What to Do, Buy & Eat on Dihua Street in Dadaocheng in Taipei

Dihua Street is the oldest street in Taipei. It was once an important commercial centre for selling Taiwanese products, including Chinese medicinal herbs, incense, fabrics, Taiwanese tea, and other unique products found in Taiwan.

Today, Dihua Old Street is the main avenue in Dadaocheng, where many restored shops and cafes line both sides of the street. Significant efforts were made to preserve the original architecture of the old shophouses, and many young cultural entrepreneurs brought new life to the restored spaces.

Don’t miss all the best things to do, buy and eat on Dihua Street and the surrounding neighbourhood. Follow my guide and learn more about all the attractions in Dadaocheng.

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Before you visit Dihua Street in Dadaocheng Taipei

Before visiting Dadaocheng, look at my post on everything you need to know before going to Taiwan. I included a lot of travel information, including how to get a Taiwan SIM Card and get around Taiwan and other travel tips.

Plus, I have a solo travel guide on Taipei for those who have never been to Taipei.

Here are a few additional tips for visiting Dadaocheng:

• The best time to visit Dihua Street in Dadaocheng is Friday or Saturday. Many eateries are closed Mondays, and other stores are closed on various days.
• Allocate a few hours to wander up and down the old street – there is a lot to see and do.
• Leave room in your stomach, and try several places to eat. There are plenty of restaurants, cafes, teahouses, and coffee shops.
• Dihua St is a good place to buy souvenirs, especially if you want to buy fabrics, local cultural goods, etc. As for the medicinal herbs, check with your country’s customs and import regulations, as you may or may not be able to bring the dried goods home.
• Some local workshops are conducted in Mandarin. But as a shopper, you don’t need to understand Mandarin. Many shop owners speak a bit of English.

How to get to Dihua Street in Dadaocheng

Dihua Street is in the Datong District in Taipei. It is between Nanjing W Road and Minquan W Road.

The street is a 16-minute walk from Taipei Train Station. From the station, walk northwest until you reach Dihua St.

Alternatively, Beimen Station is the closest MRT station. From Beimen Station, walk north on Tacheng Street for 9 minutes.

Map: Attractions on Dihua Old Street

I pinned all the best things to do in Dihua Street on the interactive map. Blue pins are activities, green pins are all the shops, and red pins are all the places to eat.

I also included a few other things to do around the Dadaocheng area that are not on Dihua Old Street; the orange pins represent them.

Click on each individual pin to get more information, and look for the description below.

What to do on Dihua Street in Dadaocheng

From a cultural and historical perspective, there are a handful of attractions that you must visit when you are in Dadaocheng. All the things to do on Dadaocheng are pinned with a numbered blue pin.

1. Taipei Xiahai City God Temple

Built in 1856, Taipei Xiahai City God Temple is one of Taiwan’s oldest temples. Locals visit the temple and pray to the City God for a happy love life. Legend has it that the City God was chosen from among mortals who were stand-up citizens and honourable, devoted officials.

Moreover, the Wife of the City God is in the temple next to the City God. Married couples visit the pair of Gods and buy a pair of Fortune Shoes so they may be blessed with a happy family.

Many events throughout the year will bring many people to Xiahai City God Temple. If you want to see the temple during a festival, visit during:

• The Lantern Festival (the first full moon after the lunar new year)
• Lamp-Lighting ritual during City God’s birthday (January 10th of the lunar year)
• Xiahai City God Cultural Festival (May 13th – City God’s birthday)
• July Reincarnation Rite (July 26th to 28th)
• Birthday of the Wife of City God (September 4th of the lunar year)
• Deities arrival and departure (December 24th of the lunar year)

Address: No. 61, Dihua St | Hours: 7am-7pm

2. Costume Rental Salon 1920s

One of the most unique things to do on Dihua Street is to rent a cheongsam (traditional Chinese dress) and take photos along the oldest street in Taipei. The outfit and the setting make it feel like you returned to the 1920s.

At Costume Rental Salon 1920s, you can rent a traditional Chinese dress, get your hair and make-up done, and have a photography session. Book ahead, especially if you have limited time in Taipei.

Address: No. 87, Dihua St | Hours: 10am-6pm

3. Lin Wuhu Fate Gallery – Lin Family Ancestral House

The Lin Wuhu Fate Gallery-Lin Family Ancestral House is the oldest shophouse on Dihua Street. The tea house is built in the traditional Minnan (south Fujian) architectural style.

Opened in 2012, the Lin family has been giving tours around their ancestral home on the weekends. But unfortunately, the tour is in Mandarin.

