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【Ximending Family Travel Guide】 Train Models, Stamp Collecting & Historic Landmarks
Ximen-Beimen Walking Route:
Zhongshan Hall → 4F Theater Café → Postal Museum Taipei Branch → Taipei Info Hub → National Taiwan Museum Railway Department Park
If you're planning an independent trip to Ximending, choosing a conveniently located hotel will make your itinerary much smoother. Taipei WESTGATE Hotel is located right next to MRT Ximen Station, just a 1-minute walk from the exit, making it easy to connect to various attractions in Ximen and Beimen!
Book now and start your Taipei cultural journey!
Zhongshan Hall: A Historic Landmark and Vibrant Arts Center
Located near Exit 5 of MRT Ximen Station, Zhongshan Hall is one of Taipei's most important historic landmarks. Completed in 1936, this building blends Western classical and modernist architectural styles, and today serves as a venue for concerts, theater, and various cultural performances. In addition to admiring the exterior, look out for the lobby's vaulted ceilings, pointed arch windows, and the museum's treasure, the "Water Buffalo Herd" bas-relief. The plaza in front is a popular gathering spot for locals to relax, adding a lively touch of daily life to this historic site.
Is admission to Zhongshan Hall free? Are guided tours available?
Admission to Zhongshan Hall is free, and scheduled guided tours are available inside. If you want a deeper look into this nearly century-old historic site, you can ask about the daily tour schedule at the 1st-floor information desk and explore Zhongshan Hall with a volunteer guide. If the tour times don't fit your schedule, audio guides are also available for rent in Chinese, English, and Japanese.
Zhongshan Hall Floor Guide:
- 1st Floor: Main entrance, lobby, and Zhongcheng Auditorium
- 2nd Floor: Exhibition and event spaces, including Guangfu Auditorium, Fortress Hall, and exhibition rooms.
- 3rd Floor: Taipei Academy, hosting humanities lectures and cultural courses.
- 4th Floor: 4F Theater Café, where you can take a break and soak in the retro atmosphere.
Does Taipei WESTGATE Hotel Offer a Discount on Zhongshan Hall Performance Tickets?
During your stay at Taipei WESTGATE Hotel, if the Taipei Chinese Orchestra is performing at Zhongshan Hall, guests can present their room key card to purchase tickets directly from the Taipei Chinese Orchestra, or have the hotel front desk assist with booking — either way, you'll enjoy a 30% discount.
Click to view the orchestra's latest performances ↗
(Please confirm the performance venue is Zhongshan Hall to be eligible for this discount!)
Zhongshan Hall Info
Address: No. 98, Yanping S. Rd., Zhongzheng Dist., Taipei City｜Google Map
Opening Hours: 09:30 AM - 05:30 PM
Official Website ↗
4F Theater Café: A Retro Café with No Time Limits Inside a Historic Landmark
Located on the fourth floor of Zhongshan Hall, 4F Theater Café preserves vintage architectural elements like terrazzo floors, red chairs, and arched windows. Paired with large windows overlooking the streetscape of Yanping South Road, it feels less like a regular café and more like a living part of Zhongshan Hall's history.
The menu features coffee, desserts, light bites, and full meals, making it the perfect spot to relax after touring Zhongshan Hall or to use as a midway stop on your Ximending-to-Beimen walking route.
What makes 4F Theater Café special?
4F Theater Café has no dining time limits, offers free Wi-Fi, and has power outlets at most seats, making it a popular choice for both travelers and locals to read, work, or unwind. The window seats offer views of the surrounding Beimen streetscape, so many visitors make sure to arrive early just to snag a spot by the window!
Recommended Menu Items at 4F Theater Café
- Hojicha Mille Crêpe Cake: Layers of delicate crêpes paired with a rich roasted green tea aroma, making it one of the most popular desserts.
- Basque Cheesecake: Creamy and smooth with a subtle caramelized top, served whole in a tin box—a signature dessert highly recommended by many guests.
- Freshly Brewed Earl Grey Milk Tea: A perfect balance of tea and milk flavors, available by the pot to enjoy alongside your dessert.
Can I Make a Reservation at 4F Theater Café?
Yes, 4F Theater Café currently only accepts reservations by phone (02-2331-5055). A limited number of seats can be reserved on weekdays, while weekends are walk-in only, with no reservations accepted.
Afternoons tend to get busy, so arriving in the morning gives you a better chance of getting seated smoothly.
4F Theater Café Info
Address: 4F, No. 98, Yanping S. Rd., Zhongzheng Dist., Taipei City｜Google Map
Opening Hours: 11:00 AM - 06:30 PM
Minimum Spend: NT$250 per person. Since most seating consists of four-person tables, solo travelers may need to share a table with other guests during peak hours.
Postal Museum Taipei Branch: A Postal Adventure for All Ages—Don't Miss the Commemorative Stamps!
After leaving Zhongshan Hall, a short walk brings you to the Taipei Beimen Post Office. Located on the second floor, the Postal Museum houses a rich collection of stamps and historical artifacts, along with various interactive displays, making it an excellent place for kids to learn about the history of Taiwan's postal service. The museum also frequently collaborates with well-known illustrators to host special exhibitions, adding fun photo opportunities.
