The debut of Rongjin Gorgeous Time in Taiwan’s capital Taipei has revived Da’an, which was already a well-liked neighborhood.
The district’s established reputation for fine dining and as a breeding ground for new food and beverage concepts has drawn ambitious restaurateurs.
The intersection of Dunhua South Road and Renai Road Section 4 is one of Taipei’s busiest roundabouts, and the two streets’ tree-lined boulevards are reminiscent of Shanghai’s Xuhui neighborhood, where portions of the former French Concession once stood.
Some of Taiwan’s most expensive real estate can be found in the eastern Da’an District, where royal palm, banyan, camphor, and sacred fig trees provide shade along these broad thoroughfares.
The main roads are lined with upscale shops and boutiques, while the labyrinth behind is home to a number of Michelin-starred restaurants and quirky bars.
The 26-hectare Da’an Forest Park, Taipei’s answer to Central Park in New York, is also located here.
The Xuhui resemblance is reinforced in Taipei by street names such as Guangfu, Dunhua and Renai roads, which are similar to those in Shanghai, and there’s a reason for that.
Da’an drew some of the wealthier newcomers and in the years since has grown into a major commercial, residential and educational district: Zhongxiao East Road Section 4 is one of the city’s busiest shopping streets, while institutes such as National Taiwan University can be found here.