Even if you cannot enjoy a free property tour, you can still go inside the heritage building and look around on your own.

Address: No. 156, Dihua St | Hours: 2-4pm Saturdays only

4. Dihua Street Heritage Building

At the north end of Old Street is the Dihua Street Heritage Building, a group of restored shophouses with an interior courtyard. The red brick buildings with uniform, beautiful archways have several retail stores and are an excellent spot for taking Instagram photos.

There is a feeling of nostalgia in the restored heritage building. It almost feels like you’re back in Taiwan in the 1800s, where Dadaocheng was a thriving commercial hub. It is worth visiting!

Address: No. 362, Dihua St | Hours: 11am-9pm

5. Design and Architecture of Dihua Street

You cannot walk up and down Dihua Street and not notice the design and architecture of the old street. Many buildings are old, which gives off a retro-vintage vibe. Other buildings are new but made to look old.

Also, take a look at the floor and ceiling details. Everything is done meticulously and with purpose.

I love the look and feel of the old street, which is why I return to Dihua Old Street every time I’m in Taipei.

Address: Dihua St | Hours: 24 hours

Things to buy on Dihua Street

As the main commercial centre in Taipei, there are plenty of things you can buy on Dihua Street. From Chinese medicine, Taiwanese tea, and dried food to modern cultural products and nostalgic necessities you can only find in Taiwan.

The street is especially popular during the Lunar New Year. Locals buy traditional New Year’s food, snacks and other ingredients right before the New Year.

Below are some of my favourite places to shop on Dihua Street, and each shop is pinned with a green numbered pin on the interactive map.

1. Manoirs

Starting at the south end of Dihua Street, many shops and cafes line the west side of the street. The one that really caught my eye was Manoirs, a fabric store that sells many Taiwanese-print fabrics.

The store also sells products featuring typical Taiwanese prints, such as aprons, cheongsam (traditional Chinese dress), and more.

They also sell other fabric prints and Chinese desserts. That is a weird combo, but the fabric on display is the retail space’s highlight.

Address: No. 8, Dihua St | Hours: 10:30am-6:30pm

2. Yongle Market

There are many things to see and eat at Yongle Market.

On the first floor, there are many food options, including fresh produce, prepared food and Japanese food stalls. More on that later.

At the height of Taiwan’s textile industry, Yongle Market was the largest fabric distributor, with over 1,000 fabric stores. Many of these fabric stores are on the market’s second floor, where vendors sell fabric and their own creative products.

Address: No. 21, Dihua St | Hours: 10am-6pm (closed Sundays)

3. ArtYard 67

ArtYard 67 is a pottery store in a heritage house, and it has a collection of teapots, dishes, cups, and other ceramic goods.

The one-of-a-kind ceramic store is great for picking up unique souvenirs while supporting local artists and businesses. There is also a wonderful teahouse on the second floor, which I will explain in the next section.

Address: No. 67, Dihua St | Hours: 10am-7pm

4. Huang Yu Sheng

Huang Yu Sheng is a Chinese pharmacy selling medicinal products and dried goods. But out of all the medicinal stores on Dihua Street, I like this one the most for its tea selection.

They sell many types of individually packaged tea where you can pick and choose different flavours. This is the perfect souvenir to bring home, as Dadaocheng is the best place to buy dried goods and tea.

Address: No. 93, Dihua St | Hours: 9am-5pm Mondays, Wednesday to Friday; 9am-6pm Saturday to Sunday

5. Gift Shop 梁山泊壹零捌｜台灣文創小百貨

There are many gift shops on Dihua Old Street, but the one I like the most is 梁山泊壹零捌｜台灣文創小百貨.

They sell many Taiwan-made products and excellent souvenirs, including bubble tea carrier bags and holders, Taiwanese-themed or printed items, and more.

Even if you are someone who doesn’t like shopping (i.e. me), there is so much to see. I think I spent over half an hour in this store alone.

Address: No. 108, Dihua St | Hours: 9:30am-7pm Monday to Thursday; 9:30am-7:30pm Friday to Sunday

6. Gao Jian Home Goods Store

I had the most fun looking through Gao Jian Home Goods Store. The mom-and-pop stores sell all kinds of nostalgic household items and kitchenware. From woven bags to baskets to anything made with bamboo, there is so much to see that most items are spilling out of the store!

What caught my eye was the display of shopping bags. The store has a big selection of retro Taiwanese-style shopping bags. I love the vintage feeling of these bags. And they are very affordable too.

Address: No. 204, Dihua St | Hours: 9am-6:30pm

7. General Store 山水行

山水行 is one of many general stores on Dihua Street. The area is known for selling medicinal herbs, so it’s an ideal place to pick up dried goods.

