Ximen Crossing
Taipei's vibrant Rainbow Six Crossing, a symbol of inclusivity, located in the bustling Ximending district. A must-see for photos!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Ximen Crossing
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Taipei's vibrant Rainbow Six Crossing, a symbol of inclusivity, located in the bustling Ximending district. A must-see for photos!
"Even in the drizzle, the colors shine brighter. Love is everywhere here. "
🚦 Wait for the light!
Safely capture your photos by waiting for the traffic signal. Patience is key amidst the crowds. :traffic_light:
📸 Best photo angles
Get creative! Look for unique perspectives from nearby buildings or the Red House Theater. :camerawithflash:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Rainbow Six Crossing
Ximen MRT Station Exit 6
An iconic, vibrant pedestrian crossing symbolizing inclusivity and pride. A must-visit for photos!
Ximending Walking District
Around Ximen MRT Station
Taipei's bustling hub for shopping, dining, and entertainment, often compared to Tokyo's Shibuya.
The Red House Theater
Near Rainbow Six Crossing
A historic octagonal building offering cultural exhibitions, performances, and unique shops.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Photos
It's More Than Just a Crossing
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚦 Wait for the light!
Safely capture your photos by waiting for the traffic signal. Patience is key amidst the crowds. :traffic_light:
📸 Best photo angles
Get creative! Look for unique perspectives from nearby buildings or the Red House Theater.
🚶 Explore beyond the crossing
Ximending offers endless shopping, food, and entertainment. Don't miss the Red House!
☔ Rainy day magic
Even in the rain, the neon lights and rainbow crossing create a magical atmosphere. :umbrella:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚦 Wait for the light!
Safely capture your photos by waiting for the traffic signal. Patience is key amidst the crowds. :traffic_light:
📸 Best photo angles
Get creative! Look for unique perspectives from nearby buildings or the Red House Theater.
🚶 Explore beyond the crossing
Ximending offers endless shopping, food, and entertainment. Don't miss the Red House!
☔ Rainy day magic
Even in the rain, the neon lights and rainbow crossing create a magical atmosphere. :umbrella:
💡 Symbol of inclusivity
Remember the crossing symbolizes Taipei's respect for human rights and gender equality.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Ximen Crossing is a vibrant and symbolic spot in Taipei, often praised for its colorful design and its message of inclusivity. While many enjoy it as a quick photo opportunity and a symbol of the city's progressive values, some visitors find it overly crowded and underwhelming compared to expectations. It's best viewed as part of a larger exploration of the lively Ximending district. +1
"This is one of many spots which will likely be crowded when you get there. Make sure to wait for the traffic light before heading to the middle of the road to take pictures. I spent only about 5 minutes there and it’s best to pass by and not hang around."
Samuel Teo
"Honestly, it was a bit underwhelming. The street is really small and gets way too crowded, especially for what it is just a short stretch with six colored stripes symbolizing LGBTQ+ pride in Taipei. It’s a nice photo spot if you’re already nearby, but not really worth going out of your way for. Feels more like a quick pit stop than a full on attraction."
Athirah Azizan
"Rainbow was stepped by too many people and cars, so it’s not easy to take pics. Nevertheless better than nothing. The special sign of Doraemon also has the rainbow for the background."
YJ SchH
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The easiest way to reach Ximen Crossing is by taking the Taipei Metro (MRT) to Ximen Station. The Rainbow Six Crossing is located right outside Exit 6.
Yes, Ximending is very well-connected by public transport. Ximen Station is a major hub for the MRT's Blue and Green lines, making it easy to reach from anywhere in Taipei.
Driving in Ximending can be challenging due to heavy traffic and limited parking. It's highly recommended to use public transportation.
While the Ximen Rainbow Six Crossing is the most famous, there are other rainbow-themed pedestrian areas in Taipei, sometimes appearing as temporary installations or in different districts.
Ximending is a pedestrian-friendly area. The best way to explore is on foot, allowing you to discover its many shops, eateries, and hidden gems.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Ximen Crossing is a public pedestrian area and does not require any tickets or admission fees. It's free to visit and photograph.
Ximen Crossing is accessible 24/7 as it's a public street. However, the surrounding shops and attractions have their own operating hours.
There is no entrance fee to enter the Ximending district or Ximen Crossing. You only pay for any purchases you make.
While the crossing itself is a permanent fixture, Ximending often hosts various events, festivals, and street performances, especially on weekends.
