Chiang needs Wanhua reality check
2026-10-05
During a tour of Taipei’s Wanhua District (萬華) on Sept. 22, Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an (蔣萬安) proposed a seemingly appealing urban-planning vision for the area: linking Xinfu Market (新富市場), East Sanshui Street Market (東三水街市場), Longshan Temple (龍山寺), Bopiliao Historical Block (剝皮寮歷史街區), Bangka Park (艋舺公園), the underground mall and surrounding commercial areas through neighborhood redevelopment and environmental improvements, while encouraging specialty and boutique business. It would create what Chiang called Taipei’s version of Omotesando — an upscale, tree-lined boulevard and shopping district in Tokyo — to attract young people and international tourists.
The idea is not new. More than NT$200 million (US$6.28
By Elliot Yao