I don’t know much about traditional Chinese medicine, but I did find something I like: seedless dried plum. I always look for these in Taiwan, Malaysia and Singapore. The Chinese grandma in me loves this! Ha!

Even if you are not into alternative medicine, these medicinal stores are really interesting. Peek in and see what kinds of things people use to cure different types of illnesses.

Address: No. 208, Dihua St | Hours: 9am-6pm; closed Sundays

8. inBloom

inBloom sells many handmade, one-of-a-kind products, such as reusable shopping bags, water bottle holders, and more. Plus, all the products promote sustainability, which aligns with their motto: “develop an eco-conscious lifestyle inBloom’s printed fabric“.

Moreover, inBloom hosts many arts-and-crafts workshops at its stores. If you understand Mandarin, you can attend one of the creative workshops.

Address: No. 248, Dihua St | Hours: 10am-6pm

9. Fly by Knight Concept Store 夜奔文創旗艦店 

Fly by Knight Concept Store 夜奔文創旗艦店 is a martial arts and apparel store. Not only does the store sell a unique collection of clothing inspired by traditional Chinese garments, but it is also a place where you can take martial arts lessons. So cool!

This has to be one of the most unique stores on Dadaocheng Old Street. It even has abundant curb appeal.

Address: No. 237, Dihua St | Hours: 11am-6:30pm 

10. Yongxing Farm Tools Factory

Yongxing Farm Tools Factory sells products made of wood, bamboo, or iron. In this millwork shop, you can find wooden plates and utensils, cast iron pans, iron kettles, bamboo steamers, cleavers, and so much more.

I’m mostly impressed by how neatly everything is displayed in this 80+-year-old store. All the merchandise is skillfully displayed in the rustic interior. Plus, the prices are quite good too.

Address: No. 288, Dihua St | Hours: 8:30am-6pm

11. Lao Mian Cheng Lantern Shop

At the north end of Dihua Old Street, there is a small shop selling handmade lanterns called Lao Mian Cheng Lantern Shop. They sell paper and fabric lanterns in various sizes and shapes, as well as other knick-knacks.

Even if you don’t buy anything, look at the lanterns, especially at the storefront. I really love how the colourful lanterns add to traditional architecture.

Address: No. 298, Dihua St | Hours: 9:30am-7:30pm

Dihua Street Food: What to eat on Dihua Old Street

Many local restaurants, food stalls, cafes, teahouses and coffee shops line both sides of Dihua Street. If you want to try traditional Taiwanese food, you are in the right place! And there are many places to drink coffee, tea and alcoholic beverages. See my suggestions below and the red numbered pins on the interactive map for more info.

1. Mikkeller Bar Taipei

Mikkeller Bar Taipei is a small bar with Scandinavian-inspired interiors in a historical building.

The bar has many draft beers on tap, including beers shipped from Mikkeller in Europe and local Taiwanese breweries. And what is special about the bar is that they also serve cold brew Taiwanese tea on tap. How cool!

And the bar serves some Taiwanese snacks, including gua bao (steamed bun with pork), braised foods and Taiwanese popcorn chicken.

Address: No. 241, Nanjing W Rd | Hours: 4pm-12am Tuesday to Thursday; 4pm-1am Fridays & Saturdays; 2pm-10pm Sundays

2. Dadaochen Bubble Tea Shop

Dadaochen Bubble Tea Shop has many classic bubble tea flavours and different seasonal drinks, and if you like cheese in your bubble tea, you must try one from Dadaochen.

Moreover, they sell handmade sugar cakes in front of the bubble tea shop. I’ve seen the cart on the weekends, and they sell out quickly.

Address: No. 20, Dihua St | Hours: 11am-6:30pm Monday to Friday; 11am-7pm Saturdays & Sundays

3. Food vendors on Minle Street

Besides all the restaurants and cafes along Dihua Street, there are a few food vendors east of Dihua St on Minle Street and south of Yongle Market. These vendors serve several Taiwanese classic dishes.

民樂旗魚米粉 is a food stall that serves homemade swordfish and rice noodles, crispy red-braised pork, fried shrimp, and fried oysters. They have an English menu with photos.

Other vendors serve Taiwanese food like stinky tofu, milk tea and other local dishes.

They open at different times but generally open early and close early.

Address: No. 3, Minle St | Hours: 6am-1pm

4. Wanlong Raw Fish Shop

Wanlong Raw Fish Shop is a popular Japanese food stall known for quality and affordable prices. The small restaurant inside Yongle Market attracts many locals and tourists.

