Wannian Building

Ximending (西門町) is hailed as the “Harajuku (原宿) of Taipei” and does not disappoint in delivering the same city energy. Established during the Japanese rule as a recreation district, this bustling shopping area for the younger generation was at its heyday in the 70’s and 80’s, where streets have changed over time. From neon lights to LCD screens, a few decades have elapsed since then. Buildings are going up and falling down here and there, but some of them are fated to be fixtures in town, for example, Wannian Commercial Building.

As the most popular commercial building in Ximending, Wannian Commercial Building was leading the trend of its day. When ice-skating was peaking in popularity, students often met each other at ice skating rinks after school. It was then when the ice skating rink inside Wannian Commercial Building became a highly raved hotspot for youngsters.

During the times when the Internet was still a novelty for many, Wannian Commercial Building, where a maze-like labyrinth of small stores were hawking imported goods, served as a window to the Western world. People had the chance to peek into the fashion trends outside Taiwan. For the generation of the day, Wannian Commercial Building was the place they called “fashion mecca,” and it never gets old. Until today, there are still plenty of shops selling fashionable clothing, anime and manga merchandise that attract a significant number of (especially young) customers.

Despite the fact that Wannian Commercial Building is known for being trendy, down in the underground market are hidden some of the oldest restaurants in town. Let this district covered in glitzy lights surprise you by filling your stomach with the never-disappointing traditional cuisine of Taiwan.