How to Explore Taipei’s Xinyi Shopping District: A Local’s Guide to Malls, Food, and Fun (信義商圈)

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Every summer when I’m back in Taipei, I make a point to stop by Xinyi Shopping District to see what’s new. The area is constantly changing, so there are always new stores to visit and new restaurants to try each time I’m there.

Shopping malls, restaurants, and cafés are densely packed into a relatively small area. But without a plan, it’s not as simple as just walking around and seeing everything.

The challenge here isn’t finding something to do. It’s figuring out what’s actually worth your time.

In this guide, I’ll show you how to decide where to go and what to do in Xinyi.

Exploring Xinyi Shopping District In Taipei

How To Get To Xinyi Shopping District

The most convenient way to get to Xinyi is by MRT.

Depending on the MRT line you are taking, you will get off at either Taipei 101 Station (R03 of the Red Line) or City Hall Station (BL18 of the Blue Line).

Where you start matters, actually.

As you can see from the map below, Taipei 101 Station puts you right in the most famous building of Taiwan, while City Hall Station drops you into the busiest cluster of malls.

If your priority is to go inside Taipei 101 and head up to the observation deck, take the Red Line. If you want to explore multiple shopping malls, City Hall is usually the better starting point.

List of Malls & Department Stores

Here are the malls/department stores and their Google Maps links:

Taipei 101: Alex Honnold’s Free Solo Climb

If you are a fan of free solo climbing, you’ll appreciate this piece of info:

On January 25, 2026, renowned American professional rock climber Alex Honnold climbed Taipei 101 all the way to the top, free solo, without ropes. That’s 101 stories, 1,667 feet (508 meters)!

He started at the southeast corner of the building and climbed along the edge, continuing upward until he reached the top.

I watched the climb on Netflix, and honestly, my palms were sweating the entire time. It was incredibly tense!

If you want to see where the climb began, from MRT’s Exit 4, don’t enter the building. Instead, take the outdoor escalator up to street level, turn left, and walk along Xinyi Road Section 5 toward Songzhi Road. The corner you’re heading toward is where he started his ascent.

Then, walk across Xinyi Road, on the opposite side, you’ll see a cute little photo spot: Jimmy’s Moon Bus (幾米月亮公車, Google Maps).

This is actually a good place to stand and look back at Taipei 101. From here, you can clearly see the southeast edge of the building and trace the route he climbed.

The Best Walking Route

If you don’t have anything specific you want to shop for and just want to walk around and take in the atmosphere, this is the route I usually follow.

Depending on which MRT line you’re coming from, you can either start at Taipei City Hall Station (BL18) and walk toward Taipei 101, or do the route in reverse.

From Taipei City Hall Station (BL18):

Take Exit 3, and you’ll come out right by the entrance of Breeze Xinyi (微風信義). Bellavita, a European-inspired luxury mall, will be on your left, and Shin Kong Mitsukoshi A4 (新光三越信義新天地) will be on your right.

Within the same block, you’ll see the Uni-President Department Store (統一時代百貨) and Dream Plaza, the newest mall in the area that opened in the summer of 2025. Inside Dream Plaza, you’ll find the world’s largest Starbucks （Starbucks Reserve, Google Maps) and a 24-hour bookstore Books.com (博客來書店, Google Maps).

From there, you can either walk at street level or use the pedestrian bridge (Skyway System, 空橋系統). The Skyway connects all the major malls, so you can conveniently move between them without waiting at long traffic lights. It’s also a great way to stay dry on rainy days.

As you keep walking, you’ll reach Breeze Songgao (微風松高). This mall has some trendy shops, including the Muji Flagship Store (Google Maps). It’s worth checking out if you’re into minimalist fashion design and home goods.

The Shin Kong Mitsukoshi complex stretches across multiple buildings and blocks. You will see signs such as A4, A8, A9, and A11. They are all parts of the Shin Kong Mitsukoshi department store.

Along the way, you’ll pass Xiangti Avenue Plaza (香堤大道廣場), an open space with street performers, live music, and seasonal events.

