Shopping in Taiwan is an adventure. Discover the city's traditional markets and fancy shopping malls. Taipei 101 (one of the tallest buildings in the world) and high-class venues (Sogo, Mitsukoshi, Far Eastern, New York New York) in the Xinyi financial district house boutiques with all the hottest, most luxurious brands. An attractive pedestrian walkway connects the shopping malls to the World Trade Center and a Mecca for readers: Eslite Bookstore.
On weekends and holidays, the parking area under the Jian Guo Elevated Expressway between Ji Nan Rd. and Xin Yi Rd. transforms into a jade and flower market (10:00 am - 5:00 pm). Here, shoppers can find jade items, semi-precious stones and crystals as well as traditional handicrafts. Caveat emptor (let the buyer beware)! Quality varies considerably and prices are subject to bargainer's skill. Meanwhile, the flower market is the place to go for fresh-cut flowers and potted plants, including full-sized trees! Many Taipei residents come just to take a stroll through the flower-bedecked stands.
For those who like to make their own decorative items, Chang An W. Rd. (near Taipei Main Train Station) is the place to go for pearls, beads, ribbon, adhesive, buttons, chains... you name it. The best venues are at #181, #235 and #271. Another option is to head to the underground shopping mall at 100 Civic Blvd., which showcases everything the budding fabric artist or accessory designer could want.
Shutterbugs will want to check out Camera Street (Han Kou St. Sec. 1). There, they will find the latest high-tech camera equipment. The Guang Hua Digital Plaza (Civic Blvd. near the intersection of Xin Sheng Rd.) offers computer hardware and parts, games and accessories. The venue is open from 9:00 am to 10:00 pm. Be advised, however, that English is rarely spoken and care must be taken as systems may not be compatible globally.
Finally, Di Hua St. is an excellent destination to shop for authentic Chinese goods. The fabric market (Monday to Saturday, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm) is paradise for anyone looking for material and sewing accessories. Be sure to bargain hard even at stores where prices are normally "fixed."