Wanhua District is Taipei’s oldest district.

Besides being a historic district, it’s also a very animated area where people go for shopping.

This shopping part is called Ximending shopping district.

Ximending is considered as the most iconic location of Cultural and Creative Industry in Taipei.

In Wanhua District is also located the famous Red House.

It’s just next to Ximen station (MRT blue or green line).

The Red House was built in 1908 during Japanese rule by architect Kondo Juro and is one of the best-preserved historic buildings.

The Red House is called like this because of its red bricks.

It was first constructed as a public market for common people but had many functions over the years : a bookstore, a cinema, a theatre …

In 2007 The Red House became a platform to promote Cultural and Creative Industry.

Not too far from the Red House, in the same district, there is also a nice hidden Temple. The Taipei Tianhou Temple.

The first time I visited this district, I didn’t even notice, because it’s between buildings, like an ordinary shop, so if you don’t pay attention, you can easily miss it.

It’s really not big but I like the atmosphere there. There is not a lot of light, some vegetation and some animal scultptures, which makes this place really unique. I even saw a rat walking across some of them.

If you visit Ximen, I would recommend making a little stop there. It could be a nice break from the crazy shopping district.