One of the most atmospheric streets in Taipei, Dihua Street's long row of former merchants' mansions has been restored and is now peppered with cafes, restaurants, art studios and antique shops. Thankfully, the gentrification has not been total – fancy ceramic shops sit next to family businesses trading dried mushrooms and agricultural produce. Dihua Street was also the location that lit the spark for the 2-28 Incident.
Take the time to look upwards at the arched windows and wide arcades. The architecture along Díhuà Jiē dates back to the 1850s. After Taiwan's ports were opened following the Second Opium War (1856–60), western tea merchants flooded into the area and built handsome mansions and trading stores. Later, during the Japanese era, baroque and modernist architectural and decorative touches were added to many shops, making Dihua Taipei's most historically diverse street.
The first house/shop on the street is at 156 Dihua St, Sec 1. Notice its low profile and narrow arcades. Further up the street, near Mingquan W Rd, are typical shops from the late 19th century with arched windows and wide arcades. Closer to Yongle Market are the western-style merchant houses and shops renovated during Japanese times. Some of the stores allow you to browse the full width of their premises, which normally extend right through to the next street and often include a lovely open courtyard.
At the southern end of the street, you'll smell the astringent odor of medicinal herbs and become assaulted by wafts of dried fish. Further north, these earthier scents are replaced by the sweeter smells of coffee and dessert. There are also several excellent options for special souvenirs. Lao Mian Cheng Lantern Shop has been selling handmade lamps embroidered with painted dragons and flowers since 1915. Art Yard 67 offers delicate ceramics, while inBloom Together uses bold and bright prints on cotton canvas to make bags, purses and laptop cases.
It’s easy to spend a whole afternoon soaking up the historical atmosphere. Come evening, Pier 5 is a perfect spot to have dinner and enjoy the sunset. If you're here before the Lunar New Year (around late January/early February), Dihua holds a famous fair that gets completely jammed.
Directions to Dihua
Dihua Street stretches between two MRT stations. If you want to go north to south, start from Daqiaotou Station on the orange line. Alternatively, if going the other way, head out from Beimen Station on the green line. Both stations are a five- to ten-minute walk from the street itself. You can also get there from the riverside if you’re cycling, via the gate at Dadaocheng. There’s a large YouBike station outside Yongle Market.