Ximending Hours 2025

Planning your visit to Ximending? This comprehensive guide provides current operating hours for all major attractions, shopping areas, restaurants, and transportation options in Taiwan's premier entertainment district. From early morning MRT access to late-night dining, discover the perfect timing for your Ximending adventure.

Transportation & Access Hours

Ximen MRT Station Operating Hours: The gateway to Ximending operates on Taipei MRT's standard schedule, with first trains beginning around 6:00 AM and last trains departing near midnight. Specific times vary by line (Blue Line and Green Line), with slightly different schedules for weekdays and weekends. Station facilities including exits, escalators, and the Ximen Intelligent Library follow MRT operating hours, though some pedestrian passages remain accessible for 24-hour circulation.

Pedestrian Zone Access: The main Ximending pedestrian area remains open 24/7 as it consists of public streets and sidewalks. However, the vibrant atmosphere and most activities concentrate during business hours when shops, restaurants, and street performers are active.

Major Attractions & Cultural Sites

Red House (Honglou) Hours: Ximending's iconic cultural centerpiece operates Tuesday through Thursday from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM, extending to 9:00 PM on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. The venue remains closed on Mondays for maintenance and restocking. Weekend creative markets typically align with these hours, though outdoor vendors may extend operations during peak visitor periods.

Movie Street & Cinemas: The historic theater district features multiple cinema complexes with varying schedules. Most theaters begin screenings around 10:00 AM and continue until late evening, with last shows often starting between 10:30 PM and 11:30 PM. Weekend and holiday schedules may include earlier morning screenings and additional late-night showings for popular films.

Shopping & Retail Hours

Department Stores & Malls: Major retail establishments including Shin Kong Mitsukoshi and other shopping centers typically operate from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily. These air-conditioned facilities provide consistent shopping experiences with extended weekend hours during peak seasons and holidays.

Independent Boutiques & Street Shops: The diverse collection of independent fashion stores and specialty shops generally open between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, remaining active until 9:00 PM or 10:00 PM. Some trendy boutiques may open later (around 2:00 PM) but compensate with extended evening hours to capture the nighttime shopping crowd.

The New Playground Shopping Area: This modern retail destination maintains regular mall hours from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM, providing climate-controlled shopping for streetwear and accessories. The facility's central location makes it an ideal midday shopping stop during your Ximending exploration.

Dining & Food Service Hours

Restaurants & Cafes: Full-service restaurants in Ximending typically begin lunch service around 11:30 AM and continue through late evening, with many establishments serving until 10:00 PM or 11:00 PM. Casual cafes often open earlier (around 9:00 AM) and may close slightly earlier (around 9:00 PM) unless they specifically cater to the night crowd.

Street Food & Night Market Vendors: The authentic Taiwanese street food experience begins heating up around 3:00 PM as vendors prepare for the evening rush. Peak activity occurs between 6:00 PM and 11:00 PM, though some popular stalls continue serving until 1:00 AM or later, especially on weekends and holidays.

Late-Night Dining Options: Ximending's reputation as a 24-hour entertainment district means numerous establishments cater to night owls. Look for 24-hour convenience stores, late-night noodle shops, and specialty eateries that serve the post-midnight crowd, particularly around the main pedestrian intersections.

Entertainment & Nightlife Hours

Street Performances: The pedestrian area comes alive with buskers, dancers, and musicians primarily during evening hours (6:00 PM to 11:00 PM) when crowds are largest. Weekend performances may start earlier (around 4:00 PM) and extend later as foot traffic permits.

Karaoke (KTV) & Gaming Centers: Popular entertainment venues often operate from early afternoon (2:00 PM) until late night or early morning hours. Many KTV establishments and gaming centers cater to the night economy, remaining open until 2:00 AM or later on weekends.

Seasonal Variations & Special Events

Holiday Extensions: During major Taiwanese holidays, Chinese New Year, and special festivals, many businesses extend their operating hours to accommodate increased visitor traffic. Conversely, some establishments may close early or remain closed entirely during certain traditional holidays.

Weather Considerations: While most attractions maintain regular hours regardless of weather, outdoor vendors and street performers may adjust their schedules during heavy rain or extreme weather conditions. Indoor alternatives like malls and covered areas provide consistent access during inclement weather.

Planning Your Visit

Optimal Timing: For the full Ximending experience, plan to arrive in the early afternoon (around 2:00 PM) when shops are fully operational, and stay through the evening (until 10:00 PM) to experience the vibrant night market atmosphere. This timing allows you to enjoy both daytime shopping and evening entertainment.

Rush Hour Considerations: The district experiences peak crowds during weekday evenings (6:00 PM to 8:00 PM) and weekend afternoons. For a more relaxed experience with shorter queues and easier navigation, consider visiting during weekday morning or early afternoon hours.