VIBE

Hip, upscale district that's one of the most happening in Taipei. By day, expect a suited, business-focused crowd (Taiwan’s World Trade Center is housed here and the district’s sleek towers are home to many a multinational company); after office hours, the glam factor is ramped up by well-dressed crowds of shoppers, daters, and clubbers. Shopping highlights include malls Taipei 101, Shin Kong Mitsukoshi, and ATT4Fun (all stocked with international designer boutiques like Gucci, Prada, and Louis Vuitton) and Eslite bookstore. There’s also the posh 17-screen Vieshow Cinema, tons of fashionable nightlife venues, and, of course, the iconic Taipei 101 tower, where you can survey all the city has to offer from the 86th floor observatory.

USE A PURCHASE FROM HERE FOR

Looking glam.

WHY WE LIKE IT

Even if we’re not in the mood to shop, we like coming to XinYi to scope the hip crowds of local movers and shakers. It’s a great spot to transition from an afternoon of boutique browsing to an evening out on the town, given the plethora of restaurants and nightspots in the neighborhood.

GOOD TO KNOW

If you’re coming after dark, check out the cool LED displays on the skyscrapers. And on weekends, look out for outdoor performances and concerts near Taipei 101.

CLOSEST COMPS

Taipei 101 (Taipei); ZhongXiao East Road (Taipei)