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2. Hsimenting
Those in love with the urban dazzle of Asian cities must make
Hsimenting a stop on their journey. Once the western edge of Old
Taipei (the name literally means "West Gate Street"), Hsimenting
was the focus of architectural innovation during the Japanese
era, when it gained its name as the Mecca of the trendy.
During the post-war era, a horde of movie theaters popped up in
Hsimenting, and the area has remained Silver Screen Central to
this day. Supplanted by the East District as the focal point of
fashion in the 1980s, Hsimenting has seen a recent renaissance,
as many of its streets have been closed to through traffic, turning
the area into a pedestrian mall. A performance circle has been
added in the middle of Hsimenting, where open air pop music concerts,
as well as buskers, jugglers and breakdancers, can often be seen.
More than ever, Hsimenting has become the only place to be for
Taipei youth, who throng the streets at night sporting the season's
hottest clothes, shoes, jewels and tattoos. (As a rule, the tattoos
are of the paste-on variety, and the designs change as often as
the colors of the kids' hair.)
3. Po-Ai historical district
 Just
adjacent to Hsimenting is the old heart of Taipei City, the Po-Ai
historical district, home of the Presidential Palace, as well
as many other government agencies - most of which are still housed
in the charming original brick buildings built by the Japanese.
The area also boasts two popular department stores, the Far Eastern
and the Rebar (where perhaps the best Hongkong-style Dim Sum in
Taipei can be had, but be forewarned! Service is typically chaotic,
and it's hard to find a seat on holidays).
While you're
in the area, relax at the 2-28 Peace Park. Called the New Park
in the old days, it has now been rededicated to victims of the
February 28 Incident of 1947. The park features traditional pagodas
set amidst shady palm trees, a gold-fish pond and an outdoor theater.
On the park grounds is the Taiwan Provincial Museum.
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