Zhongshan Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and local culture and customs of Zhongshan, Taipei with our comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to Zhongshan

Zhongshan is a bustling district located in the northern part of Taipei City, Taiwan. It is named after Dr. Sun Yat-sen, also known as Sun Zhongshan, who was a Chinese revolutionary and founder of the Republic of China. Zhongshan is known for its cultural and historical sites, outdoor activities, and vibrant food and drink scene.

List of Places to Visit in Zhongshan

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall: Built in honor of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, this grand building features a museum, a vast park, and a performance hall that hosts concerts and events.
  • National Palace Museum: One of the world’s largest and most impressive collections of ancient Chinese art, including ceramics, jade, and calligraphy.
  • Taipei Fine Arts Museum: Features contemporary works of art by Taiwanese and international artists.
  • Taipei Confucius Temple: A peaceful oasis in the heart of the city, featuring beautiful architecture and serene gardens.

Natural Attractions of Zhongshan: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Yangmingshan National Park: An easy day trip from Zhongshan with stunning views, hot springs, and hiking trails.
  • Shilin Night Market: One of Taipei’s largest and most famous night markets, known for its street food, snacks, and souvenirs.
  • Xingtian Temple: One of the most popular temples in Taipei that features beautiful architecture, impressive statues, and a bustling atmosphere.
  • Xiahai Chenghuang Temple: A historic temple with intricate architecture and interesting folklore.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Zhongshan

  • Xinyi Bike Path: A popular biking trail that follows the river from Xinyi District to Nangang District.
  • Tamsui River Bike Trail: A scenic 18-kilometer trail that runs along the Tamsui River, with beautiful views of the sunset.
  • Yangming Mountain Hiking Trail: A popular hiking trail in Yangmingshan National Park that has stunning views of Taipei City.

Best Things to Do in Zhongshan: Activities and Tours

  • Taipei 101 Observatory: Visit the tallest building in Taiwan and take in the panoramic views of the city.
  • Explore Dadaocheng: A historic neighborhood in Taipei that features traditional architecture, boutique shops, and trendy cafes.
  • Visit Beitou Hot Springs: Relax in the natural hot springs of Beitou, a cozy mountain town just a short train ride from Zhongshan.
  • Take a Food Tour: Explore Taipei’s vibrant food scene with a guided food tour that takes you to the city’s best street vendors and night markets.

Week-Long Itinerary for Zhongshan

Day Activity
1 Explore Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall
2 Visit National Palace Museum
3 Bike ride along Xinyi Bike Path
4 Visit Yangmingshan National Park
5 Day trip to Beitou Hot Springs
6 Visit Taipei 101 Observatory
7 Food tour of Shilin Night Market

Food and Drink Scene of Zhongshan

Must-Try Dishes

  • Braised Pork Rice (Lu Rou Fan): A flavorful and savory rice dish topped with tender braised pork.
  • Bubble Milk Tea (Boba): A Taiwanese specialty, this sweet and creamy tea is mixed with tapioca pearls and sipped through a wide straw.
  • Stinky Tofu (Chou Doufu): A pungent and crispy tofu served with garlic, chili, and soy sauce.
  • Beef Noodle Soup (Hong Shao Niu Rou Mian): A hearty soup that features soft noodles and tender braised beef in a rich, flavorful broth.

Local Beverages

  • Taiwanese Oolong Tea: A fragrant and aromatic tea that is brewed fresh and often served in restaurants and cafes.
  • Taiwan Beer: A refreshing and crisp lager that pairs well with spicy foods and hot weather.
  • Fresh Fruit Juice: Taiwan is known for its delicious and refreshing fruit, and many vendors offer fresh-squeezed juice that is perfect for a hot day.

Where to Stay in Zhongshan: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Grand Hyatt Taipei: A luxurious hotel with stunning views, an outdoor pool, and delicious dining options.
  • Green World Hotel Songshan: A modern and comfortable hotel that is close to transportation and many of the city’s attractions.
  • Eight Elephants & Dreaming Dragon Hostel: An affordable hostel with a welcoming atmosphere and friendly staff.

