Taipei Walking Route from Finders Hotel Taipei Fuqian | Presidential Office Building, Chengzhong Market, and Ximending
- Mar 1
- 8 min read
When visiting Taipei, you don't have to fill every moment of your itinerary with attractions. Sometimes, slowing down and exploring the city on foot is the best way to experience Taipei's unique rhythm, local culture, and everyday charm.
Starting from Finders Hotel Taipei Fuqian, this walking route takes you through lush parks, iconic city landmarks, local markets, and vibrant shopping districts. Along the way, you'll experience some of the most authentic and memorable sides of Taipei, all at a comfortable pace.
Stop 1 | 228 Peace Memorial Park: A Walk Through Taipei’s History
Just a short walk from Finders Hotel Taipei Fuqian, you'll arrive at 228 Peace Memorial Park. Surrounded by lush greenery, this peaceful oasis offers a rare sense of tranquility in the heart of Taipei. It is also one of Taiwan's most important historical memorial sites, preserving the memory of significant events in the nation's history.
The park takes its name from the February 28 Incident of 1947, a significant event that played an important role in Taiwan's modern history. In remembrance of this historical milestone, the park was renamed and later became home to a memorial monument and museum. Today, it serves as a place where visitors can reflect on the past while learning about the historical significance and lasting impact of the event.
Throughout the park, ponds and walking paths are thoughtfully woven into the landscape. One of its most charming features is a small bridge that stretches across the water, offering a peaceful spot where many visitors pause to take in the surroundings. From the bridge, you can admire reflections of the trees and sky on the water's surface, adding a sense of tranquility and depth to the park's natural scenery.
As the first stop on your journey, take a moment to slow down and enjoy a leisurely walk beneath the shade of the trees. Stroll along the pathways, pause for a while, and experience the unique atmosphere where history and urban life come together.
More than just a green space for relaxation, the park offers a peaceful moment within the city—a place to unwind, reflect, and ease into the rest of your walking adventure through Taipei.
Park-themed Plum Juice (老牌公園號酸梅湯)
After exiting through the side entrance of 228 Peace Memorial Park, you'll come across Park-themed Plum Juice (老牌公園號酸梅湯), a modest yet nostalgic shop that has been serving customers for generations.
This long-established shop has been a local favorite for many years and is a familiar taste for generations of Taipei residents. Its signature sour plum drink features a refreshing balance of sweetness and tartness, complemented by a subtle smoky aroma that makes it especially enjoyable on a warm day. The shop also serves ice cream, a popular treat among children. If you're passing by, consider stopping for a drink or a sweet treat and add a refreshing moment to your walking journey through Taipei.
Stop 2 | The Presidential Office Building on Ketagalan Boulevard: An Iconic Landmark of Taipei
After leaving 228 Peace Memorial Park, continue along the boulevard and you'll soon arrive at one of Taipei's most recognizable landmarks—the Presidential Office Building.
Originally built during the Japanese colonial era, the Presidential Office Building has stood for more than a century and remains one of Taipei's most significant historic structures. Its distinctive red-brick façade and symmetrical architectural design give the building a dignified and timeless appearance, reflecting the city's historical development through different eras.
Standing on Ketagalan Boulevard, you'll notice the unique sense of openness that defines this area. Unlike the bustling alleys and shopping districts nearby, the surroundings here feel more orderly and serene, creating a different atmosphere along the walking route.
Sometimes, there's no need to spend a long time at a landmark. Simply passing by and taking a moment to admire one of Taipei's most important buildings can add a memorable highlight to your journey.
Stop 3 | Starbucks Chongqing South Store: A Coffee Break in a Historic Building
Continuing along Chongqing South Road, you'll soon come across Starbucks Chongqing South Store, located just next to Finders Hotel Taipei Fuqian. Unlike a typical Starbucks location, this branch is housed within a designated historic building, preserving its original façade and architectural proportions, making it a distinctive landmark within the city streetscape.
The combination of a modern coffee shop and a historic structure creates a unique atmosphere where the past and present come together. Whether you choose to relax inside with a cup of coffee or grab one to go before continuing your walk, this is a pleasant place to take a short break and enjoy a slower pace.
For travelers who enjoy photography or appreciate architectural details, enjoying a coffee inside a historic building adds a memorable touch to this walking route through Taipei.
Stop 4 | Yuanling Street, Chenghuang Temple, and
Chengzhong Market: A Journey into Taipei’s Historic Commercial District
Leaving Starbucks behind and continuing down the street, you'll soon arrive at Yuanling Street, better known as Taipei's famous Shoe Street. Once a major hub for the city's footwear industry, the street was lined with countless shoe stores and remains a well-known shopping area today. As you stroll through the neighborhood, you'll still find traces of old Taipei's commercial charm and the atmosphere of a historic business district.
As you continue walking, the neighborhood gradually transitions into a more local and everyday atmosphere, leading you to Chengzhong Market. Home to many long-established eateries and local shops, the market has long been a favorite dining spot for nearby residents and office workers.
Unlike heavily commercialized tourist destinations, Chengzhong Market offers a more authentic and approachable side of Taipei. Its lively streets, traditional businesses, and local flavors provide a glimpse into the city's daily life, making it feel as though you've stepped into a different era of Taipei.
