Taipei Lunar New Year Afternoon Walking Tour

Gather with your tour guide at the Exit 3 of MRT Beimen Station (G13), then enjoy a leisurely stroll through the ancient city blocks. Keep an eye out for hidden gems – there might be another fascinating historic site awaiting discovery around the corner.

Your first stop on this walking tour is a Chinese medicine shop boasting an extensive array of Chinese medicinal materials and spices. Chinese herbal medicine holds a significant place in the local people’s lives, serving not only as an ailment for physical and mental remedies but also as a form of food therapy, particularly during winter. During your visit, you’ll delve into the curative effects of Chinese medicinal materials, explore the evolution of Chinese medicine, and perhaps even catch a glimpse of the owner’s rare collections.

Your tour proceeds to Yongle Fabric Market, Taipei’s largest fabric emporium. This haven caters to all handicraft enthusiasts, suppliing an abundant selection of supplies ranging from sewing kits to distinctive textiles.

In the past, purchasing fabric for apparel to craft new clothes for family members before Lunar New Year was a common practice. Wearing new clothes was believed to usher in good luck for the upcoming year. Today, this age-old tradition has evolved into a local custom where people shop for new clothes in anticipation of the coming year.

Following your exploration of Yongle Fabric Market, your New Year walking tour continues to Taipei Xia-Hai City God Temple, established in 1856. This revered temple is dedicated to various deities, including the City God, City God’s Wife, Yue Lao, and others. Notably, the temple is renowned for worshiping the famous “matchmaker”—Yue Lao, the God of marriage and love.

For those seeking their soulmate, seize the chance to seek Yue Lao’s help. Married couples can offer prayers to the City God’s Wife for a harmonious and enduring marriage with their better half.

The spotlight today falls on the vibrant Dihua Street Lunar New Year Market, Taiwan’s most bustling Lunar New Year hub. Here, you’ll witness vendors hawking groceries and dried goods, lively bargaining scenes, the constant melodies of Lunar New Year songs, and an abundance of red and gold lanterns and banners adorning the streets, infusing the atmosphere with a contagious festive spirit.

While you’re at Dihua Street, don’t miss the opportunity to visit one of Taipei’s oldest tea shops. Dadaocheng, once the hub for Taiwanese tea exports in the 19th century, still hosts some of the street’s most ancient tea shops.

At the tea shop, you’ll delve into Taiwanese tea culture and savor tea sampling. In Taiwan, tea serves as an excellent gift and a personal delight. Whether you’re a tea enthusiast or simply enjoy the occasional bubble tea, tea remains a popular choice for New Year gifts.

Finally, the tour will conclude at Ningxia Night Market. Among locals, it’s one of the most beloved night markets where you can relish an array of street foods in one place, including Oyster Omelet, Minced Pork Rice, Scallion Pancake Rolls, and many other delectable options.