North Gate (Beimen) Taipei
A beautifully preserved 19th-century gate, offering a glimpse into Taipei's historical fortifications and architectural evolution.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Soft light, fewer crowds
North Gate (Beimen) Taipei
Best Time
Soft light, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A beautifully preserved 19th-century gate, offering a glimpse into Taipei's historical fortifications and architectural evolution.
"A reminder of the fortified era of Taipei, nice to take pictures and entrance to the old part of the city."
📸 Golden Hour Magic
Capture stunning photos during sunrise or sunset for the best light.
🚶♀️ Walkable History
Easily accessible from Taipei Main Station, perfect for a quick historical detour.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Taipei North Gate (ChengEn Gate)
Zhongzheng District, Taipei
A beautifully preserved 19th-century city gate, offering a glimpse into Taipei's historical fortifications.
Beimen Post Office
Adjacent to North Gate
An iconic harvest gold building from the 1930s, offering a striking architectural contrast.
Nighttime Illumination
Taipei North Gate
The gate is beautifully lit up after dark, creating a magical atmosphere for evening strolls and photos.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Photos
Explore Beyond the Gate
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Golden Hour Magic
Capture stunning photos during sunrise or sunset for the best light.
🚶♀️ Walkable History
Easily accessible from Taipei Main Station, perfect for a quick historical detour.
💡 Evening Glow
The North Gate is beautifully lit at night, offering a different perspective.
🏨 Nearby Stays
Consider CitizenM Northgate Taipei for a convenient and IG-worthy stay.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Golden Hour Magic
Capture stunning photos during sunrise or sunset for the best light.
🚶♀️ Walkable History
Easily accessible from Taipei Main Station, perfect for a quick historical detour.
💡 Evening Glow
The North Gate is beautifully lit at night, offering a different perspective.
🏨 Nearby Stays
Consider CitizenM Northgate Taipei for a convenient and IG-worthy stay.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Taipei North Gate for its historical significance and photogenic qualities, especially when illuminated at night. It's seen as a valuable reminder of the city's past and a beautiful architectural piece. Some wish for more extensive historical interpretation on-site.
"On Jan 2023, during Chinese New Year, me and my sister's family came to visiting Taiwan. This is a ChengEn Gate, which is also old town gate for Taipei City. Great to having photos shooting here and to know the history of Taiwan."
BOON LEONG TAN
"Great place to walk through the Taipei old downtown from China Ching dynasty, Japan colonial era to modern time, feeling the vibrant and diverse Taipei spirit!"
Dave Chen
"This is a reminder of the fortified era of Taipei. There's plenty of markers and plaque that tell the history of the gates and walls of the city. It's also nice to take pictures and entrance to the old part of the city."
Town Traveller
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The North Gate (Beimen) is conveniently located just a few minutes' walk from Taipei Main Station. It's easily accessible via MRT, making it a straightforward addition to your itinerary.
Yes, the North Gate is relatively close to Ximending and can be reached by a pleasant walk or a short MRT ride, making it easy to combine these popular areas.
Walking is the best way to explore the North Gate and its surrounding historical sites. The area is pedestrian-friendly and allows you to soak in the atmosphere.
While there might be parking garages in the vicinity, public transportation is highly recommended due to the central location and potential traffic congestion.
Yes, cycling is a popular option in Taipei, and there are YouBike stations nearby. It's a great way to see the city and reach the North Gate.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, visiting the Taipei North Gate itself is free of charge. It's an open historical landmark that you can admire and photograph from the outside.
The North Gate is an outdoor landmark and is accessible at all times. However, for the best experience and photography, consider visiting during daylight hours or when it's illuminated at night.
While the Beimen Post Office building itself is a historical landmark, access to its interior and any exhibitions may have specific hours and potential fees. It's best to check locally for current information.
Many city tours of Taipei include a stop at the North Gate. You can also find specialized historical walking tours that delve deeper into the area's past.
Generally, there are no specific restrictions for visiting the exterior of the North Gate. However, always be respectful of the historical site and any posted guidelines.
📸 📸 Photography
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer the most beautiful light for photographing the North Gate. It's also stunning when illuminated at night.
You can capture architectural shots of the gate, historical context with surrounding buildings like the Beimen Post Office, and vibrant street scenes. 
Drone usage is typically restricted in urban areas and around historical landmarks in Taipei. It's advisable to check with local authorities for specific regulations.
Experiment with different angles from the front for a classic view, or try capturing it with the Beimen Post Office for a historical juxtaposition.
Photography policies inside the Beimen Post Office may vary. It's best to inquire upon arrival or look for signage regarding photo permissions.
🎫 🏛️ History & Culture
The North Gate (ChengEn Gate) was a crucial part of Taipei's 19th-century city walls, built during the Qing Dynasty, and is one of the few well-preserved structures from that era.
The area around the North Gate offers insights into Taipei's transition from its Qing Dynasty fortifications through the Japanese colonial era to its modern development.
Yes, there are usually markers and plaques around the North Gate that detail its history and the former city walls.
The North Gate is a traditional two-story gatehouse, reflecting the architectural styles prevalent during the Qing Dynasty in Taiwan.
Nearby historical sites include the Beimen Post Office, the Presidential Office Building, and the 228 Peace Memorial Park, offering a rich historical walking tour.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Combine your visit with a walk to the Presidential Office Building or 228 Peace Memorial Park, which are relatively close and offer more space for children to explore. The ease of access from Taipei Main Station makes it a convenient stop without requiring a long journey, perfect for shorter attention spans.
🚶 Budget Travelers
Its proximity to Taipei Main Station also means you can easily incorporate it into a day of exploring on foot or using the efficient public transport system. Consider packing your own snacks and water to further save costs while enjoying this historical gem.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Taipei's Past
Walking around the North Gate, you can feel the layers of history. It's a place where the Qing Dynasty era meets the Japanese colonial period and the vibrant modern Taipei. The surrounding area, including the distinctive Beimen Post Office, further enriches this historical narrative, showcasing architectural evolution and the city's dynamic growth.
+1Many visitors find the North Gate to be a poignant reminder of Taipei's resilience and transformation. It's not just a historical monument but a living part of the urban landscape, inviting reflection on the city's journey from its fortified beginnings to its status as a bustling metropolis today.
Photography Tips for the North Gate
For a truly captivating shot, consider framing the North Gate with the adjacent Beimen Post Office. This juxtaposition highlights the architectural styles of different eras and tells a richer visual story. At night, the gate is beautifully illuminated, offering a completely different, almost magical, photographic opportunity.
When exploring, don't hesitate to experiment with different perspectives. Get up close to appreciate the intricate details of the stonework, or step back to include the surrounding urban environment to show the gate in its contemporary context. Remember to be mindful of pedestrian traffic and any local photography guidelines.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit