Taipei Weekend Walking Plan: 5 Leisurely Routes to Discover 100 Ways of Life Beyond the City

▲Many wonderful surprises are not on the main roads, but in the alleys. (Photo / from Qingtian Qiliu’s fan page)

Reporter Yu Jiayun / Comprehensive Report

When it comes to weekend leisure, is it still just movies, karaoke, or afternoon tea? With the good weather, why not use your feet and eyes to get to know Taipei all over again? Exploring greater Taipei doesn’t have to mean shopping—sometimes the streets and alleys that seem “nothing special” can offer unexpected surprises. Here are 5 city routes in Taipei that are perfect for those looking for a relaxing stroll.

1. Minsheng Community

With its tranquil environment and convenient living facilities, Minsheng Community has long been an ideal residential area for many Taipei residents. The streets are clean and tidy, lined with shady trees, making it feel like an oasis in Taipei. There are also plenty of specialty cafes and boutique shops here, as well as a variety of international cuisine and local snacks—it’s a great neighborhood for a leisurely walk and afternoon tea.

▲%The streets in this area are peaceful and shaded, with many charming little shops. (Photo provided by Lin Huazi)

2. Qingtian Street

After navigating through traffic, turn into Qingtian Street in Taipei’s Da’an District, and you’ll be greeted by a streetscape of Japanese-style buildings reminiscent of a rural Japanese village. The community has intentionally preserved and maintained the old trees, filling the area around Qingtian Street with greenery. The historic Japanese-style architecture and comfortable streets, along with a few teahouses tucked away in the alleys, make it perfect for an afternoon stroll.

▲Qingtian Street’s Japanese-style scenery is lush with trees. (Photo provided by Lin Huazi)

▲A Japanese-style teahouse on Qingtian Street. (Photo / from Qingtian Teahouse’s fan page)

3. Yongkang Street

Although Yongkang Street is often associated with foreign tourists, beyond the well-known chain restaurants and mango shaved ice, you can still find some great cafes and afternoon tea spots in the alleys. Past the most popular sections of Yongkang Street, the surrounding area is relatively quiet and residential, with several leisure parks for relaxation.

▲%Yongkang Street is popular with foreign visitors. (Top photo / provided by Lin Huazi, bottom photo / by reporter Huang Kexiang)

4. Baozangyan

After grabbing some snacks in the Gongguan area, pick up a cup of Chen Sanding and head to Baozangyan for a walk. Hidden within this historical settlement, the Baozangyan International Art Village uses the concept of “symbiosis” to create a space for dialogue between ecology, art, and the community. The old buildings and modern art collide to produce fresh sparks, while the weathered walls and stairs lead to cozy cafes filled with the scent of books. Such a contrast to the city’s hustle and bustle—how can you just pass it by?

▲%The historical settlement has now become an international art village. (Photo / from HowToTrip, strong>