About Dihua Street
Dihua Street is one of the oldest and most culturally significant streets in Taipei, Taiwan. Located in the Dadaocheng District, Dihua Street is a historic area that reflects the rich history and heritage of the city. It was once a bustling commercial hub during the Qing Dynasty, particularly known for its role in the tea, herb, and silk trade. Over time, Dihua Street has transformed into a vibrant cultural destination that blends traditional Taiwanese craftsmanship with modern art, making it a must-visit location for both locals and tourists.
The street stretches for around 500 meters and is lined with traditional Taiwanese architecture, including two-story shop houses with beautiful wooden facades, carved windows, and arched doorways. Many of these buildings have been preserved or renovated to maintain their historic charm while also accommodating modern businesses.
Dihua Street is famous for its traditional Chinese medicine shops, herb stores, tea houses, and silk stores, where visitors can explore the old-world atmosphere of these specialty shops. The street is especially vibrant during the Lunar New Year period, when the area becomes a bustling marketplace filled with decorations, traditional foods, and festive activities.
The street is also home to art galleries, local boutiques, and handicraft shops, offering a range of products from traditional Chinese crafts to contemporary art. This blend of old and new gives Dihua Street a unique charm, making it a great place to explore Taiwan’s history, culture, and modern creativity.
Overall, Dihua Street is a perfect place to experience a mix of history, culture, and modern Taiwan. Whether you’re shopping for local goods, sampling traditional foods, or simply admiring the architecture, Dihua Street offers a deep dive into the heritage of Taipei.
Best Things to Do in
Dihua Street in Taipei is a bustling cultural and historical hotspot that offers a mix of traditional shops, modern art, local delicacies, and beautiful architecture. If you’re planning a visit to Dihua Street, here are the best things to do in this vibrant neighborhood:
Explore the Traditional Shops
Dihua Street is known for its traditional stores, which have been operating for generations. Many of these shops specialize in Chinese herbs, medicinal ingredients, dried goods, teas, and silk products. You can explore these shops and learn about traditional Taiwanese medicine, tea culture, and local products.
Herb shops and Chinese medicine stores offer a fascinating glimpse into Taiwan’s traditional health practices. You can even purchase herbal remedies or teas to take home.
Admire the Architecture
The street is lined with well-preserved colonial-era buildings, which showcase a mix of Western and traditional Taiwanese architectural styles. Take some time to wander around and appreciate the carved wooden facades, arched doorways, and old shop houses. Many of these buildings date back to the Qing Dynasty, adding to the area’s historical charm.
Explore the Local Markets
Dihua Street is a favorite spot for locals to do their shopping, especially during the Lunar New Year period. The street becomes a lively marketplace filled with colorful decorations, flowers, traditional foods, and New Year’s goods. It’s a great place to experience the festive atmosphere and shop for unique items, including traditional candies, incense, and paper decorations.
Shop for Local Crafts and Souvenirs
Dihua Street is a great place to buy handmade crafts and souvenirs. Many boutiques and craft shops sell traditional Taiwanese goods, such as hand-painted ceramics, wooden carvings, and embroidered textiles. These items make for perfect souvenirs or gifts. You’ll also find a number of modern art galleries offering contemporary pieces.
Relax at the Cafes and Tea Shops
Dihua Street also features several cozy cafes and teahouses where you can take a break and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee. Many of these places are beautifully decorated with vintage furniture and offer a serene atmosphere perfect for unwinding. Some even serve traditional Taiwanese snacks alongside your drink.
Visit the Taipei City God Temple
Just off Dihua Street is the Taipei City God Temple (台北城隍廟), which is one of the oldest temples in Taipei. The temple is dedicated to the City God, a deity believed to protect the city. The temple is beautifully decorated, and you can observe local religious practices. It’s a peaceful spot amidst the hustle and bustle of Dihua Street.
Two weeks before the Lunar New Year
If you’re visiting during the Lunar New Year, Dihua Street is at its most vibrant. The street becomes an elaborate New Year’s market where vendors sell festive decorations, snacks, flowers, and gifts. You can also find traditional New Year’s foods, including dried fruits and candies to bring good luck in the coming year.
Two weeks before the Lunar New Year, Dihua Street are decorated with lanterns and becomes a shopping area for Lunar New Year’s goods. Every year before the Lunar New Year, crowds of people go to buy New Year goods and you can smell the strong New Year atmosphere. There will be crowds of people shopping, and many parents bring their children to buy New Year gifts, agricultural products, delicious snacks, etc.
Opening Hours
Price
Cost: Free Entrance
The Best Time to Visit
There are not many tourists in Dihua Street at night. Most shops close at 6pm. You can take a walk to Dihua Street at 4pm and then walk to Dadaocheng Pier Plaza at 5:30pm to watch the sunset and eat delicious food.
How to get to?
From: MRT(G13 Beimen Exit 3) → walk 450 meters
Google Map: Dihua Street
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