【台北 迪化街】 Dihua Street in Taipei
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Located in Dadaocheng, Dihua Street is one of the oldest streets in Taipei — and easily one of the most atmospheric.
Walking through here feels like stepping into Taipei’s trading past. Red-brick buildings, dried herbal shops, and family-run businesses that have been around for generations.
Dihua Street is known for its traditional medicine shops, tea merchants, fabric stores, and local street snacks — but over time, it’s also evolved. You’ll now find stylish cafés, quirky gift shops, and low-key Taiwanese clothing brands tucked between historic storefronts, blending old and new in a way that just works.
And the best part? It’s just a short walk to Dadaocheng Wharf, making it the perfect place to end your visit with a sunset by the river.
Related: Taipei
about Dihua Street
Constructed in the 1850s during the Qing Dynasty, Dihua Street quickly became one of Taipei’s most important commercial hubs. Originally known as “Centre Street” (中街), the area was largely developed by merchants from Quanzhou, China.
Throughout the late 19th century, Dihua Street thrived as a trading center for Taiwanese goods — especially tea, Chinese medicinal herbs, fabrics, incense, and dried products. Its location in Dadaocheng made it a key port trading area, connecting Taipei to global markets.
In 1947, the street was officially renamed “Dihua” by the Republic of China government, referencing a city in Xinjiang (modern-day Urumqi).
While parts of the area date back even earlier, the street as we know it today began taking shape in the mid-1800s. Over time, its architecture evolved — from traditional Fujian-style one-story buildings to more elaborate Baroque-style shop houses influenced by Western design during the Japanese colonial period.
Today, many of these buildings have been carefully preserved, giving Dihua Street its distinct blend of Qing-era, colonial, and modern influences.
💡 Did you know?
In the weeks leading up to Lunar New Year, Dihua Street turns into one of Taipei’s busiest markets. Locals come here to stock up on snacks, dried goods, and festive decor — and the entire street becomes packed with energy, food, and tradition.
getting there
MRT
Dihua Street is located in the historic Dadaocheng area of Taipei and is easily accessible by MRT.
Here are some nearby stations:
Beimen MRT Station (Green Line) — around a 10-minute walk
Daqiaotou MRT Station (Orange Line) — around an 8 – 10 minute walk
Shuanglian MRT Station (Red Line) — around a 12-minute walk
Uber/Rideshare
From central Taipei, it’s about a 10 – 15 minute ride depending on where you’re coming from.
highlights you can't miss
LOOP IN NEON Cafe
If you love coffee, make this your first stop before heading into Dihua Street.
The space is so well-designed — sculptural lighting, terrazzo floors, and a super creative layout. You can tell they really care about both the coffee and the experience. The staff speaks great English, so it’s an easy stop even if you don’t speak Chinese!
🏮 Xiahai City God Temple 霞海城隍廟
One of the most famous temples in Taipei, known for love and relationship blessings. It’s small but always super packed with people praying — definitely worth a quick stop while exploring the area.
🥮 Snack on traditional Taiwanese snacks
As you walk through Dihua Street, don’t miss out on the street snacks — it’s honestly part of the experience. These shops are usually cash-only, so make sure to bring some cash with you!
Look out for Taiwanese Egg Cakes (雞蛋糕), soft, fluffy mini cakes that are slightly crispy on the outside. You’ll usually see them shaped in cute molds and made fresh on the spot. Grilled Dango Skewers (丸彈糰子), chewy rice balls often brushed with a sweet soy glaze. Super simple, but really satisfying as a quick bite on the go.
Dihua Street Ten Buildings 十連棟
A row of beautifully preserved red-brick buildings that showcase the beautiful architectural charm of old Taipei. This is where you’ll really feel the blend of Qing-era roots and Japanese colonial design.
Shop unique Taiwanese brands
Beyond the traditional shops, Dihua Street is quietly home to some really cool Taiwanese designers. Look out for brands like Professor.E (which they have the same shop open in NYC as well!), Secret Service, and other small boutique shops you might find. 👀
Dadaocheng Wharf 大稻埕碼頭廣場
End your visit here.
It’s just a short walk from Dihua Street, and the vibe completely shifts after the sun starts setting — open space, river views, and one of the best sunset spots in Taipei. Grab a drink or snack and just chill for a bit before heading off to your next stop.
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know before you go!
🎟️ ADMISSION | Free to visit
☀️ BEST TIME TO GO | Late afternoon into sunset — you can explore the street first, then walk over to Dadaocheng Wharf to catch the sunset along the river
💳 PAYMENT | Cash is best for smaller vendors and traditional shops. Some cafés and boutique shops accept credit cards.
🌟 PERFECT FOR | Foodies. Culture lovers. Casual shoppers. Families. Friends.
💰 PRICING | $$ (budget-friendly unless you go wild on snacks + shopping lol)
⏱️ DURATION | 1–3 hours depending on how much you explore (and snack 👀)
👟 WHAT TO WEAR | Comfortable shoes — you’ll be doing a lot of walking
🎒 WHAT TO BRING | Cash, reusable bag (you will end up buying snacks or clothes), water, and a camera/phone for photos
♿ ACCESSIBILITY | Mostly flat and walkable, but some older shops may have steps or narrow entrances
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Taiwan Travel Blog: Dihua Street and Dadaocheng
Wikipedia: Dihua Street
visit info
check out my Taiwan travel vlog!
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Wandering through Dihua Street feels like stepping into Taipei’s past — with historic shop houses, traditional medicine stores, street snacks, and hidden cafés all in one place.