Brand new day, brand new adventure! After having breakfast at Yong He Dou Jiang Da Wang, we took a 20-minute walk towards Dihua Street and Dadaocheng, a historic neighbourhood in Taipei’s Datong District.
Along the way, we passed by a number of interesting sites.
Taipei Post Office (臺北郵局)
Tucked away near Beimen, the Taipei Post Office is one of the city’s oldest and most historic buildings. Originally built back in the late 1800s during the Japanese colonial era, the first version of the post office was actually a timber structure. Sadly, it didn’t survive a fire in 1913 and a temporary setup was quickly thrown together to keep things running. That didn’t last long, though, because the beautiful building we see today was completed in 1930 and has stood the test of time ever since.
What’s really cool is that this place isn’t just a pretty historical landmark—it’s still fully operational as Taipei’s main post office. The Taipei City Government has officially recognised it as a historic site and you can feel that blend of old and new as soon as you walk by.
Taipei Futai Street Mansion (臺北撫台街洋樓)
Just a short walk from the North Gate, you’ll find the Taipei Futai Street Mansion—also known by its original name, the Yamato-chō Mansion (大和町洋樓). Built in 1910 during the Japanese colonial era, this elegant little building once housed the headquarters of the Takaishi construction company. It was designed by Japanese architect Chuuzou Takaishi himself, and you can really see his touch in the details.
What makes this place stand out is its unique blend of styles—it’s a beautiful example of Japanese colonial architecture with strong Art Deco vibes and neoclassical flourishes. It’s one of those hidden gems that architecture buffs will love, but even if you’re not into design, it’s a charming stop that gives you a real sense of the layered history Taipei has to offer.
Cheng’en Gate (承恩門)
Cheng’en Gate—better known as the Taipei North Gate—is one of those historic landmarks that quietly tells the story of old Taipei. Built during the Qing dynasty, it’s one of just four city gates that have survived from the days when Taipei was a walled city. Back then, it played a key role in the city’s defence system, helping to guard against potential threats.
Today, it stands proudly in the middle of modern traffic, a striking reminder of the city’s past. It’s especially beautiful when lit up at night, and if you’re exploring the nearby Beimen area, it’s absolutely worth a quick stop (and a few photos!).
Dadaocheng (大稻埕)
Map of Dadaocheng
Dadaocheng is one of those neighbourhoods in Taipei where history lingers in every brick and alleyway. Back in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it was the epicentre of Taiwan’s bustling tea trade. And even today, strolling through its charming streets feels like stepping back in time—many of the elegant old buildings from that golden era are still beautifully preserved. You’ll still find traditional tea houses tucked between heritage storefronts, and some of the old-school merchants have been here for generations, keeping the spirit of old Dadaocheng alive.
Today, Dadaocheng has become a favourite with both locals and visitors thanks to its rich cultural vibe and timeless charm. Highlights include the lively Dadaocheng Wharf, where you can catch a sunset by the river; the Dadaocheng Theatre for a taste of performing arts; and, of course, Dihua Street—famous for its Chinese medicine shops, colourful fabric stores, and stalls piled high with dried fruits, herbs, and nostalgic treats.
(business hours for each store may vary)
How to get to Dihua Street and Dadaocheng
The easiest and most convenient way to get to Dihua Street and Dadaocheng is by taking the MRT. Three MRT stations on three separate lines are located on either side of the area:
1. Songshan-Xindian Line (green line) – Alight at Beimen Station (G13)
2. Tamsui-Xinyi Line (red line) – Alight at Shuanglian Station (R12)
3. Zhonghe-Xinlu Line (orange line) – Alight at Daqiaotou Station (O12)
Dadaocheng Wharf (大稻埕碼頭)
Dadaocheng Wharf has truly transformed since its days as a bustling trade port. Originally built in the late 19th century, it played a key role during the Japanese colonial era as a hub for Taiwan’s thriving tea exports and served as a vital transit point for travellers coming to and from Taipei.
Today, it’s got a whole new vibe—laid-back, scenic, and effortlessly cool. The wharf is now a favourite riverside escape for both locals and tourists, offering sweeping views of the Tamsui River and the surrounding skyline.
Visitors can take a boat ride along the river, or enjoy a stroll along the promenade and admire the views. Boats depart from the wharf head to Tamsui District in New Taipei during the weekends.
Nadou Theatre (納豆劇場)
This antique red brick building was once a tea factory. Now, it has been transformed into a multi-functional theatre space.
Yongle Fabric Market (永樂布業商場)
The Yongle Fabric Market is one of the most comprehensive fabric markets in the city and it’s a popular place for designers and sewing enthusiasts to buy fabrics and sewing supplies. Visitors can find a large selection of fabrics, such as silk, chiffon, satin, and lace, as well as home decor products, like cushion covers and curtains. Additionally, the market is also home to a variety of textile-related businesses, such as tailors, seamstresses, and textile manufacturers, which enable customers to locate all of their textile needs in one place.
Yongle Market (永樂市場)
On the first floor of the Yongle Fabric Market, there is also Yongle Market, a wet market where you can find fresh produce (like meats, fruits, vegetables), dried goods as well as cooked food stalls.
Lin He Fa You Fan (林合發油飯店）
We spotted a long line at this you fan (sticky rice) stall and decided to join in the queue. By the time we were served, we were told that only two portions of sticky rice was left. Chicken thighs and taro cake were also sold out.
Fried sticky rice and braised eggs
Steamed glutinous rice stir fried with shiitake mushrooms, dried shrimps and pork. Even without any side dishes, this sticky rice tasted amazing on its own! Very flavourful. Oily and well-seasoned. We thoroughly enjoyed it! Best of all, this was cheap and good!
Xiahai City God Temple (霞海城隍廟)
The Xiahai City God Temple is one of the most famous and well-preserved temples in the city. This century-old temple is dedicated to the City God (or Cheng Huang Ye 城隍爺), a Taoist deity who is believed to protect the city and its people. The 152sqm temple also houses more than 600 other deities, making it the only temple in Taiwan with the highest statue density.
Dihua Street (迪化街)
Dihua Street is a historical street located in Dadaocheng and is also the oldest street in Taipei. It is renowned for its TCM shops, fabric shops and traditional food stores. The street dates back to the late 19th century and is lined with two-storey buildings aka shophouses. Many of these structures are over a century old.
Visitors can find a wide range of Chinese products such as medicinal herbs, teas, old school snacks & confections, nuts, dried fruits & vegetables. Mullet roe (烏魚子) is considered a delicacy in Taiwan!
There are lots of non-food items too.
Jade Boat 191 (澎玉191)
One of our favourite places to get food gifts for friends and family is Jade Boat 191. The store owner is incredibly welcoming and accommodating. As their selection of snacks is so vast, he allows us to sample some of their products so we can easily decide what to purchase.
Packaging is nicely done. Very giftable. Prices are reasonable too.
Dadaocheng Cisheng Temple (大稻埕慈生宮)
Dadaocheng Cisheng Temple is dedicated to Mazu, a Chinese sea goddess who is also known as Tianshang Shengmu (Holy Heavenly Mother) or Tianhou (Empress of Heaven). The open space in front of the temple is lined with food vendors selling traditional local cuisine.
Final thoughts
What an adventure! We can enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of traditional Taiwan while exploring this historic neighborhood. There is a lot to check out, especially the quirky and eclectic shops that sell crafts and artisanal products. Not to mention how much fun it is to shop for souvenirs and food gifts because everything looks appealing, haha. If you’re in Taipei, Dadaocheng and Dihua Street must be on your list! 😉