Cross Songshou Road (松壽路) to get to ATT 4 Fun, known for its youthful and trendy vibe. From there, you’ll arrive at Breeze Nanshan (微風南山), which, in my opinion, has the best interior design of all.

Eventually, the Skyway leads you to Taipei 101 Mall, where you can browse world-class luxury brands, enjoy a meal at the food court or one of its many restaurants, and head up to the observation deck.

From Taipei 101 MRT Station (R03):

Use Exit 4 to enter Taipei 101. To reach other malls via the skyway, head to the 2nd floor.

Near the Zara, you’ll find the exit to the Skyway. Keep in mind that several Skyways are leading in different directions. The one you’ll be taking is called the Vieshow Cinema Skyway (威秀空橋, see photo below).

If you’re curious about what it’s like to walk on the Skyway, here’s a video that shows the walking route from Taipei 101 to Taipei City Hall Station.

How To Decide Which Malls To Visit?

There are too many malls in Xinyi to see everything in one trip. To help you plan your visit, I’ve grouped the main malls by the types of experiences you might be looking for.

Below is a quick summary to help you decide which mall to go to. You will find more details in the sections that follow.

  • If you only have 2 hours: Taipei 101 Mall and Breeze Nanshan
  • If you only want 1 mall: Taipei 101 Mall
  • For Luxury shopping: Taipei 101 Mall, Bellavita, Breeze Xinyi
  • For shopping for young kids: Shin Kong Mitsukoshi A8
  • Din Tai Fung’s 3 locations: Taipei 101 Mall, A4, A13
  • Best food courts: Taipei 101 Mall & Dream Plaza
  • High-end supermarkets: Mia C’Bon, City’Super Xinyi, The Beautiful Market
  • Japanese brands & lifestyle: Breeze Nanshan, Breeze Songgao
  • For Fast fashion: ATT 4 FUN, Uni-President Department Store, Breeze Songgao
  • For Teens & young adults: ATT 4 FUN, Dream Plaza
  • Grace’s recommendations for Taiwanese cuisines: Shin Yeh, Yonshi, Rice and Shine, and of course, Din Tai Fung

If You Want Luxury Shopping Experience

The Xinyi Shopping District is the go-to spot for luxury shopping in Taipei. If you’re after big designer names, these are the top two places to check out:

Bellavita

Bellavita stands out with its European-inspired architecture and refined atmosphere. Inside, you’ll find top designer brands like Hermès, Cartier, and Bvlgari, along with boutique stores featuring exclusive items.

Here is the floor guide.

Taipei 101 Mall

At Taipei 101 Mall, you’ll find many of the world’s most famous luxury brands. From Louis Vuitton and Chanel to Gucci and Hermès, every store feels elegant and polished. You’ll also see Cartier and Rolex if you’re interested in fine jewelry and watches.

You can see a full list of stores here.

If You Like To Check Out High-End Supermarkets

I don’t know about you, but one of my favorite things to do when visiting a new city is to check out its supermarkets. It’s a fun way to get a glimpse of how the locals live, what they eat, and what’s trending in their food culture.

The Xinyi Shopping District is home to some of Taipei’s most impressive high-end supermarkets. If you want to check out what a “luxury” supermarket is like in Taipei, here are a couple of my recommendations with their links to Google Maps:

If You Like Japanese Brands

Breeze Nanshan

If you like Japanese fashion or quirky lifestyle goods, you won’t want to miss Breeze Nanshan. This mall features many popular Japanese brands and shops offering unique items you won’t easily find elsewhere.

One of my favorite Japanese restaurants Xiaoqi Kitchen （Google Maps: 小器食堂) is also in this mall. It offers simple set meals and works well as a casual spot to meet friends.

Breeze Songgao

The MUJI Breeze Songgao Flagship Store is a two-floor haven for “Slow, Good Living.”

You’ll find stylish clothing and accessories on the first floor, and the second floor offers home goods, furniture, and a grocery market featuring Taiwan’s seasonal produce.

