How To Spend An Afternoon In Zhongshan, Taipei (中山區）

Are you visiting Taipei and looking for great things to do in Zhongshan?

My parents live about a 10-minute walk from Zhongshan MRT Station, so this area naturally becomes my home base whenever I return to Taipei from the United States.

After years of exploring the shops and restaurants here, I’ve developed my own favorites.

In this post, I’m sharing all of them with you, along with some ideas to help you plan an afternoon itinerary in Zhongshan.

Who This Area Is Best For

This area works especially well if:

You want to experience a Taipei local’s neighborhood on foot
You enjoy cafés, unique small shops, and browsing at your own pace

It may not be the best choice if you’re looking for major landmarks or must-see attractions.

If you’re curious about Zhongshan vs. Ximending:

I personally prefer Zhongshan. Ximending is popular among foreign visitors, but it often feels crowded and a bit overwhelming. Zhongshan, on the other hand, has a more relaxed pace, with a mix of independent shops and cafés. It also has a younger, more vibrant energy.

Zhongshan At A Glance

When locals say, “Let’s hang out in Zhongshan,” they are most likely referring to the area around Zhongshan MRT Station.

This stretch runs from Zhongshan MRT Station (中山站, R11 or G14) north toward Shuanglian MRT Station (雙連站, R12), about 500 meters in a straight line.

Most of what people associate with Zhongshan happens along a linear park (Xinzhongshan, 心中山線型公園) and the side alleys, also known as Chifeng Street 赤峰街. Restaurants, dessert shops, and independent boutiques sit close together. The narrower lanes are where you’ll find the area’s charm and personality.

In addition, two major department stores, Eslite Spectrum 誠品生活 and Shin Kong Mitsukoshi Nanxi 新光三越南西店 are great options for rainy days, or for those who prefer being indoors.

How To Get To Zhongshan

Google Maps: MRT Zhongshan Station

The most convenient way to get there is by taking the MRT. Take either the Red Line or the Green Line to Zhongshan Station (R11 or G14).

If you are coming from Taipei Main Station (R10 or B12) and are in the mood for a short walk underground, look for the sign for “Zhongshan Metro Mall” (中山地下街).

It takes less than 10 minutes to walk along the underground street, and you can browse various shops along the way.

How To Spend An Afternoon In Zhongshan

Here is how I’d structure an afternoon in Zhongshan:

Start With Lunch

There are “literally” countless food options in the area, but if you don’t want to spend time deciding where to eat, here is my recommendation: Yonshin (永心鳳茶: Google Maps).

It is a casual sit-down Taiwanese restaurant located in Shin Kong Mitsukoshi department store （use MRT Exit 4).

They offer simple but well-curated set menus, and I’ve tried most of them without any misses. The menu is thoughtfully put together, highlighting Taiwanese specialties made with well-known local ingredients.

One great thing about having a set menu is that you’ll get a good range of local flavors without having to decide dish by dish. If you’re looking to try Taiwanese food beyond night markets and street snacks, Yonshin is a great place to do it.

Their tea and cakes are also worth trying, but I’d save some room, since you’ll have plenty more to eat in the afternoon.

Explore Chifeng Street (赤峰街)

After lunch, exit the department store and go to Xinzhongshan Linear Park心中山線型公園 (Google Maps). This part of Zhongshan is commonly referred to as Chifeng Street (赤峰街), although it includes more than just the main street itself.

If you only have time to explore one part of Zhongshan, this is where I would focus.

You’ll see many boutique shops and dessert spots along the linear park. Take your time to browse what catches your eye, and don’t forget to explore the alleys branching off the park, where you’ll discover even more unique shops tucked away.

If you visit on the weekend, you will also see various booths set up in the park, selling accessories, arts, and creative products…etc.

In general, the crowd here is on the younger side. While I’ve moved past the age and style many of these shops cater to, I still enjoy spending time here to see what’s trending and to take in the area’s vibrant energy.

For someone with a sweet tooth, the highlight for me is always the dessert shops! I’ve listed several of my favorite places:

Smile Froyo (Google Maps) -Frozen yogurt topped with your choice of fresh fruits and other toppings. Everything is beautifully presented, and it tastes as good as it looks. It’s a little pricey, but worth it for a treat. I took my son here once, and we both loved it.
Ron Museum 榕美術館 (Google Maps) – A lovely spot for traditional tofu dessert (豆花). The café’s exterior is beautifully designed, and I often see people posing for photos whenever I pass by. The inside is just as charming.
Yuciren 魚刺人(Google Maps) – If you like egg cakes (雞蛋糕), don’t walk past this one. They’re freshly made and hard to resist.
Sa Bai Tian 灑白甜 ( Google Maps) – My son’s favorite stop for mochi. We often grab some on our way home from the MRT station.

Visit Eslite Spectrum

After spending time exploring the small alleys, head indoors for a change of pace at Eslite Spectrum 誠品生活南西店 （Google Maps)

Eslite Spectrum 誠品生活 is one of my favorite places to bring visitors.

It is a well-known Taiwanese brand that started as a bookstore and gradually expanded into a department store concept. In addition to books, you’ll find a well-curated mix of brands across fashion, accessories, lifestyle goods, and stationery.

Many brands here incorporate Taiwanese elements into their products. You’ll find items made from local materials and designs inspired by Taiwan.

If you’re looking for a souvenir that feels more thoughtful than a typical gift shop find, this is a good place to browse.

The store spans 6 floors, including a food court on B1, so there’s plenty to explore. I’d set aside at least an hour, maybe more if you enjoy taking your time.

Take a Break at a Café

By this point, it’s a good time to sit down and rest. There are several options in the Eslite Spectrum building.

In addition to their food court on B1, if you’re searching for a café with a relaxing atmosphere and delicious food, this is one I keep coming back to: Shi Xi 食習 on the 4th floor.

They serve Taiwanese-style snacks and desserts such as grass jelly (仙草) and egg cakes (雞蛋糕). Below are a couple of photos of desserts I’ve enjoyed with my friends here.

Final Thoughts

Zhongshan is not a place you visit for a specific landmark. It’s a place you come to spend time and take in Taipei’s vibrant energy.

Everything sits within a short stretch, so you don’t need to rush or move around too much. Start with a proper meal, walk through the streets, stop when something looks interesting, and take a break when you need one.

I hope this post is helpful to you!