Zhongshan

Leafy and laid-back

Talk of the town: The area around Linsen Road and Shuangcheng Road was the former red light district of Taipei known as the Combat Zone.
Word to the wise: Though the attractions are spread out, they are well connected by subway.

Located north of Zhongshan MRT Station and south of the Keelung River, this lively and leafy modern district covers much of the northern part of central Taipei. Primarily a residential neighbourhood, sights from the historically significant Martyr's Shrine to the culturally incredible Fine Arts Museum are spread out, interspersed with a lovely collection of parks. Rongxing Garden, Zhongshan Fine Arts Park and Dajia Riverside are full of Taiwanese families on sunny weekends.
Away from the more residential Datong (aka Dadaocheng) and Dazhi, Zhongshan also attracts Japanese businessmen who can be found sipping sake at one of the many sake bars and restaurants along Linsen Road and the narrow alleyways that surround it. Shopping options range from the mighty and modern Shin Kong Mistukoshi shopping mall to the old-world gastro hub of Shuangcheng Street Night Market. Just strolling along the pleasant thoroughfare of Zhongshan Road itself, lit up neon bright by night, is an experience in itself.