STYLISH DESTINATIONS - TAIPEI

By Eva Fydrych

Food, Fashion & Fun

Welcome to Shilin District!

Photos by Eva Fydrych / Fashion Studio Magazine (Click to enlarge)

Modern, vibrant and super interesting – those three words perfectly describe Taipei, the capital of Taiwan, best known for the landmark Taipei 101 skyscraper officially classified as the world's tallest in 2004 (and currently the fifth tallest building in the world).

For those already familiar with main Asian cities such as Tokyo, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Singapore, or Bangkok, Taipei offers an interesting alternative. For anyone visiting Asia for the first time, the Taiwanese capital is a great introduction to this fascinating continent and its vibrant and diverse culture.

Taipei offers a lot of shopping opportunities – from night markets to high-end designer stores and exclusive department malls. You will be spoilt for choice when it comes to clothes, shoes, and accessories. Local boutiques offer an interesting selection of both Taiwanese and international labels. Many places have their own unique style and eye-catching contemporary interiors.

Kuo Yuan Ye Museum of Cake and Pastry (Photo by Eva Fydrych / Fashion Studio Magazine)

ALL ABOUT FASHION

One of the biggest fashion events in Taiwan, Taipei IN Style, takes place twice a year at Songshan Cultural and Creative Park. Organised by the Taiwan Textile Federation (TTF), the event features top Asian fashion brands and aims to present the diverse landscape of the Taiwanese industry to international press and buyers. From established designers such as Isabelle Wen or Athena Chuang to emerging brands such as WANG LI LING, CRYSTAL WANG, C.T.LIU, S,CABONATE, SunYuHong, AUSTIN. W, NOELC, bLender, and 3rd PARTY COOKIE, there is so much happening in Taiwanese fashion right now!

What makes Taipei IN Style even more exciting is the fact that it provides a showcase for fashion brands and designers from other Asian countries as well, mainly from South Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, and China. Some of them have already established a strong presence on the Taiwanese market and many sell their products internationally.

From elegant evening gowns to trendy streetwear and funky accessories, Taipei IN Style does excellent job in presenting different faces of Asian fashion and showcasing the latest trends in the industry.

WANG LI LING (Photo courtesy of TTF)

WANG LI LING (Photo courtesy of TTF)

SHILIN DISTRICT

If you would like to experience Taipei like a local, head to Shilin District located in the north side of the city. 

Shilin District is home to many historical sites, including the world famous National Palace Museum, beautiful temples, vibrant markets, and eye-catching buildings featuring unique architecture and design. 

If you would like to know the best places to SLEEP, EAT, and SHOP in Shilin District, read on!

2017 Taipei Design, Action / Shilin District (Photo by Eva Fydrych / Fashion Studio Magazine) 

SLEEP

Papersun Hotel

Spacious guest rooms at Papersun Hotel are designed for both business and leisure travellers. They feature modern furniture and all necessary amenities. Room 608 offers a beautiful view of the nearby mountains and has plenty of sunshine in the morning. It was designed by Taiwanese fashion designer WANG LI LING who was showcasing their latest collection (including unique, glowing in the dark pieces) at this year's Taipei IN Style.

Papersun Hotel is located 5 minutes away from Taipei’s Shilin MRT Station and the famous Shilin Night Market. How convenient!

ADDRESS:

No. 8, Lane 48, Fude Road, Shilin District, Taipei City, Taiwan 111

Room 608 - designed by WANG LI LING (Photos by Eva Fydrych / Fashion Studio Magazine)

Artwork in the lobby

Breakfast at Papersun Hotel (Photos by Eva Fydrych / Fashion Studio Magazine)

EAT

HOK-House of Kuo 郭元益的家

This little restaurant, located in a historic building on Wenlin Road, is a real gem. Featuring Asian Fusion cuisine, delicious cocktails, and a large selection of specialty teas and coffees, HOK-House of Kuo is a perfect place for both lunch and dinner.

Don't forget to try their delicious desserts!

ADDRESS:

No. 526, Wenlin Road, Shilin District, Taipei City, Taiwan 111

Little shop located downstairs (Photos by Eva Fydrych / Fashion Studio Magazine)

Soup of the day

Delicious lunch at HOK-House of Kou (Photo by Eva Fydrych / Fashion Studio Magazine)

SHOP

A trip to Taipei wouldn't be complete without visiting one of the night markets. An essential part of Taiwanese culture, night markets have been around for longer than you can imagine.

Shilin Night Market is often considered to be the largest and most famous market in the city. You can find everything here: from food vendors and small restaurants to numerous street stalls and trendy boutiques selling clothes and accessories. It's a fun place to hang out with friends in the evening!

To read more about the market, please click here.

Shilin Night Market (Photo by Eva Fydrych / Fashion Studio Magazine)

SOGO Department Store, located one stop away from Papersun Hotel, is a real paradise for all fashion and beauty lovers.

Useful Tip: All SOGO Department Stores in Taipei offer currency exchange services and have long opening hours.

ADDRESS:

No.77, Sec. 6, Zhongshan N. Rd., Shilin District, Taipei City 111

Shopping at SOGO (Photo by Eva Fydrych / Fashion Studio Magazine)

VISIT

Kuo Yuan Ye Museum of Cake and Pastry is probably one of the most unique places you will ever visit in Taipei. Opened in 2001, the museum has been the first facility in Taiwan devoted to preserve and to collect the local pastry culture and to create the hands-on experience of Taiwanese pastry making.

The Shilin branch is located at the address where the brand (Kuo Yuan Ye) was founded in 1867. What can you learn here? First of all, it's a great place to take a trip through the past 100 years of Taiwan that surrounds the culture of pastries, get to known all local customs, and understand the importance of various cakes used to celebrate life milestones.

Kuo Yuan Ye Museum of Cake and Pastry (Photos by Eva Fydrych / Fashion Studio Magazine)

Taking part in Pineapple Shortcake DIY experience

Preparing the cookies yourself is such a fun experience!

Unique interior design (Photos by Eva Fydrych / Fashion Studio Magazine)

You can also admire colourful clothes and headpieces used in traditional marriage ceremonies, take part in Pineapple Shortcake DIY experience, and buy a variety of products in a museum shop located downstairs. Highly recommended! 

ADDRESS:

Shilin Branch – 4 Fl., No.546, Wenlin Rd., Shilin District, Taipei City

Kuo Yuan Ye Museum of Cake and Pastry (Photo by Eva Fydrych / Fashion Studio Magazine)

Enjoy Taipei! :)

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*Special thank you to Papersun Hotel for hosting Fashion Studio Magazine in November 2017.


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