Summer trips don’t have to mean heat and sweat—choose the right way to explore, and you can stay cool and have fun!
Located in Taipei’s Songshan District, ILLUME TAIPEI is a transport hub near two MRT stations and major bus lines—making it easy to reach hot spots like Taipei Main Station, East District, and Da’an Forest Park.
Start your journey from ILLUME TAIPEI and hop on the MRT Green Line—enjoy air-conditioned comfort as you visit three vibrant stops in one day: Zhongshan, Ximen, and Gongguan. Perfect for a breezy summer escape!
Table of Contents
Zhongshan Station｜Stylish Exhibits × Bookish Escapes × Local Design
The Zhongshan Underground Book Street spans over 270 meters—the longest in Taiwan—and is dubbed Taipei’s coolest reading nook. Don’t miss the must-visit eslite R79 for all book lovers.
Don’t forget to grab a CREMIA ice cream—rich Hokkaido cream in a crispy langue de chat cone. Silky, flavorful, and perfect for a mid-walk treat.
Chifeng Street and the Zhongshan shopping area are a haven for design lovers. Visit expo SELECT for curated local brands that celebrate Taiwanese lifestyle aesthetics.
Don’t miss SPOT Huashan—a charming indie cinema and cultural hub converted from an old U.S. military dorm. Its serene courtyard is a hidden gem in the heart of the city.
Bonus tip: Check out the 2025 summer outdoor exhibition “X-Site –The Pore Landscape Project” at TFAM.
Featuring immersive breathing installations, it’s one of the most buzzed-about green exhibits in Taipei.
Photo Credit: ShoppingDesign
Photo Credit: Beauty 美人圈
Photo Credit: 誠品生活文創平台
Photo Credit: 文化幣
Photo Credit: TFAM Museum
Ximen Station｜Heritage × Creative Finds × Buzzing Nightlife
By day, visit the iconic century-old red brick landmark “The Red House,” home to cultural exhibitions, curated shops, and a performance theater. It’s a perfect place for photos, browsing, and boutique shopping.
Craving something classic? Head to Lao Shandong Homemade Noodles in the Wannian Building basement. Established in 1949, this spot is famed for its hand-cut noodles and herbal broth, and it’s Bib Gourmand recognized.
After dark, the area behind The Red House transforms into an open-air bar scene. “Riverside Live House” lights up the night with jazz, folk, and experimental music—creating a haven for artists and listeners alike. A beer and good company—this is Ximen nightlife at its best.
Photo Credit: 西門紅樓Instagram
Photo Credit: 大手牽小手玩樂趣
Photo Credit: 生活多寶格
Gongguan Station｜Student Vibes × Old House Art × Budget-Friendly Eats
Start by visiting Treasure Hill Artist Village. Hidden within winding alleys are art studios, cafes, and historic buildings—perfect for photography lovers and old-building enthusiasts alike. It's also a great place to soak in the creative vibe of old Taipei.
Then head along Shuiyuan Road to Shuiyuan Market. From cold noodles and iced black tea to popular lunch boxes and international snacks, there's something for everyone at budget-friendly prices. A local favorite for good reason.
As evening falls, the bustling Gongguan Night Market comes alive. Savor Taiwanese street snacks like salt and pepper chicken, tempura, and frog’s egg drink to wrap up your day deliciously.
Photo Credit: 禪天下
Photo Credit: 阿醜的吃喝玩樂
Photo Credit: 台灣美食悠遊網
Back to ILLUME TAIPEI: Your Coolest Summer Base
After a day of adventure, return to ILLUME and continue your refreshing experience – relax at the 5th-floor rooftop pool, cool off with a summer-only shaved ice at Sunny Buffet, and enjoy the convenience of self-service laundry and purified water stations on every floor. Stay fresh, inside and out.
Planning a summer trip with easy transit, exciting sights, and a comfortable stay? ILLUME TAIPEI is your ideal starting and ending point – we know what travelers need.
🎁 Follow ILLUME TAIPEI on Facebook / Instagram and comment your top MRT stop to visit – for a chance to win an iPass card set! Stay cool and explore Taipei with ease!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
It’s just a 5-minute walk to Taipei Arena MRT Station, making transfers along the Green Line very convenient.
Most stalls are open until around 11:00 PM. For the best atmosphere, go after 6:00 PM.
Absolutely! The bar area behind Red House and Riverside Live House offer a relaxed vibe perfect for solo travelers.
ILLUME TAIPEI offers self-service laundry and dryers—great for long stays or active travelers.
We recommend exploring the “Xinzhongshan” Green Corridor, featuring art installations, street performances, and creative shops. A rare walking route in Taipei that blends lifestyle and design—great in any weather.
Try Taipei Underground Mall (Taipei Main Station), Songshan Cultural and Creative Park (via Nanjing Sanmin), or the Land Bank Exhibition Hall of National Taiwan Museum (10-min walk from Ximen). These are perfect for rainy days with cultural and sightseeing appeal.
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