Some streets in Taipei are really special; they are crowded with shops selling the same kinds of products, creating a spacially-themed shopping area. These streets not only make shopping a convenient affair for most consumers, but also make it possible for these businesses to swap and exchange goods. Although the problems of price comparison and price slashing may occur, it does add to the fun and educational experience.
All around Taipei, in all directions, you will find themed shopping streets and areas. However, the West District's shopping streets have the longest history, so let's take a look at what's available at XiMenDing.

1.Book Street
Book Street, along ChongQing South Road, section 1, is one of Taipei City's most famous theme streets, with a long history behind it (it was voted the top "Themed Street" of Taipei in 2005). This street was very popular before 1996 but, with the commercial district moving eastward, the opening of big bookstores such as Eslite and the downward turn of the economy, many bookstores and publishers in this area went into decline. The shops on Book Street now mainly sell specialized books, computer books and other reference books. There are also two shops that specialize in the four ancient tools of calligraphy: brush, ink-stick, paper and ink stone. There are also two other shops that specialize in Chinese medical books and medical equipment. Take a walk here and you might not only find precious books, but also experience a piece of history and culture.

2.Photographic Equipment Street
From the start of BoAi Road towards the end of WuChang Street (including the front section of HanKou and KaiFeng roads) is a mecca for photographic equipment. This "camera street" has over 40 years of history, with approximately 40 shops selling cameras and other related equipment. You can still find traditional, but highly professional, photographic equipment here, as well as all the latest in digital photographic technology. You may even be able to find antique cameras to add to your collection. There is also a few medical equipment shops and philatelic societies here. Whether you are looking for professional equipment or antiques, this is the place to be.

3.Audio Equipment Street
From BoAi Road all the way to HanKou Street, the mid-section of KaiFeng Street and the odd-numbered side of ChungHua Road, section 1, you'll find audio equipment shops galore. These mostly sell combination-style, small hi-fi equipment (desktop or bed stand hi-fis), walkmans, and other related equipment. Many stores also sell MP3 players, translation machines and other small electronic products. Some stores sell more high-end audio and visual equipment, so that customers can select whatever combination they like. If you decide to come and purchase audio equipment from here, it's best to do some research on what you are looking for and what the market prices are, so you won't feel intimidated by the professionals here.

4.Shoe & Socks Street
The famous shoe shop street of West District is situated on YuanLing Street near ChenZhong Market. The giant shoes decorating the street are a good indication of what they specialize in here. The shoe stores here mainly sell ladies' fashion shoes and children's shoes, but there are also some men's and sports shoes available. There are also a good number of shoe stores and sock shops on the even-numbered side of ZhongHua Road, section 1 in the busy XiMen District. The styles here are more trendy and fashionable and well liked by the younger generation. The shoe prices in these two areas are middle-to-low range, very economical for those who are on a budget but wish to find desirable footwear.

5.Cell phone stores and evening dress shops at Lion's Plaza
About 20 years ago, Lion's Plaza was an established department store. Now it has become a shopping plaza with small businesses occupying the first and second floors. The first floor is mainly occupied by cell phone shops, where you can find not only the latest models but also some classic ones you might wish to add to your collection. The second floor sells mainly ladies' evening dresses, a one-of-as-kind place in Taipei City. As there are many unique small performance halls in XiMenDing, these shops cater to female performers' needs. The stage clothes, evening dresses and sequined qi-paos are all very eye-catching but reasonably priced. The shops here also take orders so, if you are in need of an evening dress or stage costume, you might like to check this area out.

6.American-Style Hip Hop Street
Between WuChang Street and ErMei Street is Lane 96 of KunMing Street (situated in the lane to the left of McDonald's), or "American Street", with its very own signage. The shops on either side of this lane sell hip-hop style clothing -- everything from hats, T-shirts, jackets, loose pants and other accessories. There is stylish graffiti on either side of the walls, filling the atmosphere with American culture. Some shops are situated a little further away from KunMing Street is Lane 96, so if you are looking for hip-hop style clothing, you might want to take a walk around the area. Some of these shops also sell really cool hip-hop music that isn't mainstream, and many music lovers enjoy coming here to chat with the shop owners about music.

7.Hardware Street
There are two areas in West District with the highest concentration of hardware stores. The first one is the TaiYuan Road area behind the railway station, the other area is HuanHe South Road, section 1 at the top end of XiMenDing. As you come off the expressway, you will see around 20-odd hardware stores. Almost any kind of equipment, motor and various small machines can all be found here. There are also some shops that specialize in selling freezers, refrigerators and vendor's trolleys -- great for people who are planning on setting up their own small business.
XiMenDing has always given people the impression of being a young person's shopping paradise. Since the Qing dynasty and the Japanese Occupation period until now, this area has seen a lot of cultural and historical changes, adding unique qualities to the themed shopping streets here.
Find time to take a walk around the West District and you're sure to find something out of the ordinary.

Book Street: ChongQing South Road, Sec.1
(02) 2314-1310
Multi-lingual tool book store: Royal Books Center No.20 www.royalbooks.com.tw
(02) 2389-1979
Four Treasures of Study Shop: No. 133, Kander's International
(02) 2311-3523
54, GuoHuaTang
(02) 2381-0435
Chinese Medical Bookstores: Zhi Yuan Book Store, No. 43, B1
(02) 2311-0770
Da Fang Bookstore: No. 44