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I visited Dadaocheng on my last day in Taipei. I was pleasantly surprised by the peaceful atmosphere, cute shopping streets and the historical connection which was quite prominent to me. In this article, I’ll talk about what to see when you go there for an afternoon.
1 Dadaocheng, a District Wrapped in History
You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time when you go to Dadaocheng and specifically Dihua Street. Almost perfectly preserved, Dihua Street is renowned for having buildings that gives you a glimpse in Taiwan’s past. I was taken away by the beautiful shops that sold traditional dried goods and snacks to the friendly shopkeepers going on about their day.
I felt like I could wander these streets for hours without wanting to leave! If you’re an architecture nerd, you’ll notice some traces of Taiwan’s evolution in the very buildings. Originally developed as a key trading hub during the Qing Dynasty, this place has influences of traditional Chinese, Japanese colonial and even Western influences.
2 How to get to Dadaocheng
Dadaocheng is really easy to get to since it’s pretty much in the city centre and also an area for both locals and visitors. Below are all the ways that will get you there!
MRT (Taipei’s Metro system)
You can take the Tamsui-Xinyi (Red) Line to get to this area. Depending on ehwre you are, either Shuanglian Station (雙連站) or Daqiaotou Station (大橋頭站) will be within a 10-15 minute walking distance. On Google Maps, you can look for the “Dihua Old Street” or simply click the map below!
Taxi
If you’re travelling in a group, I recommend taking a taxi. It’s the most convenient way to navigate the city, eliminating the need to wait for the next train or bus. Since there were four of us, it made sense to share a taxi ride from Taipei Main Station. We mostly used the Uber app to find a taxi whenever possible, but we also hail a cab when it is convenient. The best thing about using Uber was not having to spend our cash which could be used for shopping!
Bus
There are also some bus routes that stop in the Dadaocheng area. Look for bus stops near Dihua Street (迪化街), Dadaocheng Wharf (大稻埕碼頭), or Xia Hai City God Temple (霞海城隍廟). You should also check the Taipei City Bus or Taipei Bus website for specific routes and schedules.
3 Things to do in Dadaocheng
Wander the Streets
I’d say the highlight for me on this Dadaocheng hangout was exploring the olden-day streets. I found myself admiring the picturesque old buildings and the bustling market scene. Somehow it did not feel crowded until only mid-day. Feel free to go off the main Dihua street and you’ll find different shops, murals and restaurants.
Visit Dadaocheng Dock
If you’re a sunset catcher than there’s no other place be other than the peaceful Dadaocheng Dock during sunset! I loved the peaceful vibes the wharf gave me while I settled down with a cup of bubble tea from the market.
Go Shopping
I visited Dadaocheng on my last day in Taipei. And I left the souvenir shopping at the last minute! Luckily, the streets of Dihua was filled with beautiful souvenirs whether it be snacks for my friends and family back home in Hong Kong or even gift items. I even stumbled upon several shops selling crafted and handmade items which I thought were very special. While wandering these streets, I bought some snacks to bring back home.
Visit a Temple
There are a few temples scattered around the general Dadaocheng area. The Dadaocheng Cisheng Temple or Dadaocheng Mazu is perhaps the most well-known and iconic one of all of them. This temple is dedicated to the Tianshang Shengmu. Right next to the temple is yet another market area with food stalls! It was bustling when I went during breakfast time.
Have a Feast
What can I say? Taipei is known for its food so I always carve out time to find good food to eat. You will find so many types of eateries whether it be food stalls, full-blown restaurants or even shops selling tasting samples. I had a mix of different foods while enjoying my day.
Go Cafe Hopping
You’re in luck if you are a coffee lover. There are numerous coffee shops with spectacular vibes. The real reason I made my way to Dadaocheng was because my friend who loves cafe hopping recommended that I visit here. Even if you’re not a coffee lover, there are bubble tea shops and teas available at cafes. Just having a bit of relaxing time during a whole day of walking is what i call an ideal day.
Visit Ningxia Night Market
After you’ve visited the Dadaocheng Wharf for the beautiful sunset, head over to the Ningxia Night Market which is just a walking distance away! Its always a good idea to visit a night market during your stay in Taipei.
Best Places to Stay Near Dadaocheng
If you’d like to stay nearby, I think the Kimpton Da An Taipei which is a beautiful hotel situated just next to Dadaocheng.
4 Conclusion
The visit to Dadaocheng was the perfect end to my weekend trip to Taipei. I loved the architecture, atmosphere and all the food! I’d definitely go back and explore it more next time as I feel that one day might not be enough to find all the hidden gems and relax in all the cafes!
Did you find this article useful? Do let me know in the comments below!
