An enclave of renowned Taiwanese electronic companies and corporations, Xizhi District thrives within the New Taipei City metropolitan area. Its position in the Keelung River Valley is a tranquil escape from more hectic inner city districts while still harbouring first-class entertainment and shopping centres.
Things to do in Xizhi District
Xizhi Star Bridge, resting on microphone-shaped supports, spans Keelung River and is a major landmark of Xizhi District. You can join cyclists and pedestrians for spectacular night views of Taipei, while the bridge itself is an ever-changing display of colours.
Feel like sampling authentic Taiwanese cuisine? Head over to one of the many eateries on Datong Road and Xintai 5th Road or splurge on dinner at the Taipei 101 skyscraper, a short drive from Xizhi. Home to several renowned restaurants and clubs, the 508-metre-tall building also has an observatory on the 89th floor.
Shoppers can find plenty of retail therapy in Xizhi at U-Town, a full-scale modern commerce centre. You can spend all day enjoying spa treatments and fitness facilities, before embracing the night with various entertainment venues. For a peek into the city’s cultural highlights, be sure to stop at the Farglory Cultural Centers and Architecture Museum.
To experience a classic Taiwanese night market and temple, spend a few hours exploring the adjacent Songshan District. Dedicated to the goddess Mazu, the ornate Songshan Ciyou Temple showcases stone lions and duelling dragons. Outside the temple, Raohe Street Night Market stretches for 600 metres with dozens of food stalls, carnival games and quaint shops.
Getting around Xizhi District
Xizhi District utilises the Taipei Metro rapid transit system via Xizhi Station, and several local bus routes crisscross the district. Many hotels have shuttle buses for transportation to subway stations, while a rental car offers you flexibility and convenience.