Kuang Chin Sheng Paper Umbrella
Southern Taiwan
This shop in a courtyard house is the Louis Vuitton of Taiwanese oil-paper umbrellas. It was founded during Japanese rule and appeared on the cover of an…
Must-see shopping in Southern Taiwan
Tainan
An airy bookshop-cafe with large windows framing the sky, trees and canal outside. The books are mostly in Chinese, and lean towards the arts and…
Tainan
The elegant Hayashi Department Store sells attractive homewares and fashion created by Taiwanese designers, as well as gorgeously packaged Taiwanese cakes…
Kaohsiung
A delightful bookshop strong in the arts and humanities. Most books are in Mandarin, but there are photography titles in English as well as CDs of music…
Kaohsiung
Who says pens and erasers are obsolete? All the kinds of stationery that a kid has ever dreamed of owning – you'll find them here, including retro items…
Tainan
This family-run incense business started 120 years ago in the Qing dynasty. Today the fragrant sticks and cones are still handmade from all-natural…
Kaohsiung
A small fabric-art boutique selling lovely bags, garments and souvenir items printed with images native to Taiwan; in particular, the island's flora and…
Kaohsiung
A funky vintage shop selling interesting pre-1990s garments, watches and earrings from all over the globe. What we also love is the colourful glass art by…
Kaohsiung
A deliciously musty shop chock-full of vintage toys, beaded handbags, used books and other exotic paraphernalia. There's usually a small exhibition on the…
Tainan Kuang Tsai Embroidery Shop
Tainan
Mr Lin, one of the last remaining embroidery masters in Tainan, has been working at his craft for more than 50 years and now he and his daughter have…
Pingtung County
A small studio operated by Paiwan artist Cho Jinhua (周錦花) from her home. Cho paints, engraves and decorates leather with glass beads and embroidery and…
Kaohsiung
You'd think you've stumbled into a bar or a mysterious Buddhist cave, but no, this is a bookshop. Save for dots of light on individual tomes, this quirky…
Kaohsiung
Kaohsiung's largest grocery wholesale market, the southern equivalent of Taipei's Dihua St, is here in Sanmin District, near Kaohsiung Main Station. The…
Kaohsiung
This old shop makes unbleached winter-melon sugar (冬瓜糖, dōngguā táng) and snacks. The sugar can be consumed as sweets, added to tea, or melted in hot…
Tainan
Not 'just' a roadside stall, this one is run by the gregarious armchair historian Maru Yang. Mr Yang likes to share recommendations with travellers, some…
Shatao Dance & Glass Art Studio
Pingtung County
A glass-and-dance studio run by a Paiwan dancer. There's an adjoining shop where you can purchase accessories made with Paiwan glass beads. You can also…
Southern Taiwan
A large compound with a tile-making factory, a cafe, and a shop selling ceramic sculptures, tableware, crockery and vases for NT$50 to NT$2 million. Some…
Pingtung County
You'll find a nicely curated selection of ethnic garments, accessories and home products from Taiwan and Asia at this shop run by an indigenous Taiwanese…
Kaohsiung
An organic farmers market that takes place every weekend (and sometimes one weekday) in five venues across Kaohsiung. Produce on offer includes fruits and…
Tainan
All kinds of fragrant sugar-cane smoked and braised deliciousness, such as tofu and eggs for immediate consumption, or hock and an entire chicken, vacuum…
Guan De Xin Paper Umbrella Shop
Southern Taiwan
If you are looking to buy a paper umbrella, this is a cheaper option than the famous Kuang Chin Sheng. A brolly here costs between NT$400 and NT$1800.
Tainan
Chin Chin comprises a pottery workshop on the upper floor, a small gallery showing the works of overseas artists, and a shop with a brief display of…
Kaohsiung
The Pier-2 branch of Taiwan's famous book-and-lifestyle store tends to focus on leisure reading with something for everyone in the family. You can also…
Southern Taiwan
This little family-run shop opened in the 1930s making traditional Hakka-style indigo clothing and accessories. A loose-fitting shirt costs NT$3000.
Southern Taiwan
This artificial re-creation of an old-fashioned neighbourhood is definitely touristy, but you can still watch traditional crafts being made, sample Hakka…
