Also known as Monga, the Wanhua District is Taipei’s oldest district. The historic neighbourhood is home to beautifully preserved buildings, dating back to the Qing Era. Admire ancient Buddhist temples, get lost in sprawling night markets and eat your way through a smorgasbord of local seafood.

Things to Do

Built in 1738, the magnificent Manka Longshan Temple is one of Taipei’s top attractions. It sits in the heart of the Wanhua District, with crowds of worshippers gathering to sing hypnotic chants three times a day.

Once serving as a public market, the Red House Theatre is now a multifunctional cultural centre. Today it hosts live performances, local craft markets and art exhibits. If you’re craving a culture fix, the Bopiliao Historical Block is a great place for a stroll. Admire 18th-century architecture and visit the Heritage and Culture Education Center of Taipei City.

For some of Taipei’s best shopping head to the trendy Ximending strip. It was Taiwan’s first pedestrian zone and is lined with an eclectic mix of boutiques, bars and restaurants. It’s a great place to people watch and attracts some of Taipei’s quirkiest characters.

When the sun sets, Wanhua’s Snake Alley Night Market comes to life. The market once served up snake and turtle delicacies, however, it now focusses on freshly caught seafood.

Getting Around

By far, one of the best ways to soak up the atmosphere of the Wanhua District is on foot. There are a handful of Metro Taipei stops dotted throughout Wanhua, with local buses also operating in the neighbourhood. Taxis are cheap and efficient, though traffic can get congested. From downtown Taipei, the drive to Wanhua takes around 25 minutes.