Where is the stamp collecting station at the Postal Museum?
In addition to the standard stamps in the exhibition area that you can collect for free, you can turn left after heading up to the second floor and walk all the way to the end. There, you'll find the "Personalized Stamp Making Center." The commemorative stamp area from previous years is located inside this office space, and collecting stamps here requires purchasing personalized stamps!
Postal Museum (Taipei Branch) Info
Address: 2F, No. 114, Sec. 1, Zhongxiao W. Rd., Zhongzheng Dist., Taipei City｜Google Map
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM (Closed on Mondays)
Official Website ↗
Taipei Info Hub: A Multi-Functional Cultural Space with Adorable Landmark-Shaped Egg Cakes
Not far from the Beimen Post Office lies the Taipei Info Hub. This red-brick building from the Japanese colonial period was formerly the "Mitsui Bussan Co. Old Warehouse." It once served as an important logistics and storage space and stands as a highly representative historic landmark in the Beimen area.
Today, it has been transformed into a cultural space combining exhibitions, a bookstore, and a café. The most popular item here is the "Landmark-Shaped Egg Cakes," which feature Taipei landmarks like Beimen, the Railway Department Park, and Futai Street Mansion. They are not only adorable but also make great edible souvenirs!
Taipei Info Hub Floor Guide
- 1st Floor: Exhibitions, bookstore, and café—the main area for general visits and relaxing.
- 2nd Floor: Special themed exhibitions and cultural lectures (check the official website for the latest events).
- Outdoor Plaza: Hosts occasional markets or pop-up events, and serves as a space for quick photos and breaks.
Must-Try Egg Cakes at the Taipei Info Hub Café
Located on the first floor of Taipei Info Hub, "The Dao of Rivers" combines a bookstore and a café. It has no dining time limits, offers free Wi-Fi, and has power outlets at select seats.
The café mainly serves coffee, tea, and beer, along with some desserts and light bites. The crowd-favorite "Landmark Egg Cakes" are shaped like Taipei's historic buildings, such as Beimen and the National Taiwan Museum Railway Department Park, making them perfect for travel photos.
Taipei Info Hub Info
Address: No. 265, Sec. 1, Zhongxiao W. Rd., Zhongzheng Dist., Taipei City｜Google Map
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 11:00 AM - 07:00 PM (Closed on Mondays)
Official Website ↗
National Taiwan Museum Railway Department Park: A Must-Visit for Families! Interactive Railway Displays, Scenes, and Model Train Shows
While the previous spots are great for brief visits, it's highly recommended to set aside more time for the Railway Department Park. In addition to a comprehensive introduction to Taiwan's railway history, the museum features many interactive facilities and immersive displays designed specifically for families.
The absolute highlight is the scheduled dynamic model train show, which draws crowds of enthusiastic children and adults every time it runs!
Highlights of the National Taiwan Museum Railway Department Park
- Dynamic Model Train Exhibition: Recreates the 1970s and 1980s streetscapes around Taipei Station and the Zhonghua Market, complete with day and night lighting simulations.
- Railway Culture Permanent Exhibition: Combines various interactive elements and scenes to vividly introduce the evolution of Taiwan's railways.
- Children's Exhibition Area: A dedicated play paradise for kids, where they can even try out a mini ride-on train!
- Historic Architecture: The nostalgic red-brick buildings are perfect for strolling and taking photos.
What is the model train show schedule
- Morning: 10:00, 10:30, 11:15, 11:45 AM
- Afternoon: 01:00, 01:30, 02:00, 02:45, 03:15, 04:00, 04:30 PM
National Taiwan Museum Railway Department Park Info
Address: No. 2, Sec. 1, Yanping N. Rd., Datong Dist., Taipei City｜Google Map
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 09:30 AM - 05:00 PM (Closed on Mondays)
Tickets: Railway Department Park: Regular NT$100 / Concession NT$50 Four-Museum Combo Ticket: Regular NT$130 / Concession NT$65
Official Website ↗
Want your kids to learn while having fun on vacation? A stroll from Ximending to Beimen connects historic sites, museums, and cultural spaces. Along the way, you can collect stamps, enjoy model train shows, and learn about Taipei's urban development and railway culture through interactive exhibitions. This fully walkable cultural route is perfect for a full-day itinerary, allowing families to slow down and discover a different side of the Ximending area together.
Ximen–Beimen Cultural Walking Route: Frequently Asked Questions
Q：How long does this route take?
A：We recommend setting aside a full day. The Railway Department Park has plenty of interactive exhibits, plus scheduled train model displays, so it's worth allowing extra time to explore at a relaxed pace. Also note that some stops along the route are closed every Monday, so it's best to avoid visiting on that day to keep your itinerary on track.
Q：What day of the week is best for this route?
A：We recommend visiting between Tuesday and Sunday. Since some attractions are closed on Mondays, avoid starting your trip that day if you want to experience the full route.
Q：Who is this route best suited for?
A：This route is great for families with kids, as well as travelers who enjoy urban culture and in-depth exploration. Children can learn while they play, and adults can take a leisurely stroll through the history of Taipei's old town — making it a walking route that's both educational and enjoyable.
