Conveniently located about a 5-10 walk away from MRT Houshanpi Station and opposite from the Songshan Railway Station, Wufengpu Shopping District is an affordable shopping paradise in Xinyi District of Taipei City, Taiwan.

Wufengpu, literally means “five pieces of land”, was mainly in the countryside during the year 1958 until a typhoon that caused a major flood in Taiwan called “the Flood of August 7”. The flood was so severe that over 80% of the entire Taipei City was underwater. The Taiwan Government donated an area in Wufenpu to settle those veterans who lived in Taipei Songshan Railway Station area before the flood, and 1,200 one-and-a-half story temporary homes were established.

During the 1960s, many people from other parts of central Taiwan noticed that it was easier to make a living in Taipei and came to rent houses from the veterans. They used the first floor as a clothing shop and the 2nd story as their home and the tailoring place. After a few years, the veterans all sold their houses to these inhabitants from central Taiwan and many newcomers, and as of today Wufenpu is the biggest special clothing hub for clothes retailers in northern Taiwan.

Most of the shops in Taipei Wufenpu Shopping District open around 11:00 till midnight on weekends, and around 21:00 on weekdays. Monday is considered the day for retailers, where one may find retailers carrying goods in big bags or luggage. Visitors may want to shop on other days as Monday is a busy day for all shops, they may not have time to serve you.

The heart of Wufenpu beats with the latest fashion trends at some of the lowest prices in Taipei, pumping shoppers through its overflowing veins of more than 1000 stores. Although the market caters mainly to wholesalers, individual shoppers are bound to find bargains to their liking as well.

The market place stocks a range of garments that caters to all ages, particularly women’s clothing and kid’s wear. Part of the market’s popularity lies in its keeping up to date with the trends so visitors won’t see the same thing twice during their next visit to Wufenpu. Although the market is definitely not a high-fashion zone, it offers the latest street fashions for a fraction of the cost found in department stores, with many items priced at less than TWD 500. Bulk buying generally yields a discount. If you like bargains and shopping, Wufenpu is not a place you would like to miss out on your Taiwan travel.

After shopping, visitors may either savor local Taiwan snacks at Wufengpu area or the famous Raohe Night Market, which is reachable in about a 10 minute short stroll to wrap up a wonderful day in Taipei.