Solo score 4 out of 5: Very comfortableMultiple sources agree · checked 2026-10
Nishi Honganji Square
西本願寺廣場 · show this name to taxi drivers
The grounds of a large Japanese-era Buddhist temple, a short walk south of Ximending. The main hall burned down in 1975, but its stone base, a 1923 bell tower and the head priest's 1924 wooden residence still stand around a quiet open square. It is free and a calm break from the shopping streets.
At a glance for one
Admission
Free
The outdoor square is free. The teahouse and any exhibitions are separate.
Hours
Open 24 hours
The outdoor square is open all day. Exhibition rooms and the teahouse keep their own daytime hours.
Time needed
15-30 minutes
Booking
Not needed
Minimum
None
Details can change. Check on site before you rely on hours, prices or payment.
How to visit, step by step
- From Ximen station (BL11/G12) Exit 1, walk about 5 minutes south along Zhonghua Road
- Walk into the open square. There is no ticket or gate
- Look at the bell tower first, then walk up to the stone base where the main hall once stood
- The 1924 wooden residence (Rinbansho) is now a teahouse with its own hours and prices, separate from the free square
- Exhibition rooms in the main-hall base and the brick Shuxin Hall keep shorter daytime hours, so they may be closed when you pass
Don't miss: The 1923 bell tower and the view across the square from the old main-hall base.
Best time to go alone: Daytime, when the buildings and teahouse are more likely to be open. Mornings are quiet.
Before you go
A simple plan for Ximending alone, from breakfast to a late hot pot, with places we have checked for solo travelers.
Read: Ximending on your own →Getting there
MRT: Ximen (BL11/G12), Exit 1, about 5 min on foot south along Zhonghua Road.
No. 174, Sec. 1, Zhonghua Rd., Wanhua Dist., Taipei City
臺北市萬華區中華路一段174號
Open in Google Maps臺北市萬華區中華路一段174號
Sources & checks
Multiple sources agree · 2026-10
No sponsorship disclosed in the sources we checked.
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