The street was originally known as 'Middle Street' during the Qing Dynasty before being renamed Dihua Street in 1947.
It was the epicenter of the 'Dadaocheng' tea trade, which made Taipei a major global exporter of Oolong tea in the 1800s.
The buildings often feature 'long and narrow' floor plans designed to minimize tax based on street frontage width.
Taipei Xia-Hai City God Temple on this street is internationally renowned for its matchmaker deity, Yue Lao.
Some buildings display 'taisho-era' decorative motifs reflecting Japanese colonial influence on Taiwanese architecture.
The street was a major hub for the textile and fabric industry in the mid-20th century, and remnants of this trade still exist in the southern section.
Dihua Street is the oldest commercial street in Taipei, located in the historic Dadaocheng district. The architecture showcases a blend of Qing Dynasty, Western Baroque, and post-war modernist styles. It serves as the primary center for the wholesale trade of traditional Chinese medicinal herbs, dried seafood, and tea. During the weeks leading up to the Lunar New Year, the street transforms into the city's largest festive market for holiday provisions. Many century-old shophouses have been repurposed into creative boutiques, art galleries, and craft cafes while retaining their original facades. The area remains a crucial hub for the preservation of Taipei's merchant history from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
The intersection of Dihua Street and Nanjing West Road, capturing the contrast between the historic red-brick facades and modern street life.
Explore the narrow alleyways branching off the main street to find hidden courtyard cafes.
Sample the dried fruit and local tea snacks offered as free tasters by vendors.
Visit the second floors of certain renovated shophouses where cafes and reading rooms provide a quieter perspective of the street.
Avoid visiting during the peak weekend hours of the Lunar New Year market if you dislike extreme crowds. Do not mistake the wholesale shops for simple souvenir stalls; ask before taking close-up photos of proprietary goods.
Very crowded during the three weeks preceding the Lunar New Year; individual shop hours vary significantly.
Respect the active religious rituals if entering the Taipei Xia-Hai City God Temple; remove hats and avoid loud talking inside temple grounds.
