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. The latest addition to Taipei shopping mall, Bellavita, Song Ren Rd. # 28, caters to the high-end market with European brand name stores.

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.

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.

Other areas good for young and trendy shoppers are Ximending, Xinyi district, Shihlin Night Market, Wu Fen Pu- the area is located in between North of Song Shan train station to Yong Ji Road. East from Zhong Po N. Road to Song Shan Road. and Rao He Night Market between Rao He Street and BaDe Rd. Sec. 4, Gong Guan - Near National Taiwan University.

Taiwan Handicraft Promotion Center, Hsu Chou Rd. corner of Zhong Shan S. Rd., is a government sponsored store that offers a wide selection of Chinese handicrafts. Open 9.00 am - 5.30 pm daily! English is well spoken.

Di Hua St. is an excellent destination to shop for authentic Chinese goods.

Finally, shoppers will love the Yingge Ceramic Museum. Production in the town began during the Japanese occupation (1895–1945). Today, glass and ceramics produced there have achieved worldwide renown. The Yingge Ceramic Museum is located at Wunhua Rd. #200 in Yingge Township. The telephone number is (02) 8677-2727. The museum is open Tue. to Sun. from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.