If You Want to Shop Fast Fashion

If you’re into fast-fashion brands, Xinyi has plenty of options all within walking distance. Here are some popular ones to check out:

  • Uniqlo – 2 locations, one in Uni-President Department Store, and one in ATT 4 FUN.
  • GU – Inside ATT 4 FUN
  • GAP – Inside Uni-President Department Store
  • ZARA – Inside Taipei 101 Mall
  • H&M – Inside Breeze SongGao
  • NET – This is a Taiwanese brand. It is Inside ATT 4 FUN

If You Are Visiting With Young Kids

If you’re bringing your little ones, here are the best fun places to take them.

Roof Top Playground At Shin Kong Mitsukoshi A8

It features a spacious outdoor area where kids can run, jump, and play while enjoying a close-up view of Taipei 101.

The playground is free to enter and has colorful, soft flooring perfect for children. It includes a sandpit, two slides, an interactive spinning game, and other fun equipment. There are also coin-operated animal-shaped rides and a mini train.

Children’s Department, Shin Kong Mitzukoshi A8

The 4th and 5th floors of A8 feature over 500 brands of children’s clothing, accessories, toys, and games all in one place. You’ll also find art classes, fun workshops, a family-friendly restaurant, and even a children’s barber shop.

If You Are Shopping For Teens & Young Adults

ATT 4 Fun (see it on Google Maps)is a hotspot for Taipei’s younger crowd, known for its trendy and vibrant atmosphere. It’s packed with shops offering stylish, youthful fashion and accessories that teens will love.

If you’re looking to shop for your teens, this is definitely the place to go. It also has a variety of entertainment options and eateries.

If You’re In The Mood For Taiwanese Cuisine

There are countless restaurant options in the area, and I have only tried very few of them!

But if you’re thinking about authentic Taiwanese cuisine, I’d like to recommend these 4 restaurants. They are my personal favorites:

Yongshin(永心鳳茶)

It is one of my favorite restaurants in Taipei, located on the third floor of Breeze Xinyi (see it on Google Maps). I love how they blend modern and retro vibes in their design, creating a cozy and stylish space.

Their menu features Taiwanese dishes, desserts, and a great selection of teas, including their signature cold-brew teas served in glass bottles.

Din Tai Fung(鼎泰豐 )

This world-famous restaurant needs no introduction. There are actually three branches in the Xinyi area. In addition to the well-known location inside Taipei 101, you can also visit the ones in Shin Kong Mitsukoshi A4 and Far Eastern A13.

Shin Yeh Taiwanese Cuisine(欣葉台菜):

If you are traveling in a larger group and would like to enjoy formal Taiwanese food in a more upscale setting, this is a great choice.

When my family gets together with relatives in Taipei, Shin Yeh Taiwanese Cuisine in A9（see it on Google Maps) is one of our go-to places. The atmosphere feels a little more upscale, making it great for gatherings or special occasions. The dishes are meant to be shared, so everyone can enjoy a variety of flavors.

Chun Shui Tang(春水堂)

Also located in A9 of Shin Kong Mitsukoshi, Chun Shui Tang is said to be the birthplace of boba tea. (View it on Google Maps)

The restaurant has a casual ambiance and serves classic Taiwanese small dishes. It’s an ideal place to experience Taiwan’s tea culture and savor traditional snacks in a comfortable setting.

If You Want To Eat At A Food Court

I often tell people visiting Taiwan, that if night markets aren’t their thing, they should head to a food court instead. Food courts are much cleaner and still offer plenty of dining options to choose from.

Taipei 101

You’ll find a food court in almost every mall or department store. But if you only have time to visit one food court in Taipei, make it the one at Taipei 101.

It’s huge and offers a wide variety of dining options to fit every taste. You’ll find everything from traditional Taiwanese dishes to Japanese, Korean, Western, and Southeast Asian cuisines.

Here is a list of options.

Final Thoughts

The Xinyi Shopping District holds a special place in my heart.

I used to live in the nearby neighborhood for several months just before/after I gave birth to my son. During that time, I had plenty of opportunities to explore the area, stroll through the streets, and visit the shopping malls, creating countless fond memories.

Even after we moved away, we’ve continued to visit often and have watched the district evolve over the years. It’s a place that feels deeply personal to me, and I’m excited to share it with you.

I hope this guide helps you plan your visit and experience the charm of Xinyi for yourself.

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