Zhongzheng is the political center of Taiwan and home to the impressive Presidential Office Building and other government buildings. Visit this famous district for historical, gastronomical, natural and cultural attractions that you won’t find anywhere else.
Start your tour of the district by delving into the history of Taipei. You can’t miss the eye-catching Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall in Liberty Square, which in turn is part of a scenic urban park that also houses the National Theater.
The National 2-28 Memorial Museum in a grand Japanese colonial building that commemorates the sad outcome of the 28 February 1947 revolt that is locally referred to as the “228 Massacre.”
For a change in mood, make your way up Treasure Hill, which is a crumbling historical workers village that was saved from demolition by turning it into an artist village. Discover its little studios and workshops, admire the murals and other street art, and visit the temple.
The vine-covered warehouses of the Huashan 1914 Creative Park are equally fascinating. Come here by day to see the arts and crafts exhibits and browse the boutique stores. At night you can listen to live music.
Grab some Taiwanese snacks or beers at the nearby Gongguan Waterfront Plaza. This bustling area is part of the lush Guting Riverside Park, which is great to explore on a bike if you come here during the day.
Another great nature escape in Zhongzhen is the Botanical Gardens. This sprawling landscaped park with lotus ponds and greenhouses was established by the Japanese in 1921, but some of its heritage buildings date back to the Qing Dynasty.
On a hot day, visit the fun Taipei Water Park with the kids. For something different, browse the adjacent Museum of Drinking Water in a Baroque-style pumping station by the Xindian River.
You can’t leave Zhongzhen without a visit to the small Snow King ice cream parlor that has been here since as long as anyone can remember. Order wasabi, Taiwanese beer, or chicken floss-flavored ice cream to pay tribute to the many unusual flavors of the Zhongzhen District, which so proudly show visitors a different side of modern Taipei.