Reports indicate that the main Rainbow Six Crossing was under construction until July 25th, 2025. However, there are often other rainbow-themed areas or temporary installations nearby.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
For the best photos with fewer crowds, aim for early mornings or late evenings. Golden hour before sunset can also offer beautiful lighting. +1
Be patient and wait for the traffic lights to stop vehicles. You can also try capturing shots from slightly elevated positions or focus on details.
The area around the Red House Theater offers great vantage points, and you can also incorporate the vibrant street art and neon signs of Ximending into your photos.
Drone usage in densely populated urban areas like Ximending is generally restricted due to safety and privacy concerns. It's best to avoid using drones.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the entire crossing and the surrounding streetscape. A smartphone with good low-light capabilities will also work well.
🍽️ 🛍️ Shopping & Dining
Ximending is famous for trendy fashion, unique accessories, K-pop merchandise, and souvenirs. You'll find everything from international brands to local boutiques.
Don't miss out on Taiwanese street food like Ay Chung Flour Rice Noodles, Taiwanese scallion pancakes, and bubble tea from popular spots like Xin Fu Tang.
Yes, Ximending offers a wide array of dining options, from casual street food stalls to themed cafes and international cuisine.
Explore the smaller side streets and independent shops for unique handcrafted items, local snacks, and quirky souvenirs that represent Taiwanese culture.
While Ximending is more known for its street-level boutiques and smaller shops, you can find larger stores like Uniqlo offering a variety of goods.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
When visiting with children, consider visiting during daytime hours when it's less crowded and easier to navigate. Be sure to try some of the kid-friendly street food options like bubble tea and sweet treats.
The Red House Theater also sometimes hosts family-friendly events or exhibitions. Remember to keep a close eye on children in crowded areas and be mindful of traffic when crossing streets.📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The best times for photography are early morning or late evening to avoid crowds and capture the interplay of natural light and artificial illumination.Experiment with different angles, perhaps from slightly elevated positions or by incorporating the surrounding architecture like the Red House Theater.
The symbolism of the crossing also adds a layer of narrative to your shots. While the crossing itself is the main draw, don't forget to capture the broader Ximending experience, from street art to vibrant shop displays.🏳️🌈 LGBTQ+ Travelers & Allies
Visiting the crossing is a way to acknowledge and celebrate these values. The vibrant colors and the welcoming atmosphere of Ximending itself contribute to a positive and affirming experience.Beyond the crossing, Ximending is known for its generally progressive and open-minded environment. While not exclusively an LGBTQ+ district, it's a place where diversity is embraced. The surrounding area offers a variety of entertainment and dining options that cater to a broad audience, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable visit.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Symbolism of Rainbow Six Crossing
Painted outside Exit 6 of the Ximen MRT Station, its vibrant colors represent inclusivity and acceptance, making it a significant landmark for the LGBTQ+ community and allies. The crossing's name, 'Rainbow Six,' directly references its location and its message of diversity.This pedestrian crossing has become a popular spot for visitors to express their support for these values and to capture a piece of Taipei's progressive spirit. Even on a rainy day, the colors are said to shine brighter, reflecting the resilience and vibrancy of the message it conveys.
While the main crossing has undergone renovations, the spirit it represents continues to resonate throughout Ximending. The area itself is known for its youthful energy and diverse culture, making the Rainbow Six Crossing a fitting centerpiece for this dynamic district.
Experiencing Ximending: A Shopper's Paradise
This pedestrian-friendly district is a haven for shoppers, offering everything from the latest fashion trends and unique accessories to K-pop merchandise and quirky souvenirs. You can spend hours browsing through the countless boutiques, international brand stores, and independent shops that line its streets.Beyond fashion, Ximending is a culinary hotspot. Foodies will rejoice in the abundance of Taiwanese street food and diverse dining options. Be sure to try local favorites like Ay Chung Flour Rice Noodles, scallion pancakes, and of course, authentic bubble tea from renowned vendors like Xin Fu Tang.
The area also boasts themed cafes and restaurants catering to every palate.The Red House Theater, a historic octagonal building, stands as a cultural landmark within Ximending. It hosts art exhibitions, performances, and houses a variety of unique shops, adding a layer of history and culture to the district's modern appeal.
Exploring Ximending is an immersive experience, blending shopping, dining, and cultural discovery.Navigating Crowds and Capturing the Moment
When aiming for that perfect photograph, patience and timing are crucial. Visitors are advised to wait for the traffic lights to stop vehicles before stepping into the crossing to capture their images safely.
For those looking to capture the essence of Ximending beyond just the crossing, consider the vibrant neon lights that illuminate the district at night.
Remember to also be mindful of the symbolism of the crossing, representing inclusivity and pride.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit