Ximending was named during the period of Japan ruling, where it was located just outside the West gate also known as Ximen, hence Ximending. The total area is covered by part of Chengdu road, Xining S. road, Kunming street, Kangding road, in addition there is also Hsinchiding and Ruochuding etc. Ximending was originally a desserted and under-developed area. It was only until later when the Japanese government decided to copy the concept of Tokyo Asakusa district and started to build Taipei Zuo, Rong Zuo and Batang etc, that gradually transformed Ximending into the Ximendaing we know today.


In the 1930s, Ximending had many cinemas and . After the World War II, the cinemas continue to be popular. It was until the late 1980s when Taipei started to develop east-ward that the cinema business started declining. In the late 1990s, Ximending was restructured to become a pedestrian only district during weekend and public holidays.

This attracted many teenagers to come here to do their shopping or simply stroll along, making it a popular place to hold press release, launch ceremony, mini concerts and other publicity events. With over 10 cinemas currently still in operation, Ximending is no doubt one of the most famous commercial area in Taipei

Following Ximending success as a blooming commercial circle, good food naturally came along. The rich history and heritage that the Ximending has further propelled it to become well-known internationally for it delicious food and snacks, making it a must visit place for tourist worldwide.


Lau-Tian-Lu is the first among the internationally well-known food stalls in Ximending. It sells braised delicacies such as duck tongues, duck and chicken wings, chicken feet, beancurd.... all of which are their signature dishes! A must visit place for locals and foreigners alike. Even superstars such as Andy Lau is one of their loyal customer too.

There is always a crowd in front of Ay-Chung-Rice-Flour-Noodle rushing to finish the bowl of rice flour noodle in their hands. This scenario is unqiue to Ay-Chung, which kept having customers coming back for their delicious rice flour noodle containing braised large intestine, mashed garlic, black vinegar and coriander leaves.

Chengdu-Starfruit-Ice has been around for more than 50 years. They serve a wide variety of starfruit ice beverage that will quench your thirst during any hot summer. They also serve pineapple, pears and other tropical fruits.

In addition, Mei-Guan-Yuan Japanese cuisine, Duck-Meat-Pian Taiwanese snacks, Wannien Tempura, Mala Spicy Hotpot, Japanese Curry Rice, Mr Donut and the various chain outlets are other delicacies that you will regret not trying when you come to Ximending!