After leaving the market and continuing into the next block, you'll come across Taiwan Provincial City God Temple on Wuchang Street. The temple is dedicated to the City God, a deity in traditional Taiwanese folk religion believed to protect local communities and uphold justice by rewarding good deeds and punishing wrongdoing.
As a symbol of protection and guardianship, the City God has long been regarded as a spiritual guardian of the city. Today, the temple remains an important place of worship, where the scent of incense and the sounds of prayer create a vibrant atmosphere that continues to connect people with their faith and local traditions.
From Shoe Street and the local market to the historic temple, this section of the route offers a glimpse into the everyday life of Taipei's old city district. Together, these places showcase the authentic character, local culture, and timeless charm that continue to define this part of the city.
Just across from Taiwan Provincial City God Temple, you'll find Astoria Pastry Shop and Astoria Café, a long-established institution well known among locals. The origins of the business can be traced back to 1922, when it was first founded in Shanghai by Russian émigrés. After World War II, the founders relocated to Taiwan and reopened the café and pastry shop on Wuchang Street in Taipei in 1949, where it continues to operate today.
The name “Astoria” is derived from a Russian word associated with the idea of the cosmos and the stars, symbolizing a bright and enduring presence among countless others. It also reflects the brand's long-standing commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and tradition.
One of the shop’s most famous specialties is its Russian Marshmallow, known for its soft, chewy texture and delicate sweetness. With its signature white exterior and light, refined flavor, it has remained a favorite among generations of customers. The dessert was also said to be one of the favorite treats of Faina Chiang Fang-liang, the wife of Chiang Ching-kuo, and was even served at state banquets, earning a reputation as a dessert of exceptional prestige.
In addition to its famous Russian Marshmallow, the café's Napoleon Cake is another must-try dessert. Featuring layers of crispy pastry and soft sponge cake, it offers a rich yet balanced texture that is sweet without being overly heavy. Raisins are added between the layers, providing extra depth of flavor and making each bite even more enjoyable. It is widely regarded as one of the signature desserts at Astoria Café.
If you happen to be passing by, consider stepping inside and picking up a dessert for yourself. More than just a sweet treat, it offers a taste of Taipei's history and a chance to take a small piece of old Taipei's charm with you.
Stop 5 | Snow King Ice Cream (雪王冰淇淋): A Classic Ice Cream Shop Passed Down Through Three Generations
Leaving Astoria Pastry Shop and Café, continue walking along Wuchang Street toward Ximending, and within about three minutes you'll arrive at Snow King Ice Cream (雪王冰淇淋), a nostalgic ice cream shop with a distinctly retro charm. Founded in 1947, it is one of Taipei's most iconic ice cream parlors and has been enjoyed by generations of local residents.
Unlike a typical ice cream shop, Snow King Ice Cream is best known for its surprisingly unique flavors. From braised pork knuckle and sesame oil chicken to pork floss, the menu features creations that often leave first-time visitors amazed. These unconventional flavors have made the shop one of Taipei's most distinctive culinary attractions and a must-visit destination for many travelers.
If you prefer something more traditional, Snow King also offers a wide selection of classic flavors. With their smooth, creamy texture and nostalgic old-fashioned taste, these ice creams have remained popular for generations.
There's no need to worry about finding a flavor you'll enjoy—the shop offers more than 70 varieties to choose from. Whether you're curious about the famous unconventional creations or simply looking for a timeless favorite, Snow King Ice Cream is a place you won't want to miss during your visit to Taipei.
Stop 6 | Ximending: Taipei’s Famous Shopping and Entertainment District
After finishing your ice cream, continue along Wuchang Street to the very end, and you'll arrive at one of Taipei's most iconic destinations—Ximending.
As one of the city's most famous commercial districts, Ximending is home to trendy fashion stores, street food vendors, restaurants, and entertainment venues. From day to night, the area is filled with energy, crowds, and a vibrant atmosphere. Stepping into Ximending feels like entering a completely different side of Taipei, where the quiet charm of the old city gives way to a lively and youthful urban scene.
Whether you're looking to continue shopping, discover local food, or simply wander through the bustling streets, Ximending has something for everyone. From the tranquility of the park and the everyday charm of the historic neighborhoods to the excitement of Taipei's most vibrant shopping district, this walking route offers a wonderful glimpse into the many faces of the city.
Conclusion | Discovering the Many Sides of Taipei Along the Way
Starting from Finders Hotel Taipei Fuqian, this walking route connects many different sides of Taipei. From the greenery and history of 228 Peace Memorial Park, to the grand urban boulevard of Ketagalan Boulevard, the journey continues into the old city districts filled with local markets, historic shops, and everyday life, before eventually leading to the vibrant streets of Ximending.
Though the walking distance is relatively short, it offers a unique opportunity to experience Taipei's transition from quiet to lively, and from historic to modern. More than just a simple walk, it feels like a leisurely journey through the city—one that gradually reveals the everyday stories, culture, and character that make Taipei so special.
📍 If you'd like to explore this route more easily, simply open the Google Maps route below and enjoy a leisurely walk through Taipei at your own pace：https://maps.app.goo.gl/XyXiZECpXc559mDM6
The next time you stay at Finders Hotel Taipei Fuqian, consider setting aside some time to explore this walking route on foot. You may discover that Taipei's true charm is found not only in its famous attractions, but also in the unexpected corners, hidden stories, and everyday moments that make the city so memorable.
