Maps of Ximending 2025 - Complete Navigation Guide

Located on the west side of Taipei, Ximending (西門町) stands as Taiwan's premier entertainment district, easily accessible through multiple transportation options. This comprehensive navigation guide helps you explore every corner of Taiwan's cultural heartland with confidence and ease.

 

Ximen MRT Station Navigation Guide

Station Overview: Ximen Station (西門站, pronounced "shee-men" station) serves as the primary gateway to Ximending, connecting the Blue Line (Bannan Line) and Green Line (Songshan-Xindian Line). Located strategically under Zhonghua Road at the intersection of Chengdu Road, Hengyang Road, and Baoqing Road, this major interchange station efficiently channels millions of visitors annually into Taiwan's most vibrant cultural district.

Essential Exit Information

Exit 6 - Main Shopping District Access: This heavily-used exit provides direct access to the heart of Ximending's shopping paradise. Upon emerging from Exit 6, visitors find themselves immersed in Taiwan's first pedestrian zone, surrounded by trendy boutiques, international fashion brands, and bustling street performances. The exit strategically positions you at the center of the action, making it the preferred choice for first-time visitors and serious shoppers alike.

Exit 1 - Red House Cultural Hub: Dedicated to reaching the iconic Red House (Honglou, 紅樓), this exit offers the most efficient route to Ximending's cultural centerpiece. The Red House, a stunning piece of Japanese colonial architecture built in 1908, now houses creative markets, independent boutiques, and charming cafes. Exit 1 also provides convenient access to the weekend creative markets and cultural events that make the Red House a must-visit destination.

District Layout and Key Areas

Pedestrian Paradise: Ximending proudly holds the distinction of being Taipei's first pedestrian zone, established to create a car-free environment where culture, commerce, and community flourish. The main pedestrian streets form a network of interconnected alleys and boulevards, each offering unique shopping experiences, from mainstream fashion to quirky independent stores that showcase Taiwan's creative spirit.

Movie Street (電影街): This iconic entertainment corridor preserves Ximending's heritage as Taiwan's premier theater district since the 1930s. Today's Movie Street features modern cinema complexes alongside traditional theaters, creating a perfect blend of nostalgic charm and contemporary entertainment. Visitors can catch the latest blockbusters or enjoy classic films in venues that have entertained generations of Taiwanese families.

The New Playground Shopping Area: Among the latest additions to Ximending's retail landscape, The New Playground represents the district's continuous evolution. This air-conditioned shopping destination specializes in unisex streetwear and trendy accessories, offering reasonably-priced fashion that appeals to both locals and international visitors seeking authentic Taiwanese style.

Transportation Connections

Bus Transfer Hub: Zhonghua Road serves as a crucial bus transfer point, connecting Ximending to destinations across Taipei and New Taipei City. Multiple bus routes converge near the MRT station, providing flexible transportation options for reaching attractions, hotels, and neighborhoods throughout the metropolitan area. Bus stops are clearly marked with English signage and real-time arrival information.

Connected Facilities: The station complex includes the Ximen Intelligent Library, an innovative unstaffed branch of the Taipei Public Library system. This modern facility provides free internet access, comfortable study spaces, and an extensive collection of books and media, making it a valuable resource for both tourists and locals seeking information or a quiet retreat from the bustling streets above.

Practical Navigation Tips

Terminology Guide: Understanding local terminology enhances your navigation experience. "Ximending" and "Ximen" refer to the same location, with "ding" (町) being the Japanese character for district. The area is also commonly called the "Ximen Walking Area" or "Ximen Youth Shopping District," reflecting its car-free status and appeal to younger demographics.

Peak Hours: The district experiences heavy foot traffic during weekends and evenings, particularly between 6:00 PM and 10:00 PM. For a more relaxed exploration experience, consider visiting during weekday mornings or early afternoons when crowds are lighter and you can better appreciate the architecture and street art without feeling rushed.

Emergency Information: Police stations and medical facilities are clearly marked throughout the district. The main police substation is located near the Red House, and the Shin Kong Mitsukoshi department store houses a medical clinic on its upper floors. Emergency contact numbers and basic Chinese phrases are posted at major intersections for international visitors.

Maps of Ximending

Located on the west side of Taipei, Ximending is easily reached by all types of public transport. This interactive map shows key attractions, MRT exits, shopping areas, and the historic Red House district that make Ximending Taiwan's premier entertainment destination.

 

Navigation Guide

MRT Station Exits: Ximen Station on the Blue Line provides multiple exits serving different areas. Exit 1 leads directly to Red House Theater and the LGBTQ+ bar district, while Exit 6 provides access to the main pedestrian shopping zone and Pop Mart flagship store.

Key Landmarks: The map clearly shows the historic Red House Theater (紅樓劇場) at the heart of the cultural district, surrounded by the pedestrian-only shopping streets that define modern Ximending. The night market food vendors cluster around Hanzhong Street and the pedestrian zones.

Transportation Connections: Multiple bus routes serve the area from Zhonghua Road and Hanzhong Street. Taxi access is available from designated pickup points, and the compact pedestrian-friendly layout makes walking the preferred method for exploring the district.