Taipei Old Town Itinerary: 5 Must-Visit Historic Spots Near Ximending

If you'd like to experience the authentic charm of old Taipei, Chengzhong Market is the perfect place to begin your journey. Divided by Wuchang Street, the market offers two distinct sides to explore. Along Lane 46, Section 1, Chongqing South Road, you'll find a variety of local food stalls serving customers from morning until night. Meanwhile, Lane 22, Section 1, Wuchang Street is lined with affordable clothing shops, shoe vendors, and stores selling everyday household goods, making it a favorite destination for locals.

 When Is the Best Time to Visit Chengzhong Market?

Many of the market's vendors open early in the day. To avoid the lunchtime rush from nearby office workers, visiting in the morning is recommended. After exploring the market, you can continue on to the rest of this Taipei Old Town walking route at a leisurely pace.

Must-Try Local Eats at Chengzhong Market

• Lao Pai Beef Noodle King: Serving customers for more than 70 years, this beloved eatery is known for its hand-pulled noodles and rich, flavorful broth. It remains a nostalgic favorite among many Taipei residents.
• W Squid Thick Soup: Tucked away in a narrow alley, this popular local food stall often attracts long lines. Its signature combination of squid and pork thick soup has earned a loyal following among food lovers.
• Douhua Bo: A traditional tofu pudding shop that has been passed down through generations. Whether enjoyed hot in winter or chilled in summer, it continues to attract regular customers year-round.
• Market Bento Stalls: Known for generous portions and a wide selection of side dishes, these affordable lunch boxes are especially popular among nearby office workers and students.

Visitor Information

Address: No. 51-2, Lane 22, Section 1, Wuchang Street, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City｜Google Map
Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 12:00 AM (Midnight)

Just a short walk from the bustling market stands the Taiwan Provincial City God Temple, one of the most important religious landmarks in Taipei's historic old town. Dedicated to the City God, the temple has long been regarded as a guardian of the local community and has witnessed the city's transformation over the decades. Step inside to admire the intricate wood carvings, colorful decorative artwork, and traditional temple architecture. Even if you are not accustomed to temple worship, it is well worth taking a moment to slow down and appreciate the peaceful atmosphere.

Which Deities Are Worshipped at Taiwan Provincial City God Temple?

In addition to the City God, the temple enshrines several other revered deities, including the City God's Consort, Wenchang Dijun (the God of Literature), Fude Zhengshen (the Earth God), and Guanyin Bodhisattva. Many visitors come to pray for peace, good fortune, and prosperity, while students and professionals often seek blessings from Wenchang Dijun for academic success, examinations, and career development. Together, these deities make the temple an important spiritual destination for many local residents.

How to Visit and Pay Respects at the Temple

First-time visitors need not worry about temple etiquette. Traditionally, worshippers begin by offering incense at the Heavenly God incense burner before paying respects to the City God in the main hall and then proceeding to the other shrines. Clear signage throughout the temple explains the recommended order of worship, and multilingual information is available in Chinese, English, Japanese, and Korean, making the temple accessible to both local and international visitors. Even if you choose not to participate in the rituals, simply exploring the architecture and experiencing the tranquil surroundings can be a rewarding part of your visit.

Visitor Information

Address: No. 14, Section 1, Wuchang Street, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City｜Google Map
Opening Hours: 6:30 AM – 9:00 PM

The name "Astoria" comes from the Russian word for the universe, symbolizing the brightest star in the sky. On the ground floor, Astoria Bakery offers a selection of breads, cakes, and traditional Russian pastries, while the second and third floors house a charming café filled with vintage character. Established more than 70 years ago, Astoria Café has long been a gathering place for writers, artists, and intellectuals, and remains one of the few places in Taipei where traces of Russian cultural influence can still be found. Settle in with a cup of coffee and one of the café's signature desserts, and enjoy a slower pace of life that reflects the charm of old Taipei.

Recommended Dishes at Astoria Café

• Tsar's Borscht Soup: A longtime favorite among regulars, this hearty soup is slow-cooked with beef and a generous assortment of vegetables. Rich and flavorful without being overly heavy, it offers a naturally sweet and comforting taste. Many locals recommend trying it on its own before adding the accompanying sour cream.
• Baked Cheese Shawmar Pie: This oven-baked pastry features a golden, crispy crust filled with cheese and savory meat, creating a satisfying combination of textures and flavors.
• 俄Russian Soft Candy: One of Astoria Café's most iconic treats, this confection combines a chewy outer layer with a nut-filled center, often featuring walnuts. Its distinctive texture has made it a popular souvenir among visitors.
• Walnut Cake: Made with walnuts, dried fruits, and a hint of rum, this classic dessert is rich in flavor while remaining pleasantly balanced rather than overly sweet.

Visitor Information

Address: 2F, No. 5, Section 1, Wuchang Street, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City｜Google Map
Opening Hours: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Minimum Spend: NT$220 per person, plus a 10% service charge
Dining Policy:

• Set meals: 2-hour dining limit
• Afternoon tea and beverages: 1.5-hour dining limit
• Outside food and drinks are not permitted

After a day of exploring Taipei's historic old town, take a break and enjoy a meal at Dong Yi Pork Chop Restaurant. While the restaurant is best known for its iconic pork chop rice, its vintage interior is just as memorable. Climb the red-carpeted staircase and you'll be greeted by crystal chandeliers, velvet seating, and elegant décor that evoke the atmosphere of a classic ballroom from another era. Combined with the warm hospitality of the staff, dining here feels like stepping back in time.

 Must-Try Dishes at Dong Yi Pork Chop

• Classic Set Meals: Pork Chop Rice & Chicken Leg Rice
  For first-time visitors, the signature Pork Chop Rice is the obvious choice. The freshly fried pork chop is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, served alongside steamed rice, side dishes, and soup—a combination that has been a favorite among Taipei residents for generations. The Chicken Leg Rice is another popular option, offering a similarly satisfying meal and a loyal following among regular customers.


• Classic Drinks: Watermelon Juice & Papaya Milk
  In addition to the main dishes, many longtime patrons pair their meal with a glass of fresh watermelon juice or papaya milk. Their naturally sweet and refreshing flavors complement the savory dishes perfectly and have become part of the classic Dong Yi dining experience.

 Visitor Information

Address: 2F, No. 61, Yanping South Road, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City｜Google Map
Opening Hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 11:00 AM – 7:50 PM
Closed: Monday
Minimum Spend: None