Taipei Walking Tour: Historic West, Temples & Chiang Kai-shek

Summary

Walk Taipei’s old streets temples and stories with locals

You’ll walk Taipei’s west end with a local guide who actually knows every shortcut and story. Smell incense at Longshan Temple, touch centuries-old bricks on Bopiliao Street, sip bubble tea during your break, then stand under the blue roof of Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall as history feels suddenly close.

What’s the experience like?

“You can smell incense before you even see Longshan Temple,” our guide, Li, said — and she was right. We’d barely rounded the corner when that smoky-sweet scent hit me, mixing with street food oil and scooter exhaust. Inside, people were lighting sticks and bowing in that slow, careful way that makes you want to whisper. Li told us about how the temple survived bombings and typhoons; I kept thinking about all those hands smoothing the same stone steps for centuries. Someone handed me a fortune stick (I had no idea what to do), and Li just grinned — “Don’t worry, everyone’s a beginner at first.”

Bopiliao Street felt like flipping pages in an old photo album — red brick walls patched together from different eras, tiny shops squeezed between new glassy buildings. There was this old man selling tea who nodded at us but didn’t say much; he just kept pouring, steam curling up in the damp air. I tried to imagine this place packed with traders and bathhouses like Li described. She pointed out a carved beam from the Qing dynasty and said it’s one of the best-preserved bits of old Taipei. I probably wouldn’t have noticed if she hadn’t stopped us there.

After a quick break (bubble tea is basically mandatory here), we wandered through Ximen Red House — all red brick arches and echoes of theater voices. It’s wild how it went from market to theater to LGBTQ hangout spot; Taiwan’s history really isn’t straightforward. The Presidential Office Building loomed up next, looking both formal and oddly familiar from photos. There were some people protesting on Ketagalan Boulevard — nothing huge, just banners flapping in the breeze while office workers hurried past like it was totally normal.

Last stop: Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall — white stone shining in the late sun, blue-tiled roof almost too bright against the sky. Li talked about how people used to worship Chiang as a hero but now see him differently; you could hear something complicated in her voice when she said it. I stood there for a minute longer than everyone else, trying to take it all in — not sure I really did, but I still think about that view sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore historic sites in West Taipei

• Visit Longshan Temple
• Walk through Bopiliao historic area
• Explore Ximen Red House and take break
• See Presidential Office Building
• Stroll 228 Peace Memorial Park
• Visit Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall

Top questions

How long is the Taipei historic walking tour?

The walking tour lasts around 3 hours.

Is this Taipei walking tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible.

Which attractions are included on this day trip?

You’ll visit Longshan Temple, Bopiliao Street, Ximen Red House, Presidential Office Building, 228 Peace Memorial Park, and Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall.

Does the tour include pickup or transport?

No hotel pickup is included; public transportation options are nearby.

Is there a break during the walking tour?

Yes, there’s a midway break included for refreshments or rest.

Are infants or strollers allowed?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in prams or strollers.

Who leads this Taipei historic walking tour?

A professional English-speaking local guide leads the group.

Are service animals permitted?

Yes, service animals are allowed on this tour.

What’s included

Your day includes a professional English-speaking guide who walks you through west Taipei’s most historic spots — Longshan Temple, Bopiliao Street, Ximen Red House, Presidential Office Building, 228 Peace Memorial Park and Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall — plus a midway break for snacks or bubble tea before finishing near public transport links.