There is a NT$200 per person minimum, but you get unlimited miso soup. The board menu is in Chinese, but they have an English menu too. Just ask to see one.

And if the queue is too long, there are several other Japanese restaurants in Yongle Market as well.

Address: Floor 1 Yongle Market, No. 21, Dihua St | Hours: 9am-3pm; closed Mondays

5. Lin He Fa Oily Rice Shop

Inside Yongle Market is a popular food stall called Lin He Fa Oily Rice Shop. They are known for their fried sticky rice.

While you can get sticky rice on its own, most people get a combo rice box which includes a chicken thigh, tea egg, mushroom and fried sticky rice.

It doesn’t seem like there is a queue, but it is actually across the stall. The shop is only open for several hours in the morning and closes when all the rice boxes are sold. So go early if you want to try the sticky rice.

Address: Floor 1 Yongle Market, No. 21, Dihua St | Hours: 7:30am-12pm; closed Mondays

6. Luguo Cafe

Luguo Cafe is a cozy coffee shop with an eclectic vintage interior. And they brew specialty coffees and serve homemade desserts.

There are five coffee shops in Taiwan, but visit the one in Dadaocheng – I really like the interior! Plus, you can see Dihua Street from the second floor if you get a table by the window.

Address: 2nd floor, No. 1, Dihua St | Hours: 10:30am-6:30pm

7. South Street Delight Tea House

If you are keen to try tea at a traditional teahouse on Dihua Street, look for South Street Delight Tea House, which is just above ArtYard 67.

Once seated, they will bring samples of different Taiwanese and other teas to smell. Choose a tea based on the fragrance or from the description on the menu.

I tried Jinxuan Oolong and Taiwan Assam Black Tea from Sun Moon Lake. I like the Oolong tea a bit more because there is a hint of Osmanthus. The cookies, traditional sweets and dried fruits are included in the price.

Best of all, the teahouse interior is beautifully decorated with retro-vintage furniture. Try to get the table next to the window.

Address: 2nd floor, No. 67, Dihua St | Hours: 10am-6:20pm

8. Du Hsiao Yueh Taipei Dihua Branch

The first Du Hsiao Yueh restaurant opened in Tainan in 1895. I tried it a couple of years ago and knew I had to have their famous noodles again.

The Du Hsiao Yueh Taipei Dihua Branch has an interior similar to that in Tainan. Part of their kitchen is in the dining room, which is both functional and entertaining.

I ordered a few famous Tainan foods, including the signature Danzai noodles (minced meat and shrimp with yellow noodles) and braised pork with rice. The portions are small, so you can order a few things to try.

Address: No. 112, Dihua Str | Hours: 11:30am-8:30pm Monday to Friday; 11am-9:30pm Saturdays & Sundays

9. Lao-A-Bei

Lao-A-Bei is a causal restaurant and has been around since the 1960s. It is popular with locals, and there is always a long queue.

You must try the mixed thick soup with squid and fish balls, which they are known for. You can get the soup as is, with noodles or with rice.

They also have braised pork rice and other small dishes. The dishes are quite small, so you could order a thick soup and braised pork rice if you are hungry.

Order and pay at the counter; they will bring you your food. The menu is in Chinese and English.

Address: No. 226, Dihua St | Hours: 9am-5pm; closed Wednesdays

10. Summer Tree Sweet

Summer Tree Sweet is one of several Taiwanese dessert shops on Dihua Street selling delicious sweet douhua (tofu pudding) desserts.

Get a red bean with almond tofu (my favourite) or an almond tofu ice dessert. They are both refreshing – perfect for a hot summer day!

Address: No. 240, Dihua St | Hours: 10:30am-6:30pm

11. Almond tea street vendor

There is a street vendor selling almond tea (麵茶, translation: noodle tea) and other drinks on weekends. He moves up and down Dihua Street, so if you are lucky, you will run into him on Saturday or Sunday.

His famous drink is a mixture of almond, milk, and noodle tea powder. The powder mixture is put in a bowl, then cold or hot water is added. Stir the mixture into a doughy liquid and drink it with a spoon or straight from the bowl.

It tastes like a roasted tea but with a thick consistency. This is a pretty popular drink, and it only costs NT$50.

If you happen to see this vendor and try the signature tea, let me know in the comments if you like it.

Address: Dihua St | Hours: weekends only

12. Bar 魯蛋茶酒館

I have to include 魯蛋茶酒館 on this list because the bar is such a vibe.

The bar is set inside a restored shophouse. You can see traditional architecture and retro furniture throughout the space. The overall atmosphere is calm and relaxing.

It is an excellent spot to wind down after walking up Dihua Old Street. The menu has a good selection of tea, coffee, beer and cocktails, and you can order food too.

