: No. 8-1, Nga Mi Street, Van Hoa District, Taipei 108, Taiwan
- Opening Hours: 9:00 - 23:00 (Monday - Sunday)
2. Origin Tofu Pudding Shop
For dessert, fill your stomach with traditional Taiwanese sweets. Origin Tofu Pudding is an enticing innovation of red beans, taro balls, peanuts, and pearls, topped with syrup to create a unique flavor that you can eat forever! Another reason to visit the shop is that this sweet treat also has the aroma of toast.
- Address: No. 1-1, 2, Cinnamon Street, Van Hoa District, Taipei 108
- Opening Hours: 13:00 - 21:00 (Monday - Sunday)
Explore Tinh Nghia District, Taipei With THSR Pass
Tin Nghia is a newly developed district, home to some of Taipei's most famous shopping centers, such as Taipei 101, Eslite Bookstore, etc. You can easily reach these major shopping centers through the connecting bridges between them. Taipei 101, the most prominent landmark in Taipei, is an unmissable destination in this area.
Transportation:
Take MRT Blue Line No. 5 to Taipei City Hall Station (市政府). This station is below the HanKyu grocery store. Walk south to enter the Shin Kong Mitsukoshi complex in the direction of 101.
Or take Red Line No. 2 to Taipei 101 and walk northeast to reach this complex.
Great Travel Suggestions in Tin Nghia District, Taipei
1. Taipei 101
Currently the second tallest building in Asia, Taipei 101 showcases the finesse of Taiwanese architecture, blending various Chinese and Asian elements in a post-modern style designed to withstand typhoons and earthquakes. Luxury brand stores line the lower floors while the top houses a museum and observation deck, where you can learn more about this architectural marvel and enjoy panoramic views of the city from the 101st floor.
Built in 2004, from 2004 to 2010 Taipei 101 was the tallest skyscraper in the world. In 2011, it was officially recognized as the tallest green building in the world with LEED platinum certification.
- Address: No. 7, Zone 5, Tinh Nghia Street, Tinh Nghia District, Taipei, Taiwan
- Opening Hours: 11:00 - 21:00 (Monday - Sunday; Public Holidays)
2. Elephant Mountain/Hiking Trail Xiangshan
About a 20-minute walk from Taipei 101, Xiangshan Hiking Trail offers the best vantage point to admire the entire Taipei cityscape. Late afternoon is the perfect time for a short stroll as you can witness sunrise, sunset, and the city's night scene as the sun sets.
It'll take around an hour and 40 minutes to walk, so be sure to carry a bottle of water, especially on hot days. Since this trail tends to be crowded on weekends, try to go on weekdays if possible.
- Address: Alley 150, Tung Nhan Street, Tinh Nghia District, Taipei, Taiwan
Travel Tip from Klook: Want to witness more stunning landscapes in Taiwan? Book the North Coast Sightseeing Tour and explore the areas around Taipei. You can choose from various attractions, including Yin Yang Sea, Cape Dijiaowanzu, and more!
3. Eslite Flagship Store
Eslite Bookstore with its vast collection of books and stationery is a must-visit store. Eslite offers every genre of book, from academic texts to the latest bestselling novels.
The store also features impressive household items such as home accessories, leather goods, designer products, watches, and more. If you're looking for a place to unwind in the afternoon (or even midnight), Eslite is the place for you. This bookstore is open 24/7! Pretty cool, isn't it?
- Address: No. 11, Tung Cao Street, Tinh Nghia District, Taipei, Taiwan
- Opening Hours: 24/7!
Top Eats in Tinh Nghia District, Taipei
1. Popcorn Chicken King
You'll never go wrong with fried chicken, especially when it's prepared and fried to perfection like you always find at Popcorn Chicken King. A classic takeaway treat for locals, savor the signature crunch in every bite!
2. Don Kitchen
Did you know: Taiwan was a Japanese colony for over 50 years, which explains Japan's influence throughout this city, including its cuisine. Stroll through Taipei's bustling streets, and you'll come across many restaurants serving bento box meals and even Japanese cuisine. At Don Kitchen in Tinh Nghia, you can choose from various donburi (Japanese rice bowl) and sushi (Japanese rice rolls)—from beef teriyaki to katsudon (traditional Japanese breaded pork cutlet rice bowl).
It'd be a shame to bid Taipei farewell without exploring all the top attractions! To spice up your journey, pocket right away the Klook Vietnam's Taipei Travel Guide: 5-Day 4-Night Taiwan Itinerary, Famous Taiwan Tourist Spots, Top Taipei Tourist Spots, Exciting Taipei Tour Itinerary, 6-Day 5-Night Taiwan Tour, Budget-Friendly Taiwan Tour,...
Have you ever traveled to Taipei by high-speed train from Taiwan?
