Taipei 101 is the iconic skyscraper and the Xinyi District is Taipei's premier shopping and entertainment area.

About Taipei 101 / Xinyi District

The Xinyi District is Taipei's glittering commercial center, dominated by the 508-meter Taipei 101 tower that was the world's tallest building from 2004 to 2010. The tower's outdoor observation deck on the 89th floor offers panoramic views, and its massive wind damper (a 730-ton golden sphere) is an engineering marvel visitors can see up close. The base of Taipei 101 houses a luxury shopping mall with high-end international brands.

The surrounding Xinyi area is Taipei's answer to Tokyo's Shibuya—a concentration of department stores (Breeze Center, Shin Kong Mitsukoshi, Bellavita), multiplex cinemas, upscale restaurants, and buzzing nightlife venues. The Songshan Cultural and Creative Park, converted from a former tobacco factory, offers art exhibitions and design markets. On weekend evenings, the pedestrian areas fill with street performers and the illuminated skyline creates a spectacular backdrop.

Nearby Landmarks

Taipei 101 Songshan Cultural Creative Park Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall Xinyi Shopping District

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost TWD 1200-1500 (USD 37-46)
Time 50-70 minutes

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Rideshare (Grab/Uber)

Cost TWD 1000-1300 (USD 31-40)
Time 50-70 minutes

Uber/Yoxi from arrivals

Train (Taoyuan Airport MRT + Red Line)

Cost TWD 195
Time 55 minutes
Frequency Combined frequency

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Airport MRT Express to Taipei Main Station (35 min). 2. Transfer to Red Line (Xinyi-Tamsui Line). 3. Exit at Taipei 101/World Trade Center station (15 min).

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi TWD 1200-1500 (USD 37-46) 50-70 minutes Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Rideshare TWD 1000-1300 (USD 31-40) 50-70 minutes Budget-conscious, app users
Train TWD 195 55 minutes Budget, avoiding traffic

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

The Airport MRT runs until 11 PM, and the Taipei Metro (Red Line) runs until midnight. Kuo-Kuang 1819 buses run 24 hours for the airport connection. After metro closure, taxis from Taipei Main Station to Xinyi cost about TWD 150-200 ($5-6).

Luggage Tips

The Airport MRT Express has excellent luggage storage. When transferring at Taipei Main Station, follow signs for the Red Line—the transfer involves a 5-10 minute walk through underground corridors. Luggage is manageable throughout.

Accessibility

All MRT stations have elevator access and barrier-free facilities. Taipei 101 is fully wheelchair accessible with dedicated entrances. The Xinyi district has wide, modern sidewalks with tactile paving and accessible crossings.