Address: No. 333, Dihua St | Hours: 6pm-12am Monday to Thursday; 10-12am Friday to Sunday 

Other things to do and eat in Dadaocheng Taiwan

1. Dadaocheng Pier Plaza

The Dadaocheng Pier Plaza has several food hawker stalls set up in shipping containers right by the Tamsui River. Locals and tourists love this spot – it is a popular hangout at night. On weekends, the area is even more crowded, especially when there’s live music.

But there’s not much to do during the day. On weekends, locals catch the ferry to Tamsui, a popular day trip destination from Taipei, to avoid the MRT crowd.

Check out the lively wharf if you are in Datong District in the evening. It is only a 5-minute walk from the south end of Dihua Street.

Address: Yanping Riverside Park, Datong District | Hours: 4pm-12am Monday to Friday; 12pm-12am Saturday to Sunday

2. Showa Ice Cream

Not far from Dihua Street is a very Instagrammable dessert shop called Showa Ice Cream.

From the outside, it looks like you are somewhere in Japan because of its vintage Japanese vibe. And inside, the shop has a nostalgic interior with retro furniture.

They are known for their shaved ice mountain and ice cream. If you can’t make it to this one, they also have another dessert shop in Da’an.

Address: No. 3, Anxi St, Datong District | Hours: 11:30am-6pm Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursday to Saturday; 11:30am-5:30pm Sundays

3. Dadaocheng Cisheng Temple

The original Dadaocheng Cischeng Temple was located near Dihua Street, but it was demolished to make way for urban streets. In 1910, the temple was rebuilt at its current location, using the original pillars and stones to preserve the old temple’s look and feel.

Many people visit the temple today because of its relaxing atmosphere and local Taiwanese food. If you haven’t eaten, there are plenty of food vendors next to the temple. It is quite nice to enjoy a meal al fresco style under the banyan trees.

Address: No. 17, Lane 49, Bao’an St, Datong District | Hours: 7am-6pm

Dadaocheng Old Street: Where to stay

You don’t have to stay on Dihua Street or in Dadaocheng as public transportation in Taipei is quite good. And there are plenty of excellent accommodations in Taipei for solo travellers all over the city.

But if you really want to stay near Dihua Street, check out OrigInn Space. The quaint little hotel is in a historic building at the south end of Dihua Street. From the entrance to the ground floor retail store to all the guest rooms, retro finishes and Scandinavian-inspired furnishings are used throughout the space. Check prices & reviews: Agoda and Booking

Dihua Old Street in Dadaocheng: What are you most excited to see?

I hope you enjoyed reading my post about my favourite street in Taipei. It has so much character and is definitely a highlight in Taipei. It doesn’t matter if you are not visiting during the Lunar New Year, because there is always something to see on Dihua Street and plenty to do.

And remember, these places are only a fraction of all the places in Dadaocheng. There is so much to see and discover!

Let me know in the comments which attractions, restaurants or stores you like on Dihua Street.

Ready to plan your trip to Taipei? Here are some of my go-to travel planning resources:
* Book your flight: find flight deals on Skyscanner 
* Book accommodation: find the best Taipei accommodations on Agoda or Booking
* Buy insurance: Safetywing is my go-to provider for travel insurance, as it covers many things. I will never travel without the Nomad Insurance Package because it protects me against unforeseen events. Get a quote today.
* Order a SIM card: order a SIM card in advance, collect it upon arrival, and set up your mobile phone before arriving at your destination. Or find out how and where to get a SIM Card in Taiwan.
* Join tours: check Klook or Get Your Guide for the best tours around Taipei.

Thank you for reading my Dadaocheng Taipei guide

I have many posts on Taiwan, and you might also like these other posts on solo travel in Taiwan:

Introduction to Taiwan

• Things to know before visiting Taiwan 
• How and where to buy a Taiwan prepaid SIM card
• How to spend 3 weeks in Taiwan 
• 22 must-eat food in Taiwan 
• Top 10 must-try Taiwan 7-11 Food

Northern Taiwan posts

• Things to do alone in Taipei Taiwan
• Where to stay in Taipei for solo travellers
• 9 Places to eat breakfast in Taipei 
• Top food to try in Ximending in Taipei 
• Best day trips from Taipei
• A complete beginner’s guide to Beitou Hot Spring
• How to travel from Taipei to Jiufen 
• Bitoujiao Trail: short and easy hike from Taipei or Yilan

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queenie mak

Hi, my name is Queenie, and I’ve been a solo traveller for 20+ years and currently based in Hong Kong. Follow me on my adventures through Instagram and my blog!