Yongkang Street Introduction
Yongkang Street is the birthplace of Taipei's alley culture, with a development history that dates back to the Japanese colonial period. During that time, the Liugong Canal irrigation system and the formation of surrounding official residence areas gradually led to the population growth in this area. After the war, with road expansions and the planning of Daan Forest Park, along with the presence of nearby schools, higher education institutions, and cultural organizations, Yongkang Street evolved into an urban life model of "residential × culture × food." The neighborhood retains many old house structures, some of which have been transformed into teahouses, bookstores, or cafes, presenting a blend of historical traces and modern lifestyle. This historical background has also laid the cultural foundation of Yongkang Street today. While strolling in the Yongkang area, in addition to enjoying the food, one can also observe the old signs at street corners, retro buildings, or small parks adorned with greenery. The area around Yongkang Park is a popular spot for photography, with store facades, light and shadow at alley corners, and old window frames with plants being common scenes to capture. Travelers interested in cultural and creative products can explore small design shops and teahouses along Lishui Street and parts of Jinhwa Street, while those who prefer a tranquil atmosphere may wish to enter the Kangqinglong lifestyle area for a more serene streetscape. The neighborhood showcases different looks from day to night, with the afternoon to evening being the best time for leisurely walks and food tasting. For an extended itinerary, one can walk from Yongkang Street to Daan Forest Park to experience a large expanse of greenery in the city, or head towards the Shida shopping district along Xinyi Road and Jinsan South Road for half-day or full-day urban exploration. Yongkang Street is suitable for first-time visitors to Taipei and also allows locals to rediscover the subtle rhythms of the city. Enjoying a bowl of noodles, sipping tea, and strolling through the alleys make Yongkang Street an ideal first stop for everyone, including foreign travelers, couples on dates, small families, and those on their first independent trip to Taipei to "taste the essence of Taipei."