What to Buy in Zhongshan: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Taiwanese tea: Buy some of Taiwan’s amazing tea to take home, either packaged or bulk, and savor the authentic taste of Taiwan.
  • Handmade Taiwanese crafts and traditional accessories: From beautiful pottery, ceramics and glassware to traditional paper lanterns, you can find a variety of Taiwanese crafts and accessories in Zhongshan.
  • Local food products: Take some of Taiwan’s most cherished snacks and delicacies such as pineapple cakes, moon cakes or beef jerky.

Local Culture and Customs of Zhongshan

  • Taiwanese religion: Traditional religion and superstitions run deep in Taiwanese cultures. You will find many temples throughout Zhongshan where locals pay respect and ask for blessings.
  • Taiwanese hospitality: Taiwanese are known for their famously friendly nature, and you can enjoy this hospitality at every stall, restaurant, or public place you go. -Taiwanese cultural festivals: Taiwan has many cultural festivals throughout the year, and you can participate in many of them during your visit in Zhongshan.

Best Time to Visit Zhongshan

The best time to visit Zhongshan is between October and January when the weather is beautiful and pleasant, with moderate temperatures ranging from 15-27C. Except for Chinese New Year, which typically takes place in January or February, and the months of July and August, which involve high levels of heat and humidity, which can make it uncomfortable to be outside.

Do’s and Don’ts of Zhongshan

Do:

  • Be respectful: Be respectful of local customs and beliefs when visiting temples, and dress appropriately (no shorts).
  • Practice good manners: Use polite language, avoid loud conversations and drinking in public places.
  • Bring tissues: Public bathrooms generally don’t provide toilet paper, so it’s always a good idea to carry a pack of tissues.

Don’t:

  • Take pictures without asking: When taking pictures of people, be sure to ask for their permission first.
  • Ride an unlicensed taxi: It’s illegal to hop into any taxi that does not have a registered plate or meter.
  • Litter: Taiwan is a clean and environmentally friendly country, so it’s important to dispose of your litter properly.

Safety and Health

Safety in Zhongshan

Taiwan in general has one of the lowest crime rates in the world, so you can feel safe as a traveler in Zhongshan. However, it’s always a good idea to practice common sense and be aware of your surroundings when you are travelling.

Health in Zhongshan

Tap water in Taiwan is generally safe and drinkable, but be cautious and opt for bottled water if you have a sensitive stomach. It’s advisable to carry a first-aid kit when you travel.

Getting to Zhongshan: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Zhongshan

  • Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport: Located about an hour’s drive from Zhongshan, Taiwan’s largest airport, serving a variety of international airlines.
  • Songshan Airport: Accessible via public transit, in less than half an hour, located about 10 minutes from Zhongshan.

Bus Stations Near Zhongshan

  • Taipei Bus Station: Taipei’s main bus terminal that provides transportation to regional and long-haul routes to many regions within Taiwan.
  • Dazhi Bus Station: A smaller bus station located in the Zhongshan district that provides transportation to some locations along a specific route.

Other Options

  • MRT: Taipei’s Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system is a cheap, convenient, and comfortable way of getting around the city, with several subway lines servicing Zhongshan.
  • Taxis / ride sharing apps: taxis and ride-sharing options are readily available in Taiwan, with rides relatively inexpensive compared to other countries.

How to Get Around in Zhongshan

Taxis and the MRT are convenient means of transportation. However, getting around on foot or by bike is a great way to experience the various attractions and sights in the Zhongshan district.

Where to Go Next from Zhongshan: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

There are several destinations in the vicinity that you can easily visit for a day trip or quick overnight excursion from Zhongshan, including:

  • Taipei City Center: the heart of the city is only a few stops away on the MRT, featuring a wide range of shopping, dining, and sightseeing options.
  • Tamsui: A charming coastal town offering beaches, seafood markets, and historic sites
  • Jiufen: A scenic mountain town with streets of shops and souvenir stalls, offering an old-world atmosphere that is a favorite among photography buffs.

Conclusion

Zhongshan is a vibrant and diverse district of Taipei City, offering a balance of culture, nature, and city life that is hard to match anywhere else in Taiwan. Whether you’re an avid hiker, a history buff, a food lover, or just seeking a quick urban escape, Zhongshan has something to offer for every type of traveler.

Taipei Fine Arts Museum Taipei Fine Arts Museum Ichiban roasted corn at Raohe Street Ichiban roasted corn